399 French beaches win Pavillon Bleu flags

A total 399 beaches in 186 French municipalities have been awarded the prestigious Pavillon Bleu flag for 2018 - a slight increase on figures for 2017.

The prestigious flag is a guarantee of high water quality and clean beaches. Having one is regarded as a boon for tourism.

The 399 Pavillon Bleu-recognised beaches puts France third on the European list, behind Spain (691 beaches) and Greece (534).

A total 18 new French towns have been included in this year's list. They are: Saint-Palais-sur-Mer (17), Egletons (19), Masseret (19), Carsac de Gurson (24), Saint Estèphe (24), Saint Pol de Léon (29), Montréjeau (31), Le Verdon sur Mer (33), Saint Lunaire (35), Montcuq en Quercy Blanc (46), Agon-Coutainville (50), Gouville sur Mer (50), Gravelines (59), Guiche (64), Saint Pierre d'Albigny (73), Excenevex (74), Laguépie (82), Saint-Hilaire les Places (87).

Regionally, Occitanie tops the French list, with labelled beaches in 35 municipalities, followed by Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur (29) and Nouvelle Aquitaine (28). To see the full map of Pavillon Bleu beaches in France, click here

Pavillon Bleu is a voluntary scheme. To be considered, communes have to apply to the organising committee and pay a fee based on the number of inhabitants in the town. Inspectors then visit the area to ascertain whether any entered beaches meet the required standards.

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