Berck and Calais Face Off in France’s Favorite Beach Final

The annual competition to name France’s favorite beach has reached its semifinal stage, with Surfrider France reporting that over 8,500 voters participated to decide the matchup between Le Val-André in Pléneuf-Val-André, Côtes-d’Armor, and the Centre beach in Berck, Pas-de-Calais. The contest, which asks the public to vote via Instagram and Facebook, saw the Breton beach eliminated after securing 2,342 votes against 5,953 votes for its northern rival, ouest-france.fr reported.

This year’s final four features a distinct geographic concentration along France’s northern coastline. According to reporting from franceintel.fr, the semifinalists comprised Torreilles, Calais, Le Val-André, and Berck-sur-Mer, resulting in an all-northern final bracket. The absence of Mediterranean contenders marks a departure from traditional tourist preferences, drawing attention to the appeal of northern and western seaside destinations.

Two Pas-de-Calais Contenders Advance to the Final

Following the latest round of voting, the final matchup pits two representatives from the Pas-de-Calais department against each other. The Centre beach in Berck advanced to face the beach of Calais, which secured its own spot by defeating the north beach of Torreilles in the Pyrénées-Orientales with 6,295 votes to 2,612, as detailed by ouest-france.fr.

Despite its exit in the semifinals, Le Val-André improved upon its performance from the previous year. The Breton site was the region’s sole representative to reach the top eight in the prior edition before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

Public Voting Opens October 6 to Protect Coastlines

Public voting for the final winner opens on October 6, 2026, at 10 a.m., with the ultimate victor scheduled to be announced on October 7, 2026, according to franceintel.fr. Surfrider France states on its website that the competition aims to highlight civic attachment to the country’s coastline and reinforce the message that these marine environments require protection.

Beyond the immediate contest, franceintel.fr notes that strong public engagement helps territorial authorities promote northern destinations as alternatives to mass Mediterranean tourism. Observers note that such visibility can also help justify public infrastructure investments and coastal rehabilitation projects designed to support long-term regional economies.

It is unclear if this shift in public voting patterns will permanently change French tourist flows and secure funding for northern coastal infrastructure as the final vote approaches.