Because every expat family deserves a breath of sea air …
The First Breath of Salt Air
When you’ve lived in Paris for a few months, dodging scooters, mastering boulangerie etiquette, and squeezing into the metro at rush hour—there’s a moment when you suddenly crave a different rhythm. One with sea breeze, open skies… and your kids laughing freely in the sand.
That was Diana’s case, a Colombian expat living in Paris with her two kids. After a long winter of integration challenges, she and her husband packed up their car one Friday and drove west, following a need they couldn’t quite name. Three hours later, they were watching the sunset on a quiet beach in Normandy.
It was more than a weekend getaway. It was a breath of freedom.
So here it is: your guide to five unforgettable, family-friendly coastal getaways near Paris, ideal for a recharge, for playing together, and for remembering that France is so much more than just the capital.
1. Deauville & Trouville-sur-Mer: The Chic Twins of Normandy
🚗 2h15 by train or car
👶 Baby-stroller friendly | 🎠 Carousel on the boardwalk
Elegant Deauville and its bohemian neighbor Trouville are the Parisian escape classics. Known for their Belle Époque charm, wide sandy beaches, and easy access by train, they’re perfect for a spontaneous weekend.
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Try a seafood platter at the market in Trouville
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Let the kids run free on the boardwalk
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Ride the carousel or visit the small aquarium “Trouville-sur-Mer SeaLab”
Why families love it: Clean beaches, child-friendly restaurants, and plenty of rental apartments with sea views. For a comfortable stay, Première Classe Deauville Touques offers practical accommodation at accessible rates. For dining, La Cantine de Deauville is a local favorite—serving fresh seafood in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere just steps from the beach.
Normandy’s sandy beaches, apple orchards, half‑timbered villages, and family-friendly bike paths make it a favorite region for families just 2.5 hours from Paris (source).
2. Cabourg: Romantic Escape With a Kid-Friendly Heart
🚗 2h30 by car
🌸 Belle Époque villas | 🧒 Mini-golf and pony rides
Cabourg is a hidden gem with a literary soul (think Proust!) and wide beaches ideal for sandcastles. The Promenade Marcel Proust is perfect for long stroller walks, and the town regularly hosts family-oriented festivals.
Must-do: Visit the Jardin des Personnalités, a sculpture park where kids can run and learn.
Why families love it: Clean beaches, child-friendly restaurants, and plenty of rental apartments with sea views. For a comfortable stay, Le Castel Hôtel & Spa offers guests a peaceful retreat just steps from the beach and city center. For dining, Crêperie Suzette et Sarrazin is a top-rated family-friendly spot serving sweet and savory crêpes.
3. Saint-Malo: Pirate Legends and Natural Wonders
🚆 3h by train (direct from Gare Montparnasse)
🏰 Walled city | 🦀 Tide pools & forts
Saint-Malo is where adventure meets education. Walk the ramparts of the old walled city, explore the tide pools at low tide, and tell your kids about the corsairs who once ruled these waters.
Bonus tip: Visit the Grand Aquarium or take a boat to Dinard for even more beach options.
Why families love it: Clean beaches by the city ramparts, restaurants that welcome kids, and lots of apartment/room choices near the tide-friendly coast. For a comfortable stay, ibis budget Saint-Malo Centre is well rated for families. For dining, Crêperie Le Tournesol is widely recommended for its friendly service and excellent galettes
4. Île de Ré: The Chic Island That Feels Like a World Away
🚗 4h30 by car (or train + shuttle)
🚲 Best explored by bike | 🏖️ Calm beaches
While technically further, Île de Ré deserves a place on this list for its peaceful charm. Think whitewashed villages, donkeys in pajamas (yes, really), and daily bike rides to the market.
Why families love it: Flat island terrain ideal for bike rides, safe beaches, and plenty of rentals with sea or salt-marsh views. For a comfortable stay, Le Bois Saint Martin offers family rooms equipped to welcome children. For dining, Kitchen Café is a top family-friendly restaurant on the island.
5. Etretat: Cliffs, Legends, and Family Hikes
🚗 2h30 by car
⛰️ Dramatic cliffs | 🥪 Ideal picnic spot
The white chalk cliffs of Étretat aren’t just for Instagram. They’re a natural wonder that will thrill both adults and children. While the beaches are rocky, the views and the coastal hikes are worth every step.
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Visit the gardens of Les Jardins d’Étretat
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Follow the cliff path (well-marked, even for children)
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Bring binoculars to spot sea birds!
Why families love it: Dramatic white cliffs, clean pebble (and patch sandy) beach, and a compact seaside town with restaurant choices and vacation homes. For a comfortable stay, Etretat Aventure is a Bed and breakfast perfect for kids. For dining, La Fromagerie d’Étretat is listed among the best for families
Best Parks in Paris for Expats: 10 Serene Spaces to Slow Down and Feel at Home
More Than Just a Break
For expat families living in Paris, a weekend by the sea isn’t just about sand and waves. It’s a way to bond, to breathe, and to feel at home in France.
These coastal getaways near Paris offer more than tourism—they offer transformation. For you. For your children. For the whole family.
So…
Which one will you choose this weekend?
“If you’re planning your next escape, make sure to also check out our Essential Springtime Activities in Paris — the perfect way to soak up French culture before heading to the coast!”
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
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To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
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