Summer Vacation in Europe: 5 Must-Visit Stunning Spots for French Vacationers

Summer vacation in Europe always feels special to me, but nothing compares to experiencing it the French way. Having seen more than a decade of holidays in France now, it has completely transformed my perception of holidays. I have spent summers in Paris and the French Riviera, but I have also trekked through parts of France that few tourists ever fully navigate.

It is clearer to me now than ever: for, say, French vacationers, the true destination may not be postcard-famous places. When les grandes vacances get underway, French folk often disappear to quieter towns, hidden islands, and coastal escapes.

In France, the end of May brings a gradual turn in conversations. The summer plans, the family houses, countryside escapes, and seaside breaks hit a nerve. During July and August, the locals seem to regard these months as almost sacred in nature; they flee big cities towards nature/the sea/coasts/hometowns. During my time living here as a traveler, I have been fortunate to experience quite a few of those places for myself.

France is incredibly diverse. Where else do you have mountains, beaches, vineyards, rivers, and historical cities all in one country, all with a totally different lifestyle? Which is why almost every trip here somehow feels like you are visiting a new world.

Here are five beautiful places I rated as the most authentic for introducing French holiday goers to experiences. They’re your greatest chance to experience a real vacation in Europe.

Where do French locals actually go for summer holidays?

From what I’ve seen living in France, French people don’t usually rush to the most famous tourist hotspots in summer. Instead, they prefer quieter, more relaxed places where they can truly switch off during their long July–August break. Most locals take les grandes vacances and leave cities for weeks at a time.

Here are the main places French locals actually choose for their summer holidays:

1. Countryside stays (La campagne)

Budget: Very low (often free if staying in family homes)
How many days: 1–3 weeks (sometimes the full summer break)

How to get there:

By car (most common)
Sometimes by train to nearby towns, then taxi or pickup

Many French families own second homes in villages, so they stay for long periods without paying hotel costs.

2. Camping holidays

Budget: Low to medium (cheaper than hotels)
How many days: 5–14 days

How to get there:

Car or camper van (most popular)
Train to nearby city + local bus or taxi

Camping is very flexible, so people often move between regions during the same trip.

3. Atlantic coast (Brittany & western France)

Budget: Medium (cheaper than the south in peak season)
How many days: 5–10 days

How to get there:

High-speed train (TGV) from Paris or major cities
Car for families (very common)
Local buses for short distances

Locals prefer this side because it is less crowded and more affordable than the French Riviera.

Top 5 summer holiday destinations

Based on my experience living in France and traveling during summer, these are some of the most loved places where French locals actually go to relax, escape crowds, and enjoy their holidays.

1. Marseille: A Bold and Cultural Coastal Escape

Marseille is the most vibrant city in France I have been to. Quite unlike Paris or small, quiet villages. It feels more natural, more visceral, and more of daily life. I have a soft spot for it because, as far as French vacations go, you get your culture with landmarks and museums, the sea, food, and an energetic city vibe all in one.

Here is Marseille in a few bullet points:

A lively and real city:

Marseille is not a “perfect” city; however, it’s very much alive
This makes it feel bustling, active, and constantly in motion
There are people on the streets, in markets, and cafés.
It feels more authentic, less touristy.

Very diverse culture:

There are citizens of the city from hundreds of communities.
Significant influence from North African culture
You can listen to different languages and watch mixed traditions.
Food, music, and lifestyle is concepts of multiculturalism
Such variety creates singularity in France and Marseille.

Old Port (Vieux-Port) experience:

This area in the old port is the heart of the city
In the morning, fish artists sell fresh goldfish
Cafes begin to open, and folks sip coffee next to the sea
Atmosphere with boats and views of the sea
One of the Best places to experience local life

Local markets and street life:

Marché de Capucins, in Noailles, is famous to all you like
Full of spices, fruit trees, vegetables, and street food
Very colorful and lively environment
Some place where you can taste local experiment
This is a reflection of the day-to-day reality of life in the city

Calanques – natural beauty close to the city:

Blue water coves and white cliffs near Marseille
Hike it or boat it
The water has a body climate through and through, ideal for swimming.
Looks like a hidden nature paradise
One of the prettiest sections in Marseille.

Amazing food culture:

Fresh seafood is very popular
Time-honored recipes featuring bold local flavors
Many restaurants offer sea-view dining
Food is simultaneously generic but also fresh
One of the best hubs I have ever been to for food lovers.

