Deauville, a name synonymous with elegance and timeless charm, graces the Normandy coast in northwestern France. Often hailed as the "Parisian Riviera," this chic seaside resort, a mere two-hour journey from the bustling capital, has captivated hearts and cameras alike, serving as a picturesque backdrop for numerous films. Top Attractions in Deauville offer a diverse tapestry of experiences, from basking on golden beaches beneath a kaleidoscope of colorful umbrellas to indulging in the refined pleasures of elegant shops, historic hotels, and a sophisticated casino. Deauville truly shines as a destination worthy of a short, revitalizing escape.
Beyond its glamorous facade, Deauville boasts a rich cultural heritage, evident in its two prestigious racecourses and internationally acclaimed polo matches. The town also plays host to a vibrant array of cultural events, including classical music performances and the renowned Deauville American Film Festival. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the most captivating Top Attractions in Deauville, each contributing to the town’s unique allure.
Admire the Architecture at Villa Strassburger
Villa Strassburger stands as a testament to Deauville’s rich history and architectural splendor. Originally conceived as a family vacation home in 1907, the villa occupies land that once belonged to the celebrated French writer Gustave Flaubert and later, Baron Henri de Rothschild, grandson of the esteemed Bordeaux wine estate owner. In 1912, the property was acquired by May Bourne, heiress to the Singer sewing machine fortune, and her husband, Ralph B. Strassburger.
The villa endured damage during World War II while occupied by Nazi forces, prompting renovations in 1948. Eventually, it was generously donated to the Town of Deauville and designated a historic monument in 1980, securing its place in the town’s heritage.
The Villa Strassburger exemplifies Anglo-Norman architectural styles, showcasing an expansive structure adorned with fine detailing and antique furnishings. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the villa’s history, the Deauville Town Council offers guided tours during July and August. These tours grant visitors access to the villa’s interior, revealing its hidden secrets, including the clandestine passages constructed beneath the villa during World War II.
- Address: Av. Strassburger, 14800 Deauville, France
- Phone: +33 2 31 88 20 44
Relax on Deauville Beach
No visit to Deauville is complete without experiencing the allure of its famed beach. Deauville Beach stretches for 1.5 miles, presenting a pristine expanse of soft, golden sand that gently slopes towards the sea. The iconic beach is adorned with a vibrant collection of colorful umbrellas and comfortable lounge chairs, inviting visitors to unwind and soak in the sun’s warmth. Attendants are readily available to assist with setting up umbrellas and ensuring a seamless beach experience.
Adding to the beach’s charm is the 2,000-foot-long Promenade des Planches, a boardwalk crafted from rich red ironwood in 1923. This iconic boardwalk is lined with beach cabins, each bearing the name of American actors and directors who have graced the resort’s American Film Festival since its inception in 1975. Above the cabins, an annual photographic exhibition showcases large, historic images of the resort, offering a glimpse into Deauville’s past.
The Art Deco-style bathing building, a masterpiece of its era, features showers and cabins adorned with concrete and mosaic tiles. When it opened in 1924, it was considered the dernier cri (latest fashion) in modernity. Deauville Beach is more than just a stretch of sand; it’s a symbol of elegance, relaxation, and timeless appeal.
- Address: Promenade des Planches, 14800 Deauville, France
- Phone: +33 2 31 14 40 00
Spend a Day at the Races
Horse racing holds a significant place in Deauville’s history, dating back to 1863 when horses and riders thundered along the beach on a makeshift track. A year later, the Deauville-La-Touques Racecourse was built, establishing itself as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts. Today, the Deauville-La-Touques Racecourse stands as one of France’s most beautiful and leading flat racecourses, attracting international trainers, horses, and jockeys during its summer and winter seasons. With approximately 40 racing days each year, the atmosphere is electric. Deauville’s connection to the equestrian world is so strong that it is twinned with Lexington, Kentucky, a city renowned for its own rich horse racing heritage.
Within the racecourse, world-class polo teams compete on lush fields, while a sand-fiber track serves as a training ground and competition venue.
In addition to Deauville-La-Touques, the Deauville-Clairefontaine Racecourse, located just east of town, hosts around 20 races from June through October. These race meetings often feature themes related to ecology or the local region, offering engaging events for the entire family. The course itself accommodates three distinct types of racing: flat, trotting, and steeplechasing.
