Blissful beaches in France and Spain are perfect for families this summer
Make the most of the sunshine on gorgeous beaches in stunning locations
That happy holiday feeling hits the moment you set sail for your summer escape to France or Spain with Brittany Ferries.
Their fleet of ships offer award winning service and premium onboard facilities with quality shopping, dining, accommodation, and even spa treatments.
Routes to France include Portsmouth to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg and Le Havre, Poole to Cherbourg and Plymouth to Roscoff. You can also sail to Spain with routes from Plymouth to Santander, and Portsmouth to both Santander and Bilbao, so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to fabulous beaches within easy reach of the ferry ports.
Here’s our pick of the best:
Deauville
Those travelling with Brittany Ferries to Caen (Ouistreham) will love Deauville, a stylish resort on Normandy’s Cote Fleurie, with its colourful beach huts.
Backing the sands for a century are its famous boardwalks bearing the names of movie stars who’ve visited for its renowned film festival.
Plage d'Etretat
After docking at Le Havre, if it’s drama you’re looking for, head for the pebbled Plage d'Etreat. Its offshore needles, majestic cliffs and three natural arches inspired Impressionist painters Boudin, Monet and Manet.
Plage du Rozel
Arrivals in Cherbourg only need travel half an hour to reach Plage du Rozel with its sandy shores and turquoise waters. West-facing, its waves attract surfers and it’s fabulous at sunset.
Plage de Vauville
Stretching seven miles, the dramatic beach of Plage du Vauville on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula, just 30 minutes from Cherbourg, has untamed beauty in abundance.
A surfers’ paradise, it’s backed by dunes, hugged by cliffs and you may even spot dolphins and grey seals.
Plage du Verger
Travellers on Brittany Ferries’ overnight crossings to St Malo are greeted by the idyllic coves and rose-tinted rocks of Brittany.
The sandy expanse of Plage du Verger, near Cancale, just 10 miles from port, offers family-friendly bathing and has an adjacent lagoon.
Ile Callot
If you’re sailing to Roscoff, find your own piece of castaway heaven on Ile Callot. Accessed by a tidal passageway, this seahorse-shaped island mimics a Polynesian paradise with curves of creamy sand and inviting clear sea.
Plage de Tahiti
Just 25 minutes from Roscoff, the remote beach of Plage de Tahiti certainly lives up to its name. Access it on foot via one of the coastal paths. The sandy shores and peaceful vibe make it feel like a honeymoon paradise.
La Concha
After a leisurely sail to San Sebastian in Spain, visit La Concha, the most famous beach in Basque Country.
Named because of its shell shape, take in the sights and surrounding mountain views on La Concha walk (barandilla de La Concha).
Laga Beach
Arrivals in Bilbao should head for Laga Beach, which is book-ended by green mountains. Set in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, these immaculate sands lead down to crystal waters, ideal for kayaking and surfing.
Karraspio Beach
Midway between Bilbao and San Sebastian is the fishing village of Lekeitio, at the mouth of the Lea River.
Here you'll find the sandy Karraspio Beach, which extends on one side of the estuary. In the centre sits San Nicolás Island which can be reached on foot at low tide.
Book your escape the smart way…
Brittany Ferries offers plenty of choice with flexible ferry ticket options, low deposits and the ability to spread payments.
Plus, if you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday, you’ll get up to 30 per cent off your sailing.
Proud to be one of the first companies to be awarded the Green Marine Europe eco-label, and pioneers of the Seafarers charter, with Brittany Ferries, there is no greater way to travel.
