I went on holiday for three weeks to the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux to a place called Arachon in Aquitaine. This is the place where the french go on holiday, they don't go to the mediterranean because there are too many tourists and it is too expensive. I'm certainly not going to argue with the locals. The climate is very similar during the day to the med as there are more onshore breezes which help you cool down and is good for flying kites.The beaches are virtually empty and the sandy beaches literally stretch for hundreds of miles. The sea is significantly less polluted and smelly, while being a touch colder offers more variety than the mediterranean, be warned though as there is a strong current( there are lifeguards though). To eat and drink out there is just as much to offer except there is significant drop in price and it is very affordable. To get to this part of France is very easy as there is a motorway all the way there. I would recommend this area of France as an ideal alternative to the med, for anyone who is sick of the high prices, over crowding, and polluted sea.