Deauville is a town located in the Calvados department in Normandy region. The town is one of the most prestigious beach resorts in France and account 4,000 inhabitants, called the Deauvillais. Dieppe was the first town to launch sea baths in France, and it was followed by Trouville-sur-Mer and Deauville. Since March 2009, Deauville was recognised as a ‘touristic town’, meaning that the town has adapted its services to holiday makers, and has a specific legal system concerning weekly rest or alcohol sales.
Often called the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Deauville has long been home to French high society’s seaside houses and is often referred to as the Parisian Riviera. Since the 19th century, the town of Deauville has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper class. Today it is a spectacular seaside resort town, offering gorgeous promenades, glamorous casinos, thoroughbred horse racetracks and plenty of chic visitors. Filled with smart restaurants, classic bistros, expensive villas and fashion boutiques, but also stunning beach and boardwalk, this town is one of the most glamorous beach resorts in France.
Access
Deauville is an easy and cheap destination to reach, especially for British people. By sea, you can take the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen (47km from Deauville), or to Le Havre (42km); by car, there are two motorways going to Deauville, the A 13 from Paris and the A 29 towards Amiens; by train, there are daily connections with Paris Saint-Lazare (about 2hrs).
You can also reach Deauville by plane, Paris airports are 2h30 away, Deauville-St Gatien Airport is served by Cityjet flights from London City Airport and Regional flights from Montpellier.
History
The history of Deauville can be traced back to 1060, when seigneur Hubert du Mont-Canisy dominated the magnificent land which was previously known as Auevilla. In 1066, Hubert du Mont-Canisy left to follow William the Conqueror to England.
During the 1960s, Deauville started to see more mass-market visitors. Yet, the town and the surrounding Côte Fleurie are still a high-profile seaside resort, haven for the rich and famous as well as for the more discreet families of French high society such as the Rotschilds who own some Norman manor nearby Deauville.
Deauville is mainly renowned for its international film festivals and its beaches. Indeed, Deauville also has a really interesting Architectural heritage. In Deauville, there are 2 monuments listed and recognised as historical and architectural heritage: the Saint Laurent chapel, built during the 12th century, has been listed as a historical monument; the Strassburger villa, a neo-norman 20th century house, was recognised as a historical monument for its facade and its roof. The former Elie de Brignac laundry is also worth visiting, as well as the Benard Macario boatyard.
Activities/Sights
Deauville is also worldwide renowned for its two international film festivals: the Deauville American film festival and the Deauville Asian film festival. The First one was created in 1975, and since 1995 it awards prizes for feature films, and since 1998 for short films. It takes place every first Fridays of September and lasts until the Sunday of the following week. The Asian film festival was created in 1999 and in 2002 was added a video competition. Prizes awarded are called Lotus.
Food and drink
There is a wealth of seafood restaurants in Deauville and Trouville, unsurprisingly, and the catch of the day is always a reliable choice. Generally, choosing from the set menus is better value than eating à la carte, with no compromise on quality. For a real treat try seafood at Restaurant Augusto, indulge in refined cuisine in a rarefied atmosphere at Chez Marthe or for race goers, try seasonal dishes at Le Yearling.
Restaurants
- Chez Magne, 31, rue Mirabeau, Deauville
- Hotel L’Esperance, 32 rue Victor Hugo, Deauville
- Le Birdy, 129 avenue de la République, Deauville
Sextant properties will be able to put you in touch with a local bi-lingual estate agent who will know the area well and is aware of all the properties that will fit your particular requirements, budget and area whether a courtyard house in Lower Normandy, a smart town house in Deauville itself or a sea view apartment overlooking La Manche and the beach..