- Deauville-La-Touques Racecourse Address: 45 Av. Hocquart de Turtot, 14800 Deauville, France
- Deauville-La-Touques Racecourse Phone: +33 2 31 14 20 01
Watch Fast and Furious Polo
Polo has been an integral part of Deauville’s sporting scene since the first match was played in 1880. The Deauville International Polo Club, founded in 1907, stands as one of the oldest and most respected polo clubs in France. In 1950, the club established the Gold Cup, a prestigious event that includes the world championships. Deauville is considered a highly desirable venue for Argentinian polo teams, known as some of the world’s best.
Attending a polo match at the Deauville International Polo Club is a thrilling experience. The matches are open to the public and are typically held in August at the Deauville-La-Touques Racecourse. While admission is free during the week, a fee is charged on weekends and holidays. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the field in the middle of the racecourse.
- Address: Bd Mauger, 14800 Deauville, France
- Phone: +33 6 46 55 58 18
Toast the Grand Hotels of the Past
In 1912, Deauville underwent a significant transformation with the inauguration of three iconic buildings: Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville, Hôtel Barrière Le Royal Deauville, and the impressive Casino de Deauville. Strategically positioned between the hotels, the casino completed the trio of luxury establishments designed to attract discerning Parisians and high-society British guests. Over the years, these grand hotels have also welcomed movie stars and international tourists, solidifying their status as landmarks of Deauville.
The hotels epitomize old-fashioned grandeur, boasting expansive entrance halls, long corridors, soaring ceilings, and spectacular public rooms. They offer the perfect setting for a leisurely drink or a captivating stroll, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the elegance of a bygone era.
- Address: 38 Rue Jean Mermoz, 14800 Deauville, France
- Phone: +33 2 31 98 66 22
Find Clothes and Antiques in Deauville
Deauville’s reputation as a chic resort town extends to its shopping scene, where clothing and decor options abound. Many top French fashion houses have established boutiques in close proximity to one another, particularly between the polo club and the beach. Coco Chanel, inspired by the attire she observed at the racecourses, golf courses, beaches, and yachts, designed a line of casual, wearable clothing and opened her boutique in Deauville in 1913. While the boutique sadly closed at the onset of World War II, its legacy continues to influence fashion trends in the town.
For those with a penchant for antiques, shops like The Bugatty Gallery offer vintage deco and 20th-century decorations, while Antiquité de la Touques showcases art, furniture, dolls, and other exquisite pieces.
- Address: 29 Av. de la République, 14800 Deauville, France
- Phone: +33 6 82 55 12 16
Enjoy a Cultural Event
Deauville is a vibrant hub for cultural events, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. The town embraces the unexpected, as evidenced by the Planches Contact Deauville Photography Festival, which draws considerable attention. During the October night when clocks are turned back, aspiring photographers venture into the streets to capture the essence of Deauville. The winning photographs are then displayed in a local exhibition.
The American Film Festival, one of France’s most celebrated film festivals, takes place in Deauville each September, featuring premiere screenings of the latest U.S. film releases and attracting movie stars to the red carpet. In the realm of music, the Festival de Pâques (Easter Festival) in April showcases young, emerging classical music virtuosos.
For those who enjoy exploring local markets, the covered Deauville Market is a must-visit. The market is filled with the region’s finest fruits, vegetables, cheeses, fish, flowers, and crafts. Open year-round on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, as well as on public holidays and Sundays from March to October, and daily during school holidays, the market is located in Place du Marché, just off the main Place Morny. The pavement cafes surrounding the market provide the perfect vantage point for people-watching. Look for the organic market on Thursday mornings in the Saint Augustin church square. Deauville is filled with Top Attractions in Deauville and culture.
- Address: Deauville, France
Deauville, with its blend of natural beauty, architectural splendor, sporting events, and cultural attractions, offers a captivating experience for every visitor. From the golden sands of its iconic beach to the historic charm of Villa Strassburger, from the thrill of horse races and polo matches to the elegance of its grand hotels and the vibrancy of its cultural scene, Top Attractions in Deauville promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Parisian Riviera.
