The 14 things to do in Cabourg

Are you planning a getaway in the pretty Norman town of Cabourg and wondering what to do on site? Here are the sightseeings and activities.

Elegant and romantic, located on the Côte Fleurie, Cabourg is a perfect destination for a long weekend to two. She even self-proclaimed “city of love”! It is true that the small seaside resort offers a framework for dreaming, which inspired writer Marcel Proust. The famous beach of Cabourg, lined with large hotels and sprinkled with blue striped cabins, nourishes our Norman imaginaries.

Visiting Cabourg is making a journey in time to the Belle Époque. The villas, casinos and large hotels remind us that it was a privileged resort of the whole Paris of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

And yet, until 1850, Cabourg was only a simple fishing village. Today, this double identity continues to attract visitors, which the city excels to distract by many animations. So what do you do in Cabourg? They tell you everything!

1. Flâner sur les traces de Marcel Proust

Much of the action of Looking for lost time takes place in an elegant seaside resort called Balbec. But behind this pseudonym actually hides Cabourg, a city worshipped by Marcel Proust .

The writer made his first stay at ten years ago and returned to the Grand Hotel many times. He was seduced by the station’s trepidating social life and was one of his great inspirations.

Visiting Cabourg in the footsteps of Marcel Proust, his principal ambassador, is an experience worth the detour. Start by surveying walk that bears its name along the dike, offering beautiful views of the sea. Next step at the Villa of time recovered a small museum that reconstitutes the atmosphere of the Belle Époque. Finish with a taste Grand Hotel where Marcel Proust stayed for a long time.

2. Spread on the beach

The beach is in the heart of the city of Cabourg and is both a place of relaxation and meeting. As in the Belle Époque, we enjoy, observe and rest there. Moreover, the beach has preserved the historic blue and white cabins that contribute to the picturesque charm of the decor.

Whatever the season, offer yourself a nice time at the beach, why not by bake Looking for lost time ?

3. Observe architecture

Like its elegant Norman neighbors like Deauville and Trouville, Cabourg is full of architectural chips. Reinvented at the Belle Époque, these cities have been a privileged playground for architects. Along the streets of Cabourg, a joyous mix of doves, mosaics and window-boxes adorns the facades.

One. Discovery circuit In fact, architecture and heritage are proposed by the municipality. An activity to visit Cabourg the wide open eye, and fully immerse itself in its singular history.

4. Doing a nautical activity

As in any good seaside resort, there are many nautical activities to do in Cabourg. You will, of course, have the possibility of rent a boat for an exit at sea. The many local sailing schools will also be a pleasure to initiate you to navigation.

You can also test a variety of fun activities such as mud, jet-ski or kite-surfing. And even experiment with original sports such as flyboard or giant paddle, ideal for a family or friends ride.

5. Walking on horseback or in a sailboat on the beach

In addition to the classic water sports, the beach of Cabourg also offers great opportunities for activities. Indeed, if the 4-kilometre walk is appreciated on foot, it is also possible to discover it differently. The first option is to try out sail tank an activity that provides a good feeling of freedom. The second option, which will seduce the great romantics, is cross the beach on horseback .

6. Admire the sunset

It is no better time to admire the horizon from Cabourg beach than sunset. The clear sky and the wild ocean then take pink shades that reflect on the beautiful seafront buildings. You will then have no trouble understanding why Cabourg is called “the city of love”! So, offer yourself a nice moment alone or two during your visit to Cabourg taking the time to admire the sunset.

7. See a concert at Cabourg Mon Amour Festival

Three days to listen to music in the sand, is it tempting you? This falls well: this is what you propose to do Cabourg My Love , the music festival of the city. With a trendy programming that puts electro-pop in the spotlight, it only took a few editions to win. And the privileged setting offered to him by the beach of Cabourg is certainly not for nothing!

