Visit Deauville - Beach, Festival - Normandy Tourism, France

A popular seaside resort for locals and tourists alike, Deauville oozes style. Hosting glamorous events such as horse races and polo matches and the prestigious annual Deauville American Film Festival, Deauville also boasts two world-class golf courses, sea therapy spa, and high-end hotels, boutiques and restaurants, not to mention its magnificent beach and famous boardwalk.

Why should you visit Deauville?

An international reputation

Deauville was conceived with tourists in mind. It emerged from the sand dunes in the 1860s, thanks to the vision of one Dr Joseph Olliffe and his close friend, Emperor Napoleon III’s half-brother, the Duke de Morny. At the end of the 1850s, only marshes lay between the sea and small hillside village here.

Dr Olliffe convinced wealthy backers to invest in a major scheme to drain the marshes and create a seaside resort from nothing. The resort was designed by architect Desle-François Breney, inspired by Baron Haussmann’s redevelopment of Paris. Aided by an all-important, brand-new railway line, the resort came into full bloom within just four years. Grand hotels built in the Anglo-Norman timber-frame style, smart bathing facilities and a stylish racecourse catered to elegant Parisians.

Further chic additions followed through time. During the Belle Epoque, just before the outbreak of World War I, more sumptuous hotels went up, along with a major casino. During the Great War, Deauville’s big hotels were turned into hospitals for wounded Allied soldiers. Between the wars, Deauville built a grand new train station, as well as its iconic Art Deco bathing facilities and wooden boardwalk.

After World War II, the seaside resort’s international reputation grew. A cluster of marinas beside the Touques estuary added to its permanent attractions, while the Deauville American Film Festival, inaugurated in 1975, began drawing stars and fans of the silver screen every September.

Deauville beach and parasols Deauville beach and parasols, © Thomas Le Floc’H

Horse capital

Deauville is also associated with horses, polo, racing and stud farms, which attract enthusiasts and amateurs from all over France and beyond. The town has two racecourses: Deauville La Touques and Deauville Clairefontaine. Jockeys, trainers and spectators of all ages gather here, all driven by a passion for the races. The Pôle International du Cheval Longines in Deauville is dedicated to horse riding and equestrian sports.

A cultural hub

In recent years, Deauville has greatly increased the number of year-round cultural events to accompany its well-established pastimes of horseracing, polo, golf and high-end shopping. The historic Presqu’île de la Touques area beside the marinas has undergone an exciting redevelopment, while the new Franciscaines museum has opened in May 2021. As for the glorious wide sandy beach, peppered with colourful parasols and backed by its famous boardwalk and beach huts, this remains a joy for all to enjoy.

What to see and do in Deauville

Useful information

How do I get to Deauville?

By train: Trouville-Deauville station is around 2 hours 45 minutes from Paris Saint-Lazare station.

By coach: With route 111 of the Nomad Car network, which serves the towns of Caen, Cabourg, Deauville, Honfleur, Le Havre, etc. Long-distance buses offer direct journeys between Paris and Deauville.

By bike: Deauville is crossed by the Vélomaritime, a route between Roscoff and Dunkirk, and by the Seine à Vélo, which links Paris to Le Havre and Deauville.

What is the best time of year for a visit to Deauville?

Deauville can be enjoyed all year round, even in winter. You can enjoy the planches and the beautiful sunsets on the beach. The town also offers a rich cultural and sporting calendar throughout the year.

In good weather, Deauville and its seafront can be very busy during the day. Don’t hesitate to come early in the morning for a stroll, and when it’s busy, opt for excursions in the surrounding area.

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