The 10 things to do on the Côte fleurie

Are you planning a trip to Lower Normandy? Don’t forget to visit the Côte Fleurie! Here is a guide that will allow you to miss nothing during your stay.

Animated seaside resorts, countryside huts and long sandy beaches: visiting the Côte Fleurie is enjoying a condensed of Norman beauties. This part of the Norman coast, located in the Calvados in Lower Normandy, extends from Cabourg to Honfleur and gathers the most emblematic corners of the Norman coast.

Hupped but also (and obviously) blossoming, the stations that punctuate the coast are of undeniable charm. Just two hours’ drive from the Paris region, it is an ideal destination where there is a lot to discover. To not miss anything during your stay, here is a selection of things to do on the Fleurie Coast.

1. Cabourg, the romantic

Cabourg is an elegant seaside resort to visit on the Côte Fleurie. Renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world, it is true that it has retained its charm of the Belle Époque. Between its prestigious architecture, its Greco-Roman theatre plan, and its gardens, Cabourg attracts tourists from all over the world.

If you have come for a few days, take a tour of the Grand Hotel in Cabourg. Here between 1907 and 1914, Marcel Proust had his habits. Cabourg is also a unique setting to fully enjoy the benefits of the sea. In short, this small town has more than one rope to its bow to seduce you.

The Cabourg festival my love

Since 2012, the « Cabourg mon amour » festival has been held in the dynamic city of Cabourg. In Normandy, this event brought together young French and international artists. Every year, it takes place on a dream spot: the beach of Cap Cabourg.

2. Deauville, the famous

Renowned for its festivities and prestigious establishments, Deauville is today an international reference. Its large hotels, luxury shops, and casino. The small town marks the spirits and thus counts among the essentials to visit the Côte Fleurie.

Between elegant leisure and good taste, the resort knows how to receive its visitors with a lot of class. The more than 650 meters of planks of its walk offer an amazing show. Admire the multi-colored parasols at a loss of sight, but also sunbeds and bathing booths bearing the names of American stars! When the time of the American film festival comes, Deauville then unfolds its most beautiful red carpet.

3. The Racecourses of the Côte Fleurie

Calvados, and especially the Côte Fleurie, is a horseland. In the green surroundings of Normandy, you will find no less than four hippodromes. Among the most famous in France, there is that of Cabourg and that of Deauville.

Attending a horse race in one of these racecourses will fill you with unforgettable memories. So it’s gone to discover the Côte Fleurie at trot!

4. Houlgate, Hupped and animated station

Originally a quiet agricultural village, Houlgate has become a well-lived seaside resort. Its beach is one of the most popular and therefore essential to visit the Côte Fleurie.

Between villas, manor houses, private hotels and castles, there is a lot to discover in Houlgate! His rich and original heritage reflected the architectural eclecticism that reigned around 1900. Contemplate the villas in the new-normand style: with their pointed roofs and brick walls, they give the city charm and character.

5. Villers-sur-Mer, coquette

Like many seaside resorts here, that of Villers-sur-Mer is very flowery. This very quiet destination has the peculiarity of being lined by two protected natural areas: the cliffs of the Black Vaches and the Blonville marsh.

In addition to 700 hectares of surrounding countryside, the fine sand decor is added. Faced with the sea, the city centre, shell and friendly, depicts a typical seaside architecture, of those that characterize the Côte Fleurie so well.

6. Blonville-sur-Mer, the green

Rich in its three beaches of fine sand and green countryside, Blonville is located in the heart of the Côte Fleurie. Some beaches are only accessible to low tide. If some of its beaches are only accessible in low tide, it is because Blonville is at the foot of the cliffs of Mont Canisy. Moreover, the latter overlooks the coast and offers extraordinary views of the sea. Whether you're looking for cultural or sporting activities, Blonville will rhythm your stay!

The Blonville marsh is also a must for visiting the Côte Fleurie. This site of 110 hectares of wetland meadows, canals and ditches is of great ecological wealth. Although it is right next to the sea, it is a freshwater marsh, fed by the surrounding watercourses.

7. Blackjackets

Discover these exceptional cliffs! Between Houlgate and Villers-sur-Mer, the cliffs of the Black Slopes are absolutely worth visiting the Côte Fleurie. The name of “Black Vaches” would come from the presence of large chalk blocks on the beach covered with algae. And their shape would evoke a flock of cows grazing at the foot of the cliff.

This place is an incredible geological richness. Enjoy the calm that reigns here, and admire the paragliding that rise from the top of the cliffs.

8. Trouville, the marine

If you can’t decide between land and sea, choose Trouville! Named the "Queen of Beaches", Trouville is a perfect combination between sea and countryside. Admire this architecture of the early hours of Belle Epoque by strolling on the beaches, in the alleys or between villas and palaces.

Celebrated by many artists, Trouville tells the story of several great names like Gustave Flaubert. Make an impression of this atmosphere by walking on their steps. Classified Historic Monument, don’t forget to go to the Trouville Fish Hall! Also, its fishing port is a must-see on the Côte Fleurie.

9. A boat ride

Visiting the Côte Fleurie is obviously enjoying the beauty of its coastline. To do this, nothing like a boat ride!

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to explore the beautiful Côte Fleurie as you like. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay on the Côte fleurie!

10. Shame, art

Finish your stay at the mouth of the Seine! Here in Honfleur, the Côte Fleurie ends. The light of the estuary and the romantic panorama of the city between the two hills have always inspired artists painters, writers, musicians... The Seine and Honfleur then host two must-see museums to visit the Côte Fleurie: the Eugène Boudin and Erik Satie museums.

Honfleur immediately enchants the visitor. This small town has crossed the centuries by marking History. As a culture activity, the small port of Honfleur knows how to talk about him. Indeed, its historical religious past and its privileged geographical location attract.

Here is the ideal starting point for many escapades to discover the treasures of Normandy!

How to get to the Côte Fleurie?

Visit the Côte Fleurie and go there since Paris is quite simple.

• Indeed, depending on the city you want to go, the journey time will beabout 2 hours by car.
• If you choose the bus, you'll have to count around 3h from the centre of Paris. You can make the journey easily given that every week four buses are planned. The ticket is at a price of 11€.
• I mean, by train It will be necessary to anticipate 2:15 and about 30 euros.

Where to stay on the Côte Fleurie?

Each of the small towns of the Côte Fleurie welcomes you with open arms. The most complex will be to choose where you will reside during your stay. Indeed, housing is numerous and all have their benefits.

Let yourself be tempted by a romantic hotel in Cabourg , a gite in the campaign Trouville , or Airbnb to Honfleur . To help you in your choice, maybe one Compare hotels will be useful.