On the Normandy coast in the north-west of France, Deauville lives to the rhythm of social events. Known for its horse races and film festivals, the city is also a haven of peace where magnificent villas stand along a magnificent beach. Enjoy regional specialties with fondue and Norman tart, bourdelot and good local cider. Deauville: a leisure travel destination, kingdom of horses, calm beaches and film festivals.
Created in the 19th century by the Duke of Morny, to become the ‘kingdom of elegance’ close to Paris, Deauville has successfully preserved all its splendour and its elegance: typical holiday home architecture, fine sandy beach, etc. Famed the world over for its American Film Festival, but also for its horse racing and horse and yearling sales (2 race courses), a whole programme of events are organized throughout the year within this seafront resort. A concentration of leisure pursuits can be found in and around Deauville: golf courses, casinos, spas, mini-golf, racing track, aquarium, water sports clubs, adventure trails, tourist train, etc.
The city is also known as a foremost destination for horses and racetracks! Deauville’s racetracks are full of charm and a festive atmosphere as can only be found in Normandy.
Opened in 1864, Deauville’s racetrack quickly became one of the first-ranked in France. Deauville-La Tocques is spread across 75 hectares, including 20 tracks, two on turf and one on synthetic sand; three polo fields; and at least 300 horses all year-round. Complete with one of the largest horse training centers in Europe, the Deauville-La Touques racetracks hold high esteem in the French equestrian world.
Nicknamed the “Four Seasons Racetrack“, Deauville-La Touques hosts a number of large events throughout the year.
A popular seaside resort for locals and tourists alike, Deauville oozes style. Deauville was conceived with tourists in mind. It emerged from the sand dunes in the 1860s, thanks to the vision of one Dr Joseph Olliffe and his close friend, Emperor Napoleon III’s half-brother, the Duke de Morny. At the end of the 1850s, only marshes lay between the sea and small hillside village here. World War II, the seaside resort’s international reputation grew. A cluster of marinas beside the Touques estuary added to its permanent attractions, while the Deauville American Film Festival, inaugurated in 1975, began drawing stars and fans of the silver screen every September.
Incredibly accessible from the capital for a weekend, Deauville bears the nickname “21st arrondissement of Paris“. The Parisians have given it this nickname so much they adore the city and consider it an extension of Paris, but with the sea as a bonus! If you consider spending some time there, do not hesitate to contact us to build you an incredible experience in Paris and Deauville.
I hope you enjoyed discovering Deauville: a leisure travel destination. I recommend you to read my previous blog post on an other little gem of France: the Island of Noirmoutier.
