A small European country, surrounded by hills, snow-capped mountains and sprawling beaches, offers a serene summer getaway.

Based on data collected from more than 100,000 travelers across 116 countries, the 15 beaches selected include sandy shores for romantic escapes, family adventures and lazy afternoons.

The restrictions are undoubtedly a major shift in a country long synonymous with cigarette culture. From Brigitte Bardot to Charles de Gaulle, French icons were rarely seen without a Gauloises ...