France’s Most Beautiful Peninsulas: Where Land Meets Sea

They are neither land nor island, but thin strips or protrusions of land flanked by water. Isthmuses, tombolos and presqu’îles (peninsulas) – some wide, some narrow France has plenty of them to explore by foot, car or boat. And they are not all by the sea…

France has more than its fair share of islands to visit and they come in all shapes and sizes. From titchy, windswept Ouessant off the Finistère coast in Brittany, to the magnificent Med idyll of Corsica, take your pick of island paradises for a hiking or beach-based break. But the country also has many attractive or unusual ‘nearly islands’ the literal translation of the word ‘presqu’île’, which means peninsula – a protruding part of a coastline connected to the mainland by an isthmus.

These too come in all shapes and sizes, as well as locations, from the rugged northern coast and Atlantic seaboard to the shores of the Riviera. And they are not all beside the sea – there are some examples of inland isthmuses found in the meander of a major river. There is even a presqu’île that lends its name to an entire central area – located twixt two major rivers – of a major French city… So for those readers who enjoy exploring France’s diverse topographical wonders, here is the France Today pick of her iconic isthmuses and perfect peninsulas. Don’t forget your camera!

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Riviera paradise

1. Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes, PACA)

It might be dubbed ‘the millionaire’s peninsula’ but Saint-Jean Cap Ferret, about ten miles from Nice, is by no means the exclusive domain of the wealthy when it comes to exploring the creeks, coves, pathways both through flourishing vegetation and bordering the rocks below and cute beaches.

Comparatively untouristy compared to other Riviera hotspots, the 250 hectare area separates Beaulieu-sur-Mer from Villefranche-sur-Mer and is formed by two Y-shaped branches. One unmissable stop-off is at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a Renaissance-inspired jewel of the Côte d’Azur with splendid gardens.

Natural Brittany

2. Crozon Peninsula (Finistère, Brittany)

Tailor-made for walkers who enjoy taking in fresh sea air, the Crozon peninsula is one of France’s finest wild wonders. Part of the Armorique regional nature park, it is formed in a small trident shape with the surrounding maritime areas part of the Iroise Natural Marine Park. It has contrasting aspects: while the more windswept parts feature cliffs plummeting down to the sea, the more sheltered areas feature heather-decked moorland and pines, with beautiful beaches and gorgeous little ports like Camaret and Morgat perfect for resting up and enjoying some delicious Breton seafood.

Salty sojourn

3. Giens Peninsula (Var, PACA)

On the Mediterranean coast in the Var department, near Hyères, lies the Giens Peninsula. While it ticks all the requisite boxes for its enchanting beauty and unspoilt Provençal way of life, it is exceptional for another very good reason: it has a double tombolo (formed when a spit connects a mainland coast to an island) a rare geological phenomenon. In between the two is the 550 hectare Pesquiers salt marsh (it no longer produces salt) which is birdwatching heaven, with 200 species to spot we recommend a guided ornithological tour. Hikers, meanwhile, will fancy dipping into emerald coves reached via hiking trails.

Island life

4. Presqu’île, Lyon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Lyon, France’s third biggest city, is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, and here is where the Presqu’île quarter – the heart of the city – lies, stretching from Place des Terreaux in the north to the new Confluence district in the south. The area was originally a clutch of often-submerged small islands until they were unified by the Romans, who called the future presqu’île ‘Canabae’ (‘hut’ or ‘warehouse’) as it was used for storage of goods. A set of imposing buildings was built in the 18th and 19th centuries and today it is a vibrant, elegant place to stroll, shop and admire monuments.

An isthmus gift

5. Ambialet (Tarn, Occitanie)

Picture postcard Ambialet, in the heart of the Tarn countryside between Albi and the Tarn Valley, is striking for its unique placement. The river makes a long 3.5km loop around a schist needle, before retracing its steps, with the lower village nestling on a spit of land that is believed to be the narrowest isthmus in Europe at just 12m wide. For spectacular views head to the upper village, while canoe hire allows a close-up appreciation of this idiosyncratic natural marvel. Ambialet is a Petite Cité de Caractère – don’t miss the Benedictine monastery.

From France Today Magazine

Lead photo credit : Crozon peninsula © Shutterstock