Seaside escapes: The finest beachfront rentals with direct access

While hotels have their perks, hotel-style homes come with their own set of advantages: personalized concierge service, a private pool, exclusive parking, complete privacy, and unmatched tranquility. The ultimate indulgence? Direct access to the beach.

Follow the guide! From the Basque Country to Normandy, explore a selection of handpicked properties by Weeks Off—each one offering the perfect setting to stay with your feet in the water.

Nestled on Nau Beach in Pouliguen, Ker Gonan—meaning “The Great Burrow” in Breton—sits right on the waterfront, offering a true seaside experience reminiscent of life on a boat. This charming stone house, characteristic of Breton architecture, spans two floors and accommodates up to eight guests. As part of Maison Estran, a collection of seaside properties, it comes with thoughtful services that enhance the stay. Lola and her family welcome guests to discover the beauty of the Atlantic Coast. It’s a home made for family and friends to gather, where long afternoons on the beach—just beyond the garden—give way to evening aperitifs on the terrace.

The foreshore—the ever-shifting space between high and low tide, alternately submerged and exposed—perfectly captures the essence of the homes envisioned by Lola and her family. These properties, both physically and spiritually connected to the sea, offer an invitation to escape. “Our homes are always close to the water. Firmly rooted on the shore, they maintain a profound link to the world of silence, far beyond simple interior aesthetics. At Ker Gonan, the sea reaches the house walls at high tide, creating the feeling of being on a boat.” It’s the very definition of a seaside retreat, offering an immersive dose of fresh sea air.

On the shores of Arcachon Bay, Villa La Tosca stands as a stunning example of Italo-Arcachonnaise architecture, dating back to 1903. This local treasure is set on a sprawling 4,000 m² estate featuring a natural pool, a sauna, and lush greenery, all while accommodating up to 15 fortunate guests. After a meticulous renovation, Villa La Tosca reflects the vision and high standards of its owners. This luxurious, fully-equipped retreat offers uninterrupted views of Arcachon Bay, with direct beach access and an array of top-tier amenities: eight spacious bedrooms, a jacuzzi, a natural pool, a large wooded park, and an expansive terrace—every detail carefully designed for an unforgettable stay.

All just moments from the edge of the bay, offering an extraordinary vacation experience. Start your morning with a coffee on the balcony, watching the fishing boats drift across the water. Later, hop on a boat to Cap Ferret and breathe in the fresh sea air. It’s the kind of simple luxury that turns a getaway into an unforgettable experience.

With Les Bords du Lac, Iconic House presents its vision of the ultimate Ocean House — a chic pied-à-terre just steps from the Atlantic’s best waves. Blending elegance with natural light, this sun-drenched retreat takes inspiration from California’s coastal lifestyle, all brought to life by designer Dorothée Delaye. Perfectly situated on the west bank of Hossegor’s freshwater lake, the house offers direct access to the iconic Plage Blanche and the ocean beyond, with the famed Club des Pingouins close by. The town center is just a 5-minute bike ride away. Tailored for surfers, golfers, design enthusiasts, groups of friends, and laid-back families, this thoughtfully designed getaway invites you to live by the rhythm of the tides in one of Hossegor’s most coveted settings.

The property features six suites, each with its own private bathroom, divided between the main house and the concierge building. Highlights of Les Bords du Lac include a heated pool with stunning lake views, a spacious kitchen with a striking blue quartz countertop that echoes the ocean’s hues, and the famous Kids Paradise — a signature element of the Collection. This enchanting dormitory-playroom, complete with a massive Lego wall, is sure to captivate children while blending seamlessly with the refined ambiance of Les Bords du Lac. Here, days are spent breathing in the fresh sea air and wandering through the serene pine forest trails.

