For the second year in a row, the Surfrider Foundation Europe is organizing a contest to determine the favorite beach among the French. This year, eight beaches have been selected for the final round, where they will compete for the title. The contest aims to extend the summer spirit a little longer while also raising awareness about the environmental challenges threatening France’s beautiful coasts. Issues such as "beach concrete," coastal erosion, invisible pollution, and the preservation of natural habitats are highlighted by the organization. The initial vote, open to internet users since September 1, attracted nearly 3,300 participants. From September 23 to 26, the beaches will face off in online duels on Surfrider France's social media platforms, with the winner to be announced on October 7. To help readers decide, 20 Minutes is showcasing the eight beaches in images. The Anse de Sciotot in the Manche department, a 4-kilometer-long sandy beach, was crowned favorite beach of the French last year. It is a popular spot for water sports and features a wild landscape with a cabana for relaxation. In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the northern beach of Torreilles offers a more rugged experience, with remnants of World War II blockhouses and over a kilometer of fine sand. Calais La Plage is a family-friendly destination with numerous play areas for children along the seafront. The area is also home to "The Dragon," a large wooden and steel sculpture that roams the beach during the summer. Known as "the queens of the northern beaches," it is a popular spot for families. In Dunkerque, the Malo-les-Bains beach is a favorite among locals and tourists, known for its colorful beach huts and a nautical base offering activities like sail chariots, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Val André beach in Côtes-d'Armor is a 2.5-kilometer stretch of fine sand, lively during the summer and bordered by elegant villas. It also offers beach volleyball courts for sports enthusiasts. This beach is historically significant as it is considered the first seaside resort in France, where sea bathing was popularized in the 1820s by Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry. In Seine-Maritime, Dieppe beach is a vast strip of pebbles located in the heart of the Norman city. It features small colorful huts and offers stunning views of the chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast. The Grand Crohot, located in the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula in Gironde, is a popular spot for surfers. The Centre de Berck-sur-Mer beach in Pas-de-Calais is part of the Berck-sur-Mer seaside resort on the Côte d'Opale. It spans several kilometers and hosts the International Kite Meetings every spring. Finally, the Porge Océan beach in the commune of Porge, which suffered from fires this summer that devastated the Gironde region, offers 13 kilometers of fine sand, preserved dunes, and good waves for surfers. Despite the recent challenges, the beach remains a beautiful and appealing destination.