THINGS TO DO IN Trouville and Deauville: 1-DAY ITINERARY

The twin cities of Trouville and Deauville grew from quaint towns tucked along Normandy’s windswept coast to sought-after seaside resorts in the early 1900s. World War II was particularly devastating for both towns, and vacationers didn’t return to their shores until well into the 1950s. Still, from their early days, these resort towns have been associated with opulence and grandeur with dazzling casinos, luxurious hotels, and the town's famous horse races.

These charming yet equally lavish resort towns sit on either side of the Touques River in the Seine estuary. Aside from its famous horse racing, Deauville is also renowned for its American Film Festival, held in cinemas and casinos that are scattered across town annually. Visitors will spend their time admiring the traditional half-timbered architecture of Normandy while also enjoying some much needed R&R at either towns fabulous spa’s and wellness centers.

This is the perfect one-day itinerary, exploring the best things to do in both Deauville and Trouville. You’ll have plenty of time to take a day trip to Normandy’s best sights, while enjoying one of the most beautiful seaside respites in France.

Day 1

Morning: Deauville

• Plage de Deauville: Start your first day in Deauville off by walking along the 2 km Plage de Deauville. In the summer, you’ll find 450 umbrellas, as well as over 400 Art Deco bathing cabins that face out towards the ocean. The idyllic, summer atmosphere here has long inspired romantics, including the filmmaker Claude Lelouch, who used it as the backdrop for his film “Un homme et une femme”.

• Les Planches: Looking out onto the sea, this 762 km stretch of bathing cabins is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Deauville. Designed by Charles Ada in the Art Deco style in 1924, visitors can find names of famous actors and actresses who have visited the town for the annual American Film Festival emblazoned on the short palisades by the door of each cabin, including Morgan Freeman. The wooden walkway that makes up the Promenade des Planches was reconstructed with azobe wood in the 1950s.

• Casino Barrière Deauville: Begin making your way into Deauville and away from the beach to your next destination. Much like the grandeur of the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Casino Barriere Deauville offers an elegant casino in the heart of the city center. Interiors are just as sumptuous as the exterior, with glass chandeliers and gilded details. Visitors will find hundreds of slot machines and game tables along with a Renaissance-style theater and cinema, which has held showings for the famous American Film Festival.

• Place de Morny: Continue down Rue Desire le Hoc to the grand Place de Morny. This is Deauville’s historic city, marked by a sprawling fountain that was replaced following the carnage of WWII. The square is flanked by cafes, restaurants, and charming shops.

• Les Franciscaines: Walk down quaint, tree-lined streets for about 15 minutes to reach your next destination. Once part of the Franciscan order, Les Franciscaines wore many hats, including as an orphanage and convent, before becoming Deauville’s cultural center. The building has been repurposed to hold the town’s media library, a museum with over 500 paintings, and an auditorium.

• Eglise Saint-Augustin de Deauville: Just steps away from Les Franciscaines is the charming Eglise Saint-Augustin de Deauville. Finished in 1865, visitors can pick out the distinct Gothic and Romanesque architectural features in the tower and nave. Once inside, you’ll also have the chance to admire biblical paintings and panels.

• Villa Strassburger: End your tour of Deauville at Villa Strassburger. Built in 1907, this stunning specimen of tudor, half-timbered architecture was once the home of an avid horse racing fan, Baron Henri de Rothschild. The grounds are surrounded by apple trees in true Normandy style. You can also take a tour of the interior of the villa, admiring the antique furnishings, paintings, and lavish decor.

Day 1, morning - Deauville Tour Map

Afternoon: Trouville

• Trouville Villas: Your first stop on the Trouville side of town is to admire the beautiful seafront villas. Stroll from the Villas des Flots to the Villa Mariposa, stopping to see the Villa La Tour Malakoff in between.

• Musee de la Villa Montebello: One of these exquisite villas has been turned into a museum. The Musee de la Villa Montebello gives visitors a rare glimpse inside these sumptuous residences. Architect Jean-Louis Célinsky de Zaremba built the home in 1865. Today it focuses on showcasing local history and maritime-related artwork, including paintings, clothing, posters, and drawings.

• Grand Plage de Trouville: End your short tour of Trouville by visiting the Grand Plage de Trouville. Stroll along 1,200 meters of this historic beach, known as the oldest seaside resort in Normandy. In the summer months, chairs, umbrellas, and the iconic striped chalets can all be rented, including a Library Cabin for those who want to read. For those who enjoy water sports, paddleboards and kayaks can also be rented by the hour.