The Island of Beauty lives up to its name, offering postcard-perfect scenery where crystal-clear waters meet rugged mountains blanketed in maquis. Amid this untamed landscape, a handful of homes remain untouched by the influx of tourists, preserving their authentic charm — like Domaine d’Argentella. Originally a 500m² boat shed built in the 1850s, it was restored by a Corsican family with the help of a local fisherman. “The original structure and granite dock have been preserved,” explains the owner. This unique vacation home, steeped in history, is closely linked to the legacy of the former mining concession in Crovani Bay. Just meters from the property, you can spot the small stone harbor of Argentella — a lasting trace of the area’s past. Surrounded by wild Mediterranean nature and steeped in history, Domaine d’Argentella invites guests to slow down, embrace the serenity of the water’s edge, and experience the simple pleasures of Corsican living.

Domaine d’Argentella is a remarkable 500m² estate with eight bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and multiple lounge areas — all offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Spanning two floors, the villa accommodates up to 16 guests in an atmosphere that blends elegance with a nod to its maritime past. Once a working boat shed, the property retains its distinctive character, with vast, open spaces that reflect its former industrial function. The architectural details tell the story of its heritage. The former loading dock has been repurposed as a private access point for guests to dive straight into the Mediterranean. The original oversized door, once used for launching boats, has been transformed into a large glass wall, filling the dining area with natural light and framing the sea as a living backdrop. Elevated balconies with stainless steel railings evoke the silhouette of a ship’s bow, while those around the pool call to mind the safety rails of a ship’s deck. Each element of the design serves as a subtle tribute to the villa’s maritime roots, making Domaine d’Argentella a truly exceptional seaside retreat.

Located by the sea, in a residential neighborhood of Ajaccio reminiscent of the French Riviera’s charm, Casa Santa Teresa was built in the 1950s from Porto stone and features two terraces facing the horizon. Acquired at auction, it underwent a thoughtful renovation, regaining its former splendor with stunning sea views. Both soft and luminous, exotic and wild, Casa Santa Teresa is a true ode to vacation. Here, the morning ritual is to glide across the calm waters on a paddleboard, when the sea still resembles a mirror. So close to the water, it feels as though you’re living aboard a boat.

The villa’s expansive white walls perfectly capture the essence of Mediterranean living — which, of course, means living outdoors. And in this regard, this townhouse has plenty to offer. Its 300 m² of outdoor space includes a stylish summer kitchen next to a shaded dining area, ideal for long, convivial meals. There’s also an elevated pool with sleek white edges, offering panoramic sea views. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the water. The beach, discreet and rarely crowded, is only accessible to the villas that line its shore, making it a natural extension of the home. Inside, polished concrete floors echo the fine sand outside, encouraging barefoot living — and even the occasional grain of pink sand finds its way in. But really, who’s complaining?

The Domaine de l’Abbaye de Deauville offers the perfect setting for sporty, relaxing, literary holidays… and is ideally suited for children. It has everything! Like in a spa, you can alternate between the sauna in the Abbey House and the Jacuzzi, with large windows that make you feel like you’re relaxing in the heart of nature. While some unwind in this peaceful retreat, others can engage in a tennis match, a workout session, or a refreshing walk.

Book lovers will find their bliss in the library, a cozy alcove with wooden shelves filled with classics, where every window frames a glimpse of the sea. And for the younger ones? The Cloister’s playroom and outdoor facilities, such as the little cabins and swings, promise to keep them thoroughly entertained. A home where everyone finds their joy, without exception.

Nestled in the heart of a lush garden spanning over 4,000 m², Villa Cape Cod is an exceptional property that combines sea, nature, and a stunning pool. With six main bedrooms and an independent beach house, it can accommodate up to fourteen guests in absolute comfort.

Here, boredom is impossible: the villa features an infinity pool overlooking the sea, a gym, a pétanque court, and water sports equipment such as paddleboards and kayaks, ready to set sail. And if the desire to navigate strikes, a private mooring right in front of the house makes boat trips a breeze. Perfect for fulfilling all your maritime adventure cravings!