The Independent (Sat 8 July 2006) has a very good guide to French beaches, and rightly draws attention to some fine beaches both east and west of Calais, which are often overlooked by Brits who tend to head southwards in search of better weather. The Normandy beaches west of Caen are also delightful, whilst the Atlantic coast offers a huge variety of wonderful beaches from Brittany down to the Spanish border.
The Mediterranean beaches are well-known, but you may not know of the Toulouse Beach or Toulouse Plage, where theu have adapted the Parisien approach, albeit on an island in the middle of the Garonne River - see map. Open from 7th July to 15 August 2006 there is a beach, with beach sports, picnic area etc - see www.ot-toulouse.fr
Also getting in on the act is the town of Brive-la-Gaillard (19 Corrèze, Limousin) albeit in the centre of town not on a river. The usual components are present - i.e. a sandy beach, swimming, games, sports etc, but with the addition of some exciting evening events such as flamenco, salsa, open-air cinema and an appearance by the Drummers of Burundi. Open from 21-29 July 2006 - see www.brive-tourisme.com
