How the French Achieve Sun-Kissed Skin
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Photo credits: @chloelecareux, Sisley
There’s something effortless about the French approach to beauty, and tanning is no exception. It’s never overdone, never orange, never streaky. A natural golden bronze, like they’ve just gotten back from holiday in the Côte d'Azur (even if they’ve barely left Paris). So, how do they do it?
In this post, we’re talking all about French tanning, from cultural differences to beauty products and even tanning pills you can find at the French pharmacy.
Since moving to France, my own perspective on tanning has changed a lot. I still love self-tanning but I’m much more careful about overdoing it. As someone with fair skin, I can't tan easily like some of my French friends under the Mediterranean sun, so I typically stick to self-tanning mousse and lotion for a bit of warmth. But that’s just one way.
Here’s how the French achieve sun-kissed skin (sans sun damage).
In this Article
The French Tanning Philosophy
In France, looking tan is popular to a certain extent.
If you have very fair skin, especially in the summer, it might suggest that you never go outside or that you’re unwell. Tanned skin implies that you’ve been on holiday or spent the weekend outdoors. And that’s not hard to achieve in a country where month-long vacations, café terraces, and lots of walking outside are the norm.
Based on my experiences, it’s all about a natural-looking tan, enough to show people that you're healthy and spending time outside, under the sun, but not to the point of risking skin cancer or appearing fake. That’s very much in line with the overall French beauty standards: minimal, natural, and effortless.
Self-Tanning
Back in the U.S., I know women who literally schedule their lives around their tanning routine. For many of my American friends, Thursday night is tanning night. That means exfoliating, shaving, applying the self-tanning mousse, putting on the oversized t-shirt (designated especially for tanning), marinating in it overnight, then using tan-extending lotions all week. It involves way more upkeep than most French women are willing to bother with.
Self-tanning in France definitely exists, but it’s typically used in moderation. From what I’ve seen, it’s not something most women apply year-round. They’ll self-tan more in the summer or before a vacation, but during the winter, it’s far less common.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that self-tanner in France always looks natural like you’ve been outside (not to the tanning booth). In the States, a slightly fake tan is often more acceptable, but most French women would rather be pale than risk looking overly bronzed or orange.
Spray Tans
Even less common than at-home self-tanners are spray tans. In fact, I’ve never met a French person who’s gotten one. They used to be more popular in the early 2000s, back when tanning beds also had their moment. Today, tanning salons are harder to find in France.
In the U.S., spray tans are more popular for occasions like prom, weddings, and vacations. In France, however, the preference leans more toward natural tans rather than artificial ones.
Sunbathing
Just like in the U.S., people in France are now more aware of the risks of prolonged sun exposure: skin cancer, premature aging, and even eye damage. You'll rarely see the kind of scorched skin that was once common (particularly among older generations).
Sunbathing is still popular in France, especially during summer holidays in the South of France, but sunscreen is used far more consistently. French women who prefer to age gracefully know that protecting the skin from sun damage is the first step. You can still get a tan this way, of course (more on that later).
Tanning in Paris
If you're wondering about tanning in Paris, it's not something you really see on a daily basis. Parisian women might come back from a weekend in the countryside or the South of France with a natural tan, otherwise, you won’t see many walking around looking ultra-bronzed.
That said, there are some spots where you can sunbathe if you’re staying in the city.
Where to Sunbathe in Paris
Parks. Popular spots for sunbathers are Parc Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau, and Parc Montsouris. It’s more common in smaller parks farther from the city center. I personally wouldn’t recommend laying out at more tourist parks like the Champ-de-Mars or Jardin des Tuileries.
Paris Plages. The city’s annual pop-up beach along the Seine. It’s the perfect excuse to throw on a bikini and sunbathe with fewer stares and less judgment.
Swimming pools. Some public swimming pools in Paris have outdoor areas for sunbathing.
While tanning salons do exist in Paris, they’re not especially common. I’ve personally never tried one, but you can find options at certain beauty institutes or salons that offer bronzage sans UV services.
If you want to tan in Paris without baking in the sun, head to one of the many French pharmacies throughout the city. You can buy autobronzants (self-tanners) for a DIY tan that looks effortlessly natural. I share some of my favorite French self tanners later on!
Read More: 12 Best Things to Do in Paris in the Summer
French Tanning Pills
Something I had never heard of until moving to France was tanning supplements. In France, it’s actually common to take “sun vitamins” in the weeks leading up to a trip to the beach or summer vacation.
These French tanning pills usually contain carotenoids, probiotics, vitamins and minerals that prepare your skin for sun exposure and help you develop a more even tan.
It’s important to know that tanning pills are not FDA-approved, especially those containing canthaxanthin, a color additive that can pose safety risks when taken in high doses. Fortunately, most French tanning pills do not include canthaxanthin.
Still, it’s a good idea to be cautious. Some sun supplements contain high levels of beta-carotene, lycopene, and other active ingredients that can also be dangerous. Always do your research or talk to your doctor before trying anything new.
Also: these pills don’t protect you from UV rays, which means SPF is still essential!
You can find French sun supplements in most pharmacies starting in late spring. I usually start taking them in May to prepare my skin for my August vacation. The supplement recommended to me by my pharmacist is the NHCO UV.Skin Solar Cellular Protection Capsules, though it’s harder to find in the U.S. and more expensive.