Clara Luciani, L’Impératrice, Polo & Pan, Friday on Mer or Angèle are among the artists who have already performed at the festival. Visit the beginning of the summer to discover the coming live.

8. See a horse race at the hippodrome

If you want to live as in the Belle Époque the time of your visit to Cabourg, this is an activity to do absolutely. Horse races are indeed a great specialty of the station, which has its own racecourse.

In the summer you will enjoy night horse races and a wide programme of activities around the equestrian world. Throughout the year, you can also attend trot races.

9. Visit the gardens of the city

If the city is renowned for its beach and architecture, it is just as much for its gardens. These are, in fact, a significant part of its Belle Époque heritage. In fact, Cabourg was awarded four flowers by the towns and villages.

From the entrance of the city, you will not miss the gardens of the City Hall . The gardens of the casino another beautiful visit to Cabourg. Plus, The Roseraie will seduce romantic souls, while children will enjoy themselves at Park Aquilon .

10. Explore the estuary of the Dives

Cabourg is a city of water, located by the ocean, but also at the mouth of the Dives. Embark on the ferry of the Dives for a nice walk in a wild and peaceful setting. The ferry also offers different types of tours: simple crossing, guided tour or sea fishing... there are for all tastes!

11. Hiking in the marshes

As the estuary of the Dives, Cabourg marsh reveal another face of the city, that of a former fishing village open to nature. The marshes were built in the 19th century by monks who wanted to raise cattle.

Over time, they have offered a welcoming setting to a varied fauna and flora. You can observe horses, bulls, and even a few storks. And if you’re not a hiking enthusiast, the marshes of Cabourg also visit on horseback or mountain biking.

12. Participate in Dinner on the Digue

Want to experience an unusual experience during your stay in Cabourg? In this case, we recommend you take part in Dinner on the Digue !

Organised every year, this event brings together thousands of guests. They gather for a large banquet along the dike, on the Marcel Proust promenade. Everyone brings his food, drinks and dishes, but all share a huge, friendly tab. An unusual activity to do in Cabourg only, for which we recommend you book in advance because it is very popular.

13. Make thalassotherapy

The elegant seaside resort also excels in terms of well-being. Thus, among the activities to be done in Cabourg, we can only recommend a thalassotherapy session. You can enjoy it in luxury hotels as well as in independent spas. Thus, you will return in great shape and perfectly relaxed of your visit to Cabourg.

14. Go to the casino

Cabourg is also a festive place where the many elders enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. And to have fun while enjoying the chic sides of the city, why not spend an evening at the casino?

Located on the Marcel Proust promenade, this is a historic site of the city. Moreover, beyond the classic silver games, it is also worth a visit to its musical evenings.

How to get to Cabourg?

Did you know that Cabourg is only two hours away from Paris? And to reach the city from the capital or elsewhere, the options are not missing. By car, you will easily reach Cabourg via the A13 (from Paris, Rouen or Caen) or the A29 (from the north, Belgium and the Netherlands).

If you prefer public transport, Dives-Cabourg station is served by regional trains and buses. You can easily reach it from Deauville-Trouville or Caen. From Paris you will have to plan a small correspondence in one of these cities. In addition, direct car connections are available from Paris.

If you come from a distance, the airports of Caen and Deauville will allow you to go easily to Cabourg. Think of a flight comparison as Ulysses to discover all the possibilities that offer to you. Finally, ferry connections are proposed to the England and Ireland .

Where to stay in Cabourg?

The hotels don’t miss in Cabourg, and compete with elegance. If you can afford it, we can only recommend you take a room in the famous Grand Hotel Like Proust in his time. Generally speaking, the city is small enough and you will never be very far from the centre and the beaches.

To enjoy the effervescent atmosphere and the Cabourg heritage, we recommend the hotels in the centre, to discover on a Compare hotels .

Finally, for a more intimate stay, the city is full of charming rentals Airbnb !

We wish you an excellent stay in Cabourg!