Deauville

The Glamorous Parisian Riviera

The fashionable Normandy resort of Deauville is famed for its international film festival that attracts worldwide celebrities. The most famous names from the silver screen are immortalized on the entrances to changing rooms lining the wood, beachfront boardwalk – the Promenade des Planches.

The beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand overlooked by exclusive residences, luxury hotels and the chic casino which is most spectacular at night. As you would expect of such a resort, Deauville also has a golf course, marina housing fancy yachts, and a race track. Some of France’s largest horse training facilities are here, and the surrounding area is full of thoroughbreds.

One of these was once owned by the Strassburger family who lived in one of Deauville’s most beautiful houses – the Villa Strassburger. Its half-timber elements and multi-angled roof are typical of the town’s architecture. Other similar examples include boutique shops and the Hotel Normandy, a historic property now owned by the Barrière group who also run the elegant Hotel Royal overlooking a seafront park.

In addition to these 5-star hotels, Booking.com has vacation homes near Deauville Airport, and cheap apartments by the train station which also serves the Parisian Riviera town of Trouville across the River Touques.