Penon
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: Excellent water quality
Located 5.36 km from Seignosse along the coast road, Penon is a beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, environmental management, and safety meet strict standards. The beach operates throughout its designated season, though swimmers should take standard…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Penon
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Penon?
Located 5.36 km from Seignosse along the coast road, Penon is a beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, environmental management, and safety meet strict standards. The beach operates throughout its designated season, though swimmers should take standard precautions in the water.
Drinking water is available on-site. April, May, and June offer quieter conditions, while July and August draw the most visitors. The Blue Flag status reflects consistent maintenance and water quality monitoring, making it a reliable choice for a clean, well-managed beach.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Penon faces west toward Bay of Biscay. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 11°C | 13°C | Low |
| Apr | 13°C | 13°C | Med |
| May | 16°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 21°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 14°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Penon?
The best time to visit Penon is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 21.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 20.9°C in July.
How crowded does Penon get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Penon sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Penon open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Penon
Is Penon safe to swim?
Penon is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Penon?
Peak water temperature at Penon reaches around 20.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.9°C.
What is the beach like at Penon?
Penon on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Penon sits on the Bay of Biscay: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Penon
How do I get to Penon by car?
Penon is approximately 5.36 km from Seignosse. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Penon?
The nearest airport is Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ), approximately 25.8 km away.
Can I get to Penon by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Seignosse. The nearest recorded bus stop is 327 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Penon?
Penon lists Bénesse-Maremne as the nearest railway station, 9.1 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Penon
Open the map or get directions to the Penon pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Penon
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking)
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 300 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 327 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 43.6921°N, 1.4398°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Penon FAQ
Is Penon suitable for children?
Penon has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Penon free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Penon. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Penon?
The best time to visit Penon is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 20.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Penon?
Penon is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Penon?
Penon is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is approximately 5.36 km from Seignosse. The nearest airport is Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ), 25.8 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Penon
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.