Forget flying to the Maldives. Nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest, Les Sables du Cul du Chien offers a lunar, otherworldly landscape where the sand is as white as on the islands at the ends of the earth. An unusual and free getaway to rediscover as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear.
A fine-sand beach just 45 minutes from Paris
It’s the best-kept secret among hikers in the Paris region. While the Fontainebleau Forest is famousfor its climbing rocks and breathtaking landscapes, it hides a veritable sea of sand within its depths. Here, you won’t hear the lapping of waves: the ocean receded 30 million years ago, leaving behind quartz of rare purity. The result? The sand is incredibly fine and is often compared to that of the Maldives or the lagoons of Polynesia for its whiteness and purity. As such, it is said to be among the finest sands in the world.
Nicknamed the “Sahara of Seine-et-Marne,” this spot in Noisy-sur-École is the perfect playground for total relaxation. People come here to lounge in the shade of pine and birch trees, admire the surprisingly shaped rocks that stand out among the dunes, and have a picnic…
Less than an hour from the capital, the site is free to visit. It’s the perfect getaway for families and nature lovers who want to escape the gray skies of Paris and get away from it all without a long drive.
📍 Location: Chemin des Sables du Cul de Chien, 77123 Noisy-sur-École