• Casino Barriere de Trouville: A small casino tucked along the Touques River estuary, Casino Barrière de Trouville provides another fun and lively atmosphere for gambling hopefuls. Select from 200 slot machines, roulette games, card tables, and more. There are also two restaurants and a bar onsite.

Day 2, afternoon - Trouville Tour Map

Other Things to Do in Trouville and Deauville

• Batteries of Mont Canisy: Built in 1941 by German troops out of concrete and steel, the Batteries of Mont Canisy are a must-see for WWII buffs. The batteries are situated on the highest bluff in Normandy and just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Deauville. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which has several hiking trails. Aside from the ties to WWII, visitors will also have panoramic views of the Côte Fleurie.

• Port-Deauville: The Port-Deauville is open year round, welcoming yachts, sailboats, and more to its harbor. Sandwiched between Deauville and Trouville, this port has 700 moorings, is home to the Deauville Yacht Club, and provides not only jobs in the community but also sailing lessons for both city’s youth. This is also an excellent spot to enjoy a walk, admiring the boats.

• Marché de Deauville: Housed in a traditional, Neo-Norman half-timbered building, the Marché de Deauville is a gourmands paradise. Visitors will find everything from crisp Normandy apples to fresh fish, local cheese, and even flowers, books, and clothing. Open every day during the summer, the market's hours vary drastically from month to month in the off season.

• La Mangeoire - Club Hippique de Deauville: (horse riding on the beach): Instead of simply watching the horse racing, why not take part in a bit of horse riding yourself? La Mangeoire - Club Hippique de Deauville organizes riding lessons, 10-minute pony baptisms for youngsters, and day rides along the beach, whether you’re a beginner or an expert equestrian.

Best Day Trips From Trouville and Deauville

• Cabourg: Another seaside city situated just 30 minutes from Deauville, Cabourg is a worthwhile day trip. Cabourg was once a popular vacation destination and has the grand oceanfront Bell-Epoque hotels to show for it. Hosting a renowned film festival each year, you’ll also find a casino, racecourse, and pretty beaches to stroll.

• Honfleur: About a 30-minute drive from Deauville, Honfleur is a historic port town situated on the Seine estuary. Known for the beautiful Vieux Bassin, a quaint harbor lined with colorful, half-timbered homes and restaurants, the city attracted many artists, including Monet and Degas. Many of France’s explorers left from Honfleur’s port to explore North America.

• Le Havre: A bit less than an hour’s drive from Deauville, Le Havre is also steeped in WWII history and makes a great addition to a trip that is centered around WWII history. Just across the water from Honfleur, Le Havre is perched along the Seine estuary where the river meets the sea. The city is also known for its unique architecture and layout, designed by Auguste Perret following the war. Famous for its use of concrete, the city was the first to be UNESCO-designated following WWII. It is also commonly known as the birthplace of Impressionism because of Monet’s famous painting of Le Havre, titled “Impression, Sunrise".

• Lisieux: A 30-minute drive from Deauville, the small town of Lisieux is best known as a religious pilgrimage site, only second to Lourdes. The striking Basilica of Saint Therese of Lisieux is a mammoth Gothic cathedral in the center of town where pilgrims gather to pay homage to Saint Therese. Many come from across the world to visit The Shrine of St. Therese specifically.

• D-Day Landing Beaches: Deauville lies just east of the infamous D-Day Landing Beaches. Visitors will find the most famous landing spots of Omaha and Utah just a short drive from each other. The American Cemetery is also located just opposite Omaha Beach and is a harrowing must-see spot for WWII history. Several worthwhile museums, including the Overlord and the Normandy Victory Museum nearby.

• Mont Saint Michel: One of the most famous destinations in France, and rightfully so with its magical appearance, Mont Saint-Michel is about two hours from Deauville and well worth the trek for a day trip. Another pilgrimage site, the Abbey Mont-Saint Michel, sits atop its rocky precipice with fun shops and crepe stands clustered around its base. Surrounded by vast tidal plains that are known for being notoriously dangerous, the abbey was built in the 11th century.

• Cider Route: This 25-mile-long route runs through Normandy’s countryside, hopping between cider producers, and begins near the town of Caen, about an hour from Deauville. Learn more about the apple farmers, cider producers, and the stunning Norman countryside along the way.

• Calvados Tour: While Normandy is well known for its cider production, apple brandy is another