I've just been to the 'Cape Cod of Europe' – here's how the French do coastal interior design style differently

I’ve just returned from a trip to Cap Ferret and Arcachon – two chic enclaves off the coast of Bordeaux in France, often referred to as the 'Cape Cod of Europe.'

But while the nickname hints at familiar New England charm, what struck me most was how different the French approach to coastal decor really is. It’s not all navy stripes and seashell decor; instead, the homes and hotels I stepped inside go way beyond cliches.

The interiors were certainly breezy and lived-in, yes, but they’re also layered, chic, and full of subtle surprises that can help inspire you to push your sea-inspired interior design style a little out of your comfort zone. Here's how to try coastal style with a French accent.

6 ways to switch up your coastal style the French way

Situated in the Bassin d'Arcachon off the southwest coast of France, this chic hot spot is also known as the 'Hamptons of Bordeaux'. It is where the city folk of France migrate for the summer, to spend an achingly laid-back few weeks surrounded by vast expanses of coast, the softest sand I've experienced in Europe, and the best oysters I've ever tasted.

Not to be confused with the glamorous Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera, this coastal destination is instead famous for its pine tree-lined streets that stretch onto the sea, iconic wooden huts (cabanes) in vibrant colors that mimic the oyster huts of its 19th-century origins, and some of the chicest bistros and patisseries I've ever visited.

Coming home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how these spaces managed to capture the ease of coastal living without slipping into predictable nautical style. Here's everything I learned about giving beachside living a French twist.

1. Ditch crisp whites for buttery cream

One of the first things I noticed about both the interior and exterior of the homes and hotels here was how little true white I saw. Instead of the bright, crisp whites that dominate so many coastal schemes, the French lean toward warmer shades like ivory, cream, and butter yellow.

These softer shades feel richer and more inviting than fresh white, giving spaces an almost sun-kissed glow year-round. It’s a subtle shift, but one that makes a huge difference in creating a home that feels welcoming rather than stark.

This approach to decorating with neutrals offers spaces a touch of quiet luxury – it's a look that whispers: old money, elegance, and that air of having been around for as long as the coastline.

2. Embrace bolder, colorful stripes

Forget classic white and navy stripes; this is an area that embraces decorating with stripes with much more gusto.

From the yellow and green striped umbrellas that greet you at the port of Cap Ferret as you make the crossing across the Bassin, to the green-on-green striped bistros, and a landmark red and white striped church, I was pleasantly surprised to see stripe drenching rife in this rather unique part of France.

Stripes are, of course, a classic coastal motif, but they don’t need to be limited to decorating with blue and white. Unexpected color combinations can make a space feel more joyful yet still layered in tradition – take your inspiration instead from vibrant deck chairs, beach huts, and vintage coastal fashion for a striped bathroom, bedroom, or living room makeover.

3. Choose sea greens over traditional blue

Speaking of traditional coastal color schemes, in this part of France, sea greens are much more in favor than the more obvious blue.

Think soft, muted tones of seafoam, pistachio (it wouldn't be a vacation without ice cream shades), celadon, and forest greens that echo the pine forest that meets the shoreline here in Arachon.

Sea greens are incredibly grounding. They create the same sense of freshness you’d get from blue, but with a softer, more organic feel, and instead of feeling overly themed or like a coastal-by-numbers scheme, the palette felt authentic and timeless to the surroundings.

4. Rope twists triumph over rattan

One of the biggest surprises for me on this French coast was how subtle the nautical references were.

There were little to no anchors or seashells to be found. Instead, the details were more grounded in the local oyster and fisherman culture with subtle references like rope accents – from chunky twisted lighting to delicate jute-wrapped mirrors – that offered a refined nod to the fisherman aesthetic without tipping into kitsch.

The storytelling is subtle yet impactful – I also spotted oyster baskets repurposed as lighting fixtures and thick nautical ropes used as curtain tiebacks. Compared to the rattan-heavy beach house look we often see this side of the Atlantic, these details felt moodier, a touch antique, and far more authentic.

5. Replace shiplap with tongue and groove

Walking through Cap Ferret, I realized another big difference in the French approach to coastal interiors: you won’t find endless stretches of white shiplap wall paneling.

Instead, tongue and groove paneling installed vertically takes its place. The look is more refined and gives walls a rhythm and texture without the rustic, farmhouse feel that shiplap can sometimes bring. In creamy tones, it created a quiet backdrop for the natural wood and linen I saw layered into each space.

The vertical lines draw the eye upward, amplifying height and making even the most compact of seaside rooms feel expansive. And unlike shiplap’s more rugged appearance, tongue and groove panels add character to a room in a much more elegant way. They can be left bare wood, stained in a rich finish, or painted in a soft sage or sand tone that nods to the coastal palette.

6. Pops of red seal the deal

My biggest surprise was the use of unexpected red seen in these subtle schemes.

But from bistro chairs to the architecture and the famous lighthouse, there were carefully placed pops of red seen all along this coastal region. The key, however, was that it wasn't that the red was everywhere, but it was always somewhere. It might have been a single stripe in a cafe curtain fabric, a lacquered cafe table, or the trim of a door, but it always gave the space a playful lift.

These little red threads worked to energize the sleepiness of a coastal town, against the softer palette of creams, sea greens, and natural textures; those hints of red felt like a welcome punch of color without feeling overwhelming.

Shop the French coastal look

For me, the biggest takeaway is that coastal interiors don’t need to be formulaic to feel fresh. With a few thoughtful tweaks like swapping out stark white for cream, introducing a few pops of sea greens or reds, and adding some vintage-inspired fish-friendly details, you can bring home a touch of casual, coastal style the French way.