Deauville – The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Deauville, France - The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Deauville in Normandy, France is described as Paris’ 21^st arrondissement and is known as the playground of the rich and famous. Being an easy 200 kms from Paris, it’s long been the luxury holiday destination of Parisians. Deauville’s luxurious allure started soon after Napoleon III’s half-brother, the Duke of Morny, founded it in 1861. The Duke of Morny, an influential financier,  created Deauville from swamp and sandy land with the help of his physician, his banker and architect.

Reminders of the Duke of Morny everywhere

There are reminders everywhere of the Duke that created Deauville with places and shops named after him. La Place de Morny has been built as a copy of Paris’ Place de l’Etoile with eight roads converging onto the central garden and fountains. The town hall or Mairie of Deauville is located at Place de Morny. 

Deauville, France - The Gateway to Calvados 

Perched on the coast between the countryside and the sea, Deauville is also the gateway to Calvados and Normandy’s popular 40 km Route de Cider circuit and if you are interested in the region's apple brandy or cider, this will interest you for sure.

Deauville and Trouville

Deauville is in competition with another town of similar name, that is the town of Trouville. These towns are sometimes described as siblings, vying for attention and the classification of the most popular town.

Trouville harks its origins back to 1826 as a small fishing village that has flourished and Deauville has the status of pomp and glamour. Lonely Planet has described Trouville as “a veteran beach resort and working fishing port” and Deauville as “packed full of designer boutiques, deluxe hotels and public gardens of impossible neatness”.  Both are popular and are special in their own right I think.

Deauville and Trouville Are Linked by Pont des Belges

While very different they both ooze appeal situated north on the beautiful stretch of Norman coast known as Côte Fleuir. Both straddle either side of the River Touques and remind me of the towns of Dinard and Dinan that are at either end of the Rance waterway. Another similarity between Deauville and Trouville and Dinard and Dinan (apart from alike names) is how they are said to be competitors for the attention of tourists.

Deauville and Trouville are linked by Pont des Belges which is a beautiful bridge and by a footpath that is only accessible during low tide which I find quite appealing.

Deauville is Studded with Beautiful Cafes and Elegant Boutiques

Glamorous Deauville offers beach gazing, boutique shopping and elegant coffee stopovers, and regular produce markets.

Deauville, is regarded as the "queen of the Norman beaches" and is long acquainted with famous people, movie stars and film festivals. Early each September the American Film Festival attracts so many Hollywood stars, the Festival is considered a close second to the Cannes Film Festival. This is a great time to get up close to your favourite stars as tickets to the event are available to anyone.

Another film festival that draws a lot of attention to the town is the Asian Film Festival which usually runs over five days in mid March. Even the town itself has been featured in numerous French films.

Deauville - The Lady of the French Coast

The town’s elegant casino was built in 1912 and a number of chic hotels followed earning it the name of the “lady of the French coast”. Deauville has stayed relevant and attractive to tourists by holding a myriad of festivals including an Easter Music Festival, a Books and Music Fair, Deauville International Sailing Week, the World Bridge Festival, the Paris-Deauville Vintage Car Rally, the Christmas Antique Fair, a poker festival and an international Dragon Boating Regatta.  

Horses are associated with life at Deauville since the time of the Duke de Morny, who being a great horseman, influenced the building of Deauville’s first hippodrome (racecourse). With stud farms in the area, an equestrian complex, polo grounds and a huge training centre Deauville attracts lost of horse events.

The international horse racing calendar is full and with horse shows, polo championships, an international traditional carriage competition and horse auctions, the town and its people seem to live and breathe horses. It’s not uncommon to see horses along the beach training in the sand very early in the morning.

Deauville Beach is Famous For Its Coloured Umbrellas

Deauville in France is regarded as the "queen of the Norman beaches" and what I love most is the brightly coloured umbrellas that line the beach. Seemingly with military precision in their placing, they give the beach a very upmarket look.

During the summer months there are about 600 umbrellas that get set out for visitors and they've become a trademark of the town. Once you have paid for the hire of your umbrella or beach hut you can lay back on the famous white beach sand just like one of the town's visiting movie stars! The beach huts are even named after American stars who have come to Deauville to attend film festivals.

Promenading along the 1.5 kilometre boardwalk is a highlight when visiting Deauville. Easy and simple, it's my favourite activity when we visit. 

Place du Marché Open Air Market at Deauville, France

Place du Marché has been the traditional market location and shopping centre in Deauville since 1881 and it literally hums with people on market days. Stalls are set up under the ancient half-timbered roof structures, in tents and upon open air tables around the Place.

With seafood, poultry, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, spices, honey, Norman foie gras and antiques, this market has everything I love. 

It is a bit far for my regular market, being a three and a half hour drive from my home, but on the occasion that I am in the area on market day, I love to explore it. I buy fresh produce that does not need refrigeration to take home. If you are in the area on market day, I really recommend you stop and see what treasures you can find and stock up on delicious fresh fruit and veggies. 

For further information on Deauville and Trouville visit the Deauville Tourism website and the Trouville Tourism website.

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