SOME of Europe's most beautiful beaches can be found much closer to the UK than Brits may originally think.
Greece, Spain and Italy are among the most common beach destinations in the continent, but France has some of its own stretches of shoreline that are equally as striking.
Some of them can be discovered just a ferry ride from the UK in the northern region of Brittany.
The northwest of the country is home to the Emerald Coast, with a number of beach resorts having bright blue seas
Places like Saint-Briac, Saint-Lunaire, Dinard, Saint-Malo or Saint-Coulomb attract holidaymakers during the summer months.
Conde Nast Traveller urged people to ignore rumours about the region being wet and miserable.
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They compared the coast to a "storybook" destination and suggested people had made up the myth to keep people away.
They wrote: "Don't believe the myth that Brittany, France, is perpetually grey.
"While the northwestern region of France has its fair share of rainfall, sunshine is also abundant on its Emerald Coast—especially outside of winter months.
"It’s no wonder the storybook landscape has been a favourite of British vacationers from across the channel since the 19th century: Perhaps they started the rumour to keep the place to themselves."
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There are lots of typically French places to explore around the area, which was the birthplace of the marinière, the iconic French striped shirt.
Saint-Malo is arguably the most popular of the destinations along the coast.
It's a walled city sitting on a natural harbour with some of the best beaches in the region.
The islands Le Grand Bé and Le Petit Bé can be reached on foot at low tide, as well as the Fort National, a fort on a small island, also walkablefrom St Malo's longest beach, the Grande Plage.
Brittany Ferries, who sail from the UK, said of Saint-Malo: "It has a bustling array of arty shops and the delicious smells from restaurants, outdoor markets and cafes, for a romantic atmosphere.
"Oysters and crêpes are local delicacies to be enjoyed throughout the restaurants and markets of the town."
Not far from Saint-Malo, one of northern France's most famous monuments can be explored.
Le Mont Saint-Michel a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy can be seen standing tall in the middle of the sea.
Normandie Tourism describes it as "a magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey" and says that it "counts among France’s most stunning sights".
The holy island was for centuries a major European pilgrimage destination, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shuttle buses take tourists up onto the mount, where they can explore the cobbled streets of France's third most visited attraction.
Getting to Brittany is easy from the UK, with ferries travelling to and from the region from £62 each way.
You can also get the train, with it taking around two hours from Paris where Brits can join following the Eurostar from London.
A night for two in Saint-Malo can be found for as little as £37.
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Meanwhile, you can reach this beautiful French beach destination in less than an hour from the UK.
And some people have compared this French island to Tahiti.
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