France in summer, it’s all about the beaches

From the sweeping bays of Northern France to the secret coves of the Mediterranean, we dispatched the illustrator Simon Bailly on a special assignment taking in all of France’s most iconic seaside resorts. Bon voyage!

In Touquet-Paris-Plage, the fresh breeze and fine waves are a kitesurfer’s delight.

On the Deauville boardwalk the only thing missing was an ice cream cone…

On the Deauville boardwalk the only thing missing was an ice cream cone…

Not a soul in sight, taking in the sunrise on the tip of Quiberon’s spur.

How about an aerial view of Arcachon, paragliding over the Dune du Pilat ?

How about an aerial view of Arcachon, paragliding over the Dune du Pilat ?

Catch some Atlantic surf in Biarritz.

In Cassis, the turquoise Mediterranean sparkles at the bottom of a green and white creek.

In Cassis, the turquoise Mediterranean sparkles at the bottom of a green and white creek.

Dusk in Provence's most famous village: Saint-Tropez.

Summer is far from over on the Corsican beach of Palombaggia...