Rugnet’s Favorite Beach Escapes in France
From the harbors of Normandy to the quiet beaches near Bordeaux, France's coastline offers an understated charm beyond the glitz of the Côte d'Azur. Our Sur Mer Rug Collection captures this sense of coastal chic that is refined, layered and full of character. In this guide we share Rugnet's favorite French beach escapes and a few ways to experience the casual elegance of the French coastline we love... and think you will love, too.
Soulac Sur Mer (Bordeaux region)
We once spent a week in Médoc with our then teenage daughters. While best known for being home to world-class Bordeaux wines, we filled our days with beautiful bike rides on the area’s many cycling trails, and trips to the beaches that surround. Soulac Sur Mer is a beach town on the area’s northwestern coast. Visit the famous seafood market in the morning, wander down to the edge of town along the beach and enjoy a long lunch filled with oysters, mussels, frites, and the freshest fish. Then rent a little blue and white canvas tent for an afternoon on the beach...yes, a chilled bottle of rosé is considered essential.
![]()
EXPLORE
Bike Rental: Every beach town in Médoc has a bike rental and helpful information on finding the bike trail best for you and your family. This is in Soulac Sur Mer.
Wine tasting: Just south is home to some of the world’s best Bordeaux. If you want to tour wineries, call far in advance but many are not open to the public. Honestly, our best tastings happened during a leisurely meal with a knowledgeable sommelier pairing our wine with food, the way Bordeaux is meant to be enjoyed.
SHOP
Municipale Marché: An indoor market with fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables.
Comptoir des Iles: Casually chic beachwear and totes on a side street just off the beach.
Chez Zezette: Very cool vintage clothing shop not too far away by car in Verdon-sur-Mer. We like its curated collection with a French beachy vibe at great prices.
EAT
Les Chiens Fous: One of many restaurants along the beach but highly recommend this for fresh seafood, great service and beautiful views.
Brasserie de la Plage: Across from Les Chiens Fous on the beach, this is a fantastic spot for lunch with razor clams, shrimp, and other fresh catch.
STAY
Chateau La Graviere: A small bed & breakfast located in the center of the Médoc region within an easy drive of all area beaches and world-class wineries. Sweet owners, nice rooms and a wonderful breakfast. There’s also a pool and space to run if traveling with younger children.
Château Ormes de Pez: Located in Saint-Estèphe, this 18th century home is next to the cellars of a world class Bordeaux with five comfortably elegant rooms traditionally decorated with lots of toile and antiques.
Pyla-sur-Mer & Cape (Southwest)
Just an hour south of Bordeaux lies the Bay of Arcachon, home to Cap Ferret and Pyla-sur-Mer. Not to be confused with flashy Cap Ferrat in St. Tropez, these two beach towns exude a quiet discreet French luxury and rustic elegance. If you are French, IYKYK.
EXPLORE
Cap Ferret: Take a ferry from Pyla Sur Mer (or Arcachon if arriving by train) to Cap Ferret (or stay there), walk off the ferry and rent a bike to visit the area’s famous market for fantastic French beach totes, wraps and, of course, just shucked oysters to enjoy fresh with a glass of Sancerre, bien sûr.
EAT
Renting a bike in Cap Ferret allows you to amble down narrow paths along the Bay of Arcachon through old oyster villages, past oyster beds and alongside cabines, (aka oyster shacks) serving their own oysters freshly plucked from the sea then paired with a glass of wine, white or rosé, poured from a carafe. No decisions to be made, so no pressure. Just some of the best oysters in France icy cold full of brine washed down with a perfect pour.
Chez Boulan: Divine oyster shack.
Chez Hortense: The OG fine dining of Cap Ferret. Make reservations and hope for the best. It's worth it.
Hotel de la Plage: Located in the village of L'Herbe, this popular restaurant serves fresh seafood and a quirky charm that convinces you that you are someplace else...someplace special. Overlooks the bay and oyster beds.
STAY
Hotel Ha(a)itza: Located in Pyla Sur Mer, this beautiful hotel is terribly chic but doesn’t take itself too seriously. (We like that Rugnet vibe.) Great location across from the water and surprisingly kid friendly. Its sister hotel, La Co(o)rniche and restaurant across the street is better for couples with a prime location on the water and a fabulous restaurant.
La Maison du Bassin: A small hotel that exudes rustic chic in a great location on Cap Ferret.
Le Collectionist: Want your own space in Cap Ferret? Visit here for a curated selection of fantastic homes to rent in the region.
Deauville/Trouville Sur Mer (Normandy)
Located on the northern coast of France in Normandy, Deauville and Trouville Sur Mer are not technically on the sea but these two side-by-side towns are known collectively as the "Parisian Riviera." Its broad beaches and traditional villas have been home to Paris elite, and an inspiration for impressionist artists. Regardless of the size of your bank account or state of your fabulousness, Deauville and Trouville Sur Mer offer two distinct experiences with a relaxed seaside vibe of their own.
EXPLORE
Deauville is the locale for quiet and not so quiet luxury with high fashion boutiques and chic restaurants. There's even an outpost of Paris department store, Le Printemps.
-Walk the “Planches de Deauville,” a classic 1920s boardwalk along the sea then step into the Hotel Barrière Le Normandy for an afternoon tea or cocktail with a view of the water.
Trouville-sur-Mer: Just a short walk away, this fishing village is filled with charming Normandy-style villas and fantastic sidewalk brasseries offering the freshest fish and seafood.
Day Trips to visit Normandy history.
- Arromanches-les-Bains: Just over an hour away, this touristy seaside town is home to a fascinating D-Day Museum that covers the construction of a temporary harbor during WWII for the D-Day landings. Fascinating.
- Bayeux: This charming medieval town was the first in France to be liberated during WWII. Just outside town, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy offers extensive exhibits on the region's history. The Bayeux Tapestry is under renovation until September 2027, but it is not to miss. (No really, it's impossible not to fall in love.)
- Caen: Another gorgeous medieval town known for its fabulous gothic cathedral but it is also home to WWII history that can be explored in its Memorial Caen Museum.
Honfleur: Less than 40 minutes away, this charming fishing town is a lovely visit to walk through and enjoy a meal.
EAT
Le Hibouville: Terrific restaurant in Deauville with French classics and great people watching.
Le Drakkar: Another Deauville gem with French classic served in a smart setting.
Les Vapeurs and Le Central: Big brasseries in Trouville-sur-Mer featuring fresh seafood, sharp service and great people watching. Classic.
Marché aux Poissons: Fish market just across the bridge in Trouville. Order oysters from a vendor and a glass of wine then grab a tall table to enjoy it overlooking the channel.
STAY
Hotel Barriere Le Normandy: Located in Deauville, this is historic and fabulous yet exudes a relaxed elegance that is surprisingly unstuffy.
Hotel St. James: Located in Trouville-sur-Mer, this is Rugnet approved. It is a small boutique hotel with lots of charm and filled with antiques.
