Deauville Beach (Plage de Deauville)
Promenade des Planches, Deauville, France, 14800
Nothing says glamour quite like Deauville’s sandy stretch of coastline, which has been drawing luminaries like Coco Chanel to its shores for over 150 years. Forget the colorful excess of French Riviera hot spots like Saint-Tropez—here, it’s all about understated elegance. Visitors can still strut down Deauville’s famous boardwalk, take a dip in the frothy waves, or rent one of the famous beach parasols.
The basics
While the golden age of French seaside resorts may have faded, Deauville (nicknamed “Queen of the Norman Beaches”) still maintains a regal charm. Hitting the beach is more than just going for a swim; it’s the chance to see and be seen. The art deco–style cabins and lounge chairs can be booked on-site, and the century-old boardwalk (Promenade des Planches) gives beachgoers a sweeping vista of the coastline.
Things to know before you go
The boardwalk runs the full length of the beach, just under half a mile (around 650 meters).
Notice the names along the boardwalk? Every beach cabin bears the name of a classic Hollywood star in homage to Deauville’s annual American Film Festival.
Beaches are equipped with showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.
The beach and boardwalk are free to enter, and open to the public year-round. Rental fees vary for cabins, loungers, and parasols.
Don’t underestimate the strength of the Norman sun. Bring a hat or other sun protection and a high SPF sunscreen.
When in Deauville, be sure to try Norman delicacies like cider, cheeses such as Camembert, and seafood like scallops or a classic sole Normand.
How to get there
Deauville is a two-hour drive from Paris and around one hour from Le Havre, a port city that offers ferry connections to England. SNCF trains run regularly between Paris Saint-Lazare and the Trouville-Deauville station. Deauville Beach, in the center of town, is a 7-minute walk from the Casino Barrière de Deauville and a 5-minute drive from the Hippodrome de Deauville–La Touques.
When to get there
July and August are the most popular months for visiting Deauville, when Parisians head for the coast. Come then for the buzzy vibe (and be sure to make your bookings in advance) or check out the Deauville American Film Festival in September. For a quieter experience, head here in the wintertime—snow falling on the sand is a sight to remember.
See racehorses train at Deauville Beach
Many mornings in Deauville, the Hippodrome de Deauville–La Touques training center brings its racehorses to the beach. When the tides are low, trainers use the sandy coast as a practice space. So grab a croissant and coffee and head here after sunrise. Bring your camera or a smartphone, as you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities when the horses start ambling and cantering by the waves.
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