If you’re looking for a safer, dermatologist-recommended option that’s more widely available, I’ve also taken the Heliocare Advanced Niacin B3 Supplements. They’re antioxidant-rich, easy to find in the U.S., and often recommended as a sun-protective supplement (of course, they should always be used with sunscreen).
Read More: 15 Summer Beauty Products that French Women Swear By
How to Tan Like a French Girl
1. Start with Skincare
The secret to a beautiful tan (real or faux) starts with skin that’s healthy and well cared for.
Hydrated, smooth skin holds onto color better than dry and patchy skin ever will. Whether you’re tanning under the sun or using self-tanner, hydration is key, so drink plenty of water daily.
Make moisturizing part of your skincare routine too. Apply a lightweight lotion to your face and body, morning and night, to keep your skin soft without feeling heavy.
And don’t skip exfoliation either. Regularly removing dead skin cells helps your tan fade evenly. A gentle body scrub or dry brushing a few times a week will do wonders to create a smooth base for the perfect French-girl tan.
2. Protect Your Skin
French girls don’t skip on the SPF. They protect their skin while they tan with non-greasy sunscreens that fit into their beauty routine.
Long afternoons in the sun call for a thicker cream with high SPF like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 (suitable for the face and body).
For everyday wear, a lightweight fluid like the Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF 60 layers nicely under makeup. Many even swap foundation for a tinted SPF. The Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 is a top-rated option that’s oil-free and perfect for day-to-day.
Spray sunscreens make reapplication oh-so-facile, and sun sticks are popular for touch-ups on the face. If you’re basking in the sun, French tanning oils with SPF like the Nuxe Face and Body Tanning Sun Oil can help promote a tan while boosting skin protection. Having a few different formulas on hand will keep you covered (literally) in every situation.
Along with products, proper application is just as important. Be sure to apply SPF at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, no matter your skin type.
Use enough too. Aim for a shot glass worth of sunscreen for your body, including the tops of your feet, ears, neck, and hands.
Tanning gradually and mindfully helps build a long-lasting, even glow without damaging the skin.
Read More: 15 Best French Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin from Head to Toe
3. Moisturize After Sun Exposure
After time in the sun, even with SPF, your skin is often left feeling a little stressed. UV rays can dry it out and compromise the skin barrier, so post-sun care is essential. French women always keep a soothing after-sun lotion on hand to calm, repair, and deeply moisturize both face and body.
A French pharmacy favorite, the Nuxe Sun Refreshing After-Sun Lotion is clinically tested to prolong your tan by two weeks. The scent is also incredibly dreamy (especially if you're already a fan of the Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil).
For daily hydration, I love the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Fluid+. It has the same ultra-hydrating and nourishing properties as the famous Lait-Crème Concentré with a lighter texture. Plus, it’s formulated with aloe vera, one of the best ingredients for after-sun care.
Read More: 10 Best Nuxe Products to Shop Now
4. Try Alternatives to Traditional Tanning
If lying out in the sun for hours isn’t your thing (or your skin just doesn’t tan easily), fake it! Many French women prefer to skip prolonged sun exposure altogether and use self-tanning products instead.
Lancaster is a Monegasque brand that is very popular in France for its self-tanning products. The Self Tan Golden Body Gel provides an even, natural-looking tan within 1 hour that lasts for up to 1 week. It’s a 2-in-1 formula that acts as both a self-tanner and a body moisturizer for a natural summer tan year-round.
I also enjoy the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam. It gives you a natural, golden tan from the very first application, without the sun or sticky residue. The longer you leave it on (and the more often you use it) the deeper your tan gets.
A new arrival at the French pharmacy is the Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops. Just a few drops in your daily face cream or body lotion adds warmth to your skin over time. I’ve been using three drops in my moisturizer each morning lately for a bit of glow.
Read More: 10 Best Caudalie Products That Live Up to the Hype
5. Don’t Forget Good Nutrition and Lifestyle
Good sleep, hydration and a balanced diet are just as important for glowing, tan skin. No matter how bronzed you are, if you’re stressed, dehydrated, tired, or poorly nourished, your skin won’t look its best. Beauty really does start from within.
The French diet naturally supports beautiful skin. Foods rich in carotenoids and vitamin A, including carrots, sweet potato, spinach, kale, grapefruit, peppers, and broccoli, are also excellent for your tan. French fashion designer Isabel Marant once shared her secret for enhancing her tan: drinking carrot juice. Loaded with beta-carotene, carrots can help boost your skin's natural pigmentation, resulting in a deeper and more radiant glow.
Also be sure to incorporate healthy fats like salmon, olive oil, nuts, and avocado in your meals too. To promote skin regeneration, don’t forget to add protein-rich foods to your plate (eggs, fish, cheese, etc.)
Hydration is just as important, so sip on water and herbal teas throughout the day.
You can also support your skin with sun prep supplements, like the ones I mentioned earlier. They're especially popular in France before the summer holidays for prepping and protecting skin from UV damage.
At the end of the day, no cream can compete with a well-fed, well-rested body. A glowing tan is just the petit plus (little extra).
Final Thoughts on French Tanning
I hope this post gave you a better understanding of how tanning in France differs from the U.S. If you want to tan like a French girl, keep it simple, natural, and always skin-first. With the tips and product recs in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to an effortless, sun-kissed glow (even if your summer doesn’t include a getaway to Saint-Tropez)!
What do you think about the French approach to tanning? What French tanning products are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