Marseille is a complete experience. Full of culture, great sea views, markets, history, and natural beauty. That is why I see it as solid and one of the best places for listening to French vacationers, especially travelers who are looking for a vacation in Europe, who are looking for a real, vibrant experience quite different from regular tourist centers.

2. Cancale: A Peaceful Seafood Town in Brittany

Cancale is nothing like a big city, say, like Marseille. It’s tiny, it’s calm, and it’s very much attuned to the water. However, from my point of view and in the experience of a French vacationer, it ranks among the most chill-out places (if you like slow life, seafood on your table as well as peaceful seashore views).

Simple points about Cancale:

A tranquil and calm coastal village:

Cancale is a small town in Brittany, France
Life here is slow and relaxed
No heavy traffic or city rush
Ideal for a relaxing summer holiday
Everything feels simple and stress-free.

Famous for fresh oysters:

Physically and culinarily, Cancale is the oyster capital of France.
As the sea is located nearby, local fishermen sell oysters there directly.
You are taught to find raw oysters while sitting near the sea

Beautiful seaside atmosphere:

Small harbor with fishing boats
Stone houses and narrow streets
Tranquil riverside walkways
Fresh sea air everywhere

It gets really traditional and feels really natural.

Slow lifestyle and no rush:

Life moves slowly and simply here.
No crowded tourist areas
All is slow-moving.
Ideal for resting and disconnecting

This is perfect when you want mental relaxation

Amazing coastal views:

Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
You will see the Mont Saint-Michel in the distance when the sky is clear.
A good sunset over water looks like heaven
It is a great place to take pictures and for walks.

Nature is the star of the show.

Local food and drinks experience:

Fresh seafood is available everywhere
Traditional pairing: oysters with cider
Unfussy, but real French seaside food
Havnen nær små lokale restauranter
Food is very home-style and fresh.

Cancale is not about glitz or swiftness when it comes to getting around. It is rooted in peace and nature, living the simple life. In my opinion, it is one of the best places to relax and be French on a great sunny ocean beach, eating oysters straight from the farmers and enjoying a peaceful coastal way of living in europe.

3. Porquerolles: A Hidden Island Paradise

Porquerolles is a stunning place that I discovered in France. It’s a tiny island close to the French Riviera but so far removed from places like Cannes or Saint-Tropez. It is one of the quietest places for French holidaymakers, at least if you are a nature lover and silence and clean beaches please your eyes.

Brief notes on Porquerolles:-

A quiet island with no cars:

The island has no car permits.
Human-powered Mobility: Travel only on foot or by bike
This calms the whole island down beautifully and makes it a peaceful place

As if partaking in a different world

Surrounded by natural beauty:

When leaving the national park, you can see the clear blue seas everywhere around the island.

Green pine forests and wide plains
Fresh air and a very clean environment
Everything feels untouched and natural
Ideal for nature lovers.

The best way to discover is by bike:

It is easy to rent a bicycle on the island
Ride through forest trails and sandy roads
Explore beaches, vineyards, and viewpoints
And cycling is one of the most incredible things you can do here.
Famous for one of the island’s many beaches.

White sand and crystal-clear water:

Has the potential to be reached by foot or bicycle
Much quieter than the hustle and bustle of tourist beaches
Its landscape is almost that of a paradise hidden away.

No crowds, no noise, just the quiet:

There are no massive hotels or party beach golf equipment

Very few commercial tourist activities
Immense silence amid nature and open space
Ideal for relaxing and disconnecting
Porquerolles is its unique personality.

Local vineyards and wine tasting:

The island has dozens of small vineyards.
You can taste local rosé wine
Great place to stop when you have cycled or walked
Simple but beautiful summer experience
It brings a little French style on your trip

Porquerolles is no place for opulence or nightlife. It is about nature, silence, and slow living. So that is why I think it is one of the most beautiful destinations for French vacationers, even for those eager to get away from touristy places on an island.

4. Biarritz: Surf, Ocean, and Basque Culture

Biarritz (South-West France, not too far from the border with Spain) is a lovely seaside city. In my experience, it has an entirely different atmosphere compared to other French coastal towns. Dynamic, fashionable, and teeming with ocean life. Biarritz is an ideal combination of those and beaches for anyone who has a dream regarding a summer vacation in Europe.

Beautiful location near Spain:

Southwest France, on the Atlantic Coast
Just a few kilometers away from Spain
Ideal one-trip to merge into France and Spain
Coastal views with mountains nearby

This makes it ideally located for those wanting a travel hub in Europe.

Famous surfing destination:

A Must-Visit French Surf City
Powerful waves for every level
You’d see all sorts of people, from beginners to professional surfers
It is a surf culture way of life.

