15 Best Secret Beaches in Europe You Need to Discover

15. Limeuil, Dordogne, France

PHOTO:FRASER HALL/GETTY IMAGES

 

Let's end with something that isn't your average beach. Deep in inland, two and a half hours east of Bordeaux, the Dordogne and Vézère rivers converge at Limeuil, a pretty medieval town. But far more luscious than its honey-hued buildings is the shoreline, on the other side of the river. Here are pebbly shores and wide, grassy banks shaded by ancient trees that can stave off the intense summer heat.

Wade into the river, look up at the limestone cliffs where early man used to live (this area is the cave-painting capital of Europe), swim in the slow-flowing water, and you'll feel totally at one with nature. Then, toast your fortune with wine and frites from the food truck at the side.