The 10 things to do in Deauville

On a trip to the Côte fleurie, would you like to visit Deauville? Here are the must-sees of this seaside resort with a luxurious reputation!

An internationally renowned seaside resort, Deauville remains a flagship destination on the French coast. Particularly appreciated by the Parisians, she inherited the nickname of the 21st arrondissement of Paris. The modern city was climbed from all rooms in the 1860s on a marshland. This is the great fashion of sea baths. Several cities in the area come out of land to welcome the followers of this new health practice.

Did you plan a stay in the area? Follow the guide to visit Deauville in good shape.

1. The beach and its parasols

Deauville is known in particular for its sandy beach of about two kilometers long. This did not form entirely naturally. Trouville (the neighboring city) wanted to develop its railway lines to receive more visitors in the nineteenth century. It therefore made changes, especially at the mouth of the Touques. This changed the marine currents and sand began to lay along the coast. He formed a beach that continues to grow as time grows.

The wind blows on the beach of Deauville. It is therefore ideal if you want to practice a nautical activity (paddle, windsurfing, etc.).

The beach of Deauville is recognizable among all on the photos, thanks to its unique parasols. They are made locally and fermented in an original way, with a deauvillais knot. If you want to rent one, you just have to go to the sea baths establishment.

2. Cabins and Planches

You can't visit Deauville without seeing the famous Planches. If you are wondering that doing in Deauville is a must! It is a walk of more than six hundred and fifty meters long, created in 1923 by the architect of the bathroom. Its usefulness at the time: allowing women to walk on the beach without salting their dresses, then very long. Planches are now listed among historical monuments.

The 450 Art Deco style bath cabins are part of the city’s identity. They are built at the same time as the French Baths and Planches. Some overlook the beach, others on the boulevard or the inner basins. They can be rented by individuals to the commune, during the season (April to end October). However, it is rare for a cabin to be released: they are generally reserved from one year to another.

The cabins are delimited by white wood barriers. On these, you can read the names of famous American actors and directors. They came to Deauville as part of the American Film Festival. This original initiative was set up in 1987 by the mayor of the city of the time, Anne d’Ornano . In 2019, actress Kristen Stewart inaugurated her own, as well as Johnny Depp, Sienna Miller and Geena Davis.

3. The American Film Festival

Deauville wouldn't be Deauville without his American Film Festival. The history between the city and cinema began in 1975 with the first edition of the Festival. Today he competes with feature films and short films. He values the big Hollywood productions like independent American cinema. On this occasion, many celebrities visit the Deauville International Centre.

For ten days, in September, films are screened in different theaters. For some, they are previews on their official release in the French rooms. Tributes are also paid for figures from American cinema or rising stars. Do you enjoy American cinema and have you planned to visit Deauville during the festival? So you can take a pass for the day and discover the movies.

4. The Touques racecourse

If you ask that to do in Deauville, you can’t leave the city without having made a tour at the racecourse. Deauville-La Touque Racecourse offers races throughout the year. It is also a horse training centre. It was created at the same time as the city in 1863. A special sand track was installed in 2003, allowing the races to take place even in winter.

5. The thalasso

To visit Deauville by staying in the tradition of well-being and health by sea water, the thalasso is ideal. You can book a stay or just half a day or a care. Enjoy your Deauville getaway to relax and enjoy the benefits of salt water!

6. Old Deauville

The city of Deauville is now 18 times more extensive than originally. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was a simple village of some houses, surrounded by marshes. So, what do Deauville do to understand its particular development?

Enjoy a walk to Vieux Deauville. He is also called the Coteau district. You will have a breathtaking view of the modern city. You can discover the St.Lawrence church that is listed on historical monuments. The Old Deauville is the original location of the village, before the swamps below are dried and built, to become the current Deauville.

7. The boat ride

Visiting Deauville is also enjoying the Norman coastline, and its welcoming sweetness. For this, nothing better than the boat ride!

Indeed, rent a boat in Deauville will allow you to take a true freshness bath, a dose of oxygen that will allow you to aerate your mind. Whether you want to sail alone or let yourself be carried by a skipper, the boat ride in Deauville will delight you.

8. The Pont des Belges

The bridge of the Belgians connects Deauville to Trouville, passing over the Touques. It is a place of memory of the city. If you’re a feru in history and you’re wondering that doing in Deauville, this bridge is a beautiful symbol not to be missed.

In 1944, the Belgian brigade Piron released Deauville (August 22) and Trouville (August 24). The German troops retreated to Trouville. They bombed the original bridge while the soldiers crossed from Deauville to Trouville. Two of them lost their lives there. Once the bridge was reconstructed, it was baptized in honour of the liberators.

9. The architecture of Deauville

If you like to admire architecture and villas, walk in Deauville! Don't miss: - The peninsula : she will give you a nice view of Trouville. - Place Morny : it is in the city center and welcomes many traders, as well as the market. - Place Yves-Saint-Laurent : in the heart of the most luxurious district of Deauville. - La Villa Strassburger : one of the most beautiful and imposing villas of Norman style, now owned by the city.

Visiting Deauville is also discovering its rich architectural heritage!

10. The casino

To finish visiting Deauville and stay in the spirit of luxury, go to Deauville Barrière Casino. You can dine in one of the casino’s restaurants and try at the games if it tells you. Many shows are also planned throughout the year. To access the casino, a correct outfit is required — and it is important.

How to get to Deauville?

By train

Trouville Railway Station — Deauville makes you reach the city centre of Deauville. From your exit, you can reach your hotel or make a first walk along the sea! The nickname of "21st arrondissement of Paris" was given to Deauville, by its proximity to the capital — and the privileged link that connects them. There is a direct line between Paris Saint-Lazare train station and Trouville — Deauville.

By car

The city is very easily accessible by car. To park, know that the city center squares are paid all year round. For the purpose of parking on the sea lais, tickets are paid from April 1 for the summer season, as well as weekends and school holidays. Parking in the rest of the city is free. If you have chosen to stay in a hotel for the night, parking spaces are generally reserved for guests.

By plane

Deauville Airport allows you to get there from some provincial cities. If yours is not one of the lucky ones elected, Caen Airport is just an hour away from Deauville. To find your ideal flight, consider comparing the different possibilities on a flight comparison as Ulysses !

Where to stay in Deauville?

If you plan to visit Deauville for several days, you need to stay. Know that Deauville is a very popular destination. If you plan to spend a weekend there, especially between April and September, book your accommodation as soon as possible!

You will find a lot of accommodation in the center of Deauville. It is a lively area, located close to the beach and the train station. You will have all shops and restaurants nearby. You can choose between accommodation at an individual or hotel. In the latter case, consider comparing the rates with a Compare hotels to ensure the best value for money.

If you prefer a quieter area, you can prefer the Planches district. There are fewer housing units. The areas of the villas or the hippodrome are also to be recommended for their calm and proximity to the city centre. In ten to fifteen minutes walking, you will find the heart of Deauville! To discover the different drop points, go to our article « In which quarter house in Deauville? » .

Now you know what to do in Deauville to see the essentials of this pretty city! Did you ever visit Deauville?