The beach always seems so alive and so vibrant.

Royal history and elegant buildings:

Best known as a summer retreat for French royalty
This is where Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie stayed
A blend of historical and architectural opulence
It gives the city a little classic European vibe.

Relaxed but modern beach vibe:

Vibrant, but not overly busy
Kind of reminds me of some beach towns in California
So many cafes, surf shops, and beachfront strolls
Its appearance is stylish and simple.

Rich Basque food culture:

Known for cheese, peppers, and cured meats
There are really popular local markets such as Les Halles
Fresh seafood is widely available
Simple, fresh, and flavorful cuisine
Food is central to the experience here.

Perfect for nearby day trips:

Near the Pyrenees mountains to hike
Gentle excursion to San Sebastián, Spain
Perfect for those who want to travel to the beach and the mountains
Many short excursions possible
Perfect for active holidaymakers.

Biarritz is more than just a beach town; it offers a full experience. Surfing, history, food, and direct proximity to Spain all combine to make it one of the most compelling options for a summer vacation in Europe. I think that for me it is the ideal place for French holidays since you can combine adventure, culture, and hiking in coastal scenery on one single trip.

5. Cap Ferret: The French Coastal Hideaway

Cap Ferret is one of those special places that everyone seems to know (those who live in France), and yet it still manages to have this hidden-away feeling about it. The Atlantic coastline south of Bordeaux offers wild nature and calmer water views set between the ocean and a bay. In my eyes, if you wish to enjoy a slow, simple yet wild French coastal vacation, this is one of the best spots!

So here is Cap Ferret in bullet points:

A peaceful peninsula near Bordeaux:

Southwest France, close to Bordeaux
By the ocean to one side and a bay on the other
Often called the “French Hamptons.”
But in a tenfold more organic way and less ostentatious
Unlike busy tourist beaches, it feels peaceful and relaxed.

Simple and slow lifestyle:

Life is slow here
Locals prefer bicycles over cars
No rush, no noise, no stress
Ideal to break away from all the busyness of life
Everything feels calm and easygoing.

Cycling everywhere:

Their primary mode of transport is a bicycle.
Through forests and villages on flat paths
Access to oyster huts and nearby beaches
A really green and chill way to travel
Cycling is part and parcel of the Cap Ferret experience.

Dune du Pilat nearby:

Tallest dune in Europe
Short trip from Cap Ferret
Steep ascent but great view at the summit
Ocean to one side, forest to the other
One of the most iconic sights of France.

Famous oyster huts and seafood:

One-shot wooden huts on the beach
Locals Serving Oysters Right Off the Rocks
Lightly dishes with white wine or cider
Great basic French coastal food experience
Food here is fresh and local.

Natural beaches and quiet surroundings:

Free or Cheap Long Beaches with Fewer People
Clean and untouched coastal areas
Perfect for walking and relaxing
No big hotels or noisy beach clubs
Nature here is the focus.

Luxury, shopping, and nightlife are not Cap Ferret. It has to do with living simply and slowly, in sync with nature. And perhaps why it remains one of the best places in France for a vacation, particularly upon a scenic coastal escape providing an actual getaway from hectic tourist areas.

Conclusion

After exploring these five destinations, I’ve realized that a true Summer Vacation in Europe is not just about famous cities or crowded beaches. The real beauty of France lies in its diversity.

From the cultural energy of Marseille to the peaceful islands of Porquerolles, each place offers a different experience. Some are lively, some are quiet, and some feel almost untouched.

For me, the best spot for french vacation is always the one that matches your mood—whether you want adventure, relaxation, food, or nature.

France has a way of surprising you every time you travel. Even after years of exploring it, I still feel like I’ve only seen a small part of it.

FAQs

1- What are the best summer holiday destinations in France?

Some of the best places include Marseille, Cancale, Porquerolles, Biarritz, and Cap Ferret. These spots are popular for beaches, nature, food, and peaceful summer vibes.

2- Where do French locals usually go for summer vacations?

French locals often travel to countryside villages, Atlantic coast towns, mountain regions like the Alps, and quiet coastal spots instead of crowded tourist cities.

3- Which is the cheapest summer destination in France?

Cancale, countryside villages, and camping areas are usually the most budget-friendly options. They offer affordable stays, local food, and simple travel experiences.

Khushi Vaid

Senior Travel Editor

I’m Khushi Vaid, a travel writer with over 2 years of experience creating destination guides, travel tips, and travel planning content. At Traveller Scoop, I write about destinations, travel trends, and practical advice to help readers explore the world with confidence.