Deauville
The famous beach umbrellas and boardwalk
Thirty minutes from the gîte, Deauville epitomises Normandy’s chic seaside scene. The famous Promenade des Planches — a boardwalk lined with beach cabins named after Hollywood stars — is the enduring symbol of this Belle Époque resort. The striped blue-and-white parasols of Clairefontaine beach are an iconic image of the Côte Fleurie.
The town centre rewards exploration: the racecourse at La Touques hosts prestigious flat races in August, the colourful Norman villas along the seafront are a delight, and the luxury boutiques of Rue Désiré-Le-Hoc add a Parisian flavour. Each September the American Film Festival draws film lovers and celebrities from around the world.
Just across the Touques river, Trouville-sur-Mer offers a livelier, more authentic atmosphere with its daily fish market and beachside cafés. Together, the two towns make an excellent day out from the gîte.
August is high season with long queues and high prices. May, June or September give you Deauville at a far more relaxed pace.