Hotels in Deauville

Deauville is a popular seaside town in Normandy, north-western France. It was purpose-built as a resort in 1862 and has always enjoyed a reputation for wealth and sophistication. It has long been a favourite destination of Hollywood film stars past and present. Their visits are commemorated outside beach huts alongside the famous Promenade des Planches that was constructed from wooden planks in 1923. The resort has the finest sandy beach of the Normandy Flowery Coast, or Côte Fleurie. Deauville is also famous for horse racing, architecture, golf and boutiques. Known as the Parisian Riviera, the resort is just 200 kilometres from the capital. It's the perfect location for exploring Normandy and visiting the beaches of the Normandy D-Day Landings of World War Two, the Bayeux Tapestry and the cathedrals of Caen and Rouen.

Deauville has a unique atmosphere and hotels to match. Many are in historic mansions with imaginative architecture inspired by mediaeval châteaux and surrounded by mature gardens. They range from inexpensive bed and breakfast accommodation in beautiful French villas to luxury five-star hotels. There are also self-catering apartments and exclusive golf resorts on the outskirts of the town.

Neighbourhoods of Deauville

City Centre: This neighbourhood is the most prestigious with large hotels, access to the beach, fine restaurants and bars. It's also the home of the town's famous casino. Near this spot, the inspirational designer, Coco Chanel, opened her first shop in 1913.

Avenue de la République: A flower-filled boulevard that has a high proportion of quaint shops selling antiques and gifts. The nearby streets are famous for their selection of high-quality boutiques, cafes, speciality chocolates and pastries.

Port Deauville: There are two small harbours where residents and tourists moor their yachts. The oldest harbour is Port Mornay which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century.

What to See and Do in Deauville

Strolling along the Promenade and the beach has been an essential part of every visitor's itinerary for more than a century. The town has two famous racecourses, Clairefontaine and Deauville-La Touques where thoroughbred horses compete several times a year. There are two golf courses in Deauville and many more in the districts beyond the town. Sailing is popular with many regattas taking place in the English Channel. A trip across the River Touques leads to Trouville-sur-Mer, that was the original resort of the area. Another popular activity is playing roulette at the casino, once a favourite haunt of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

What to Eat in Deauville

The cuisine of Deauville features dishes inspired by local country fare. Rabbit and cider casserole, freshly caught mussels in a creamy sauce and omelettes are just a few of the main dishes. A popular meal is estoffade, a rich beef stew simmered in red wine. The local speciality is calvados, an apple brandy liqueur that's drunk in many areas of Normandy.

Typical Events and Festivals in Deauville

The highlight of Deauville's social calendar is the annual American Film Festival. The town has been hosting the star-studded event every September since 1975. There is also an Asian Film Festival which has been held every March since 1999. Deauville is famous for its Yearling Auction in August where thoroughbred foals with the potential to be champions are sold. Deauville is a typical French town with a regular Farmers' Market. It's packed with local produce such as cheeses, vegetables and fruit, and takes place at Place Morny on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

How to Move Around in Deauville

Public transport consists of a limited bus service, but Deauville is such a compact town it's very easy to walk around. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis and shops where bicycles can be hired. There are also coaches connecting with Paris and the train station is shared with neighbouring Trouville-sur-Mer.

The Climate in Deauville

Deauville can be visited at any time of the year. However, the most popular months are between May and October when the weather is at its warmest and driest. The highest temperatures reach an average of twenty degrees Celsius in the summer and fall to seven degrees in December and January. Deauville has an Oceanic climate which means it often has rain throughout the year. But the bracing sea air, beautiful scenery and charm of Deauville make it a town well worth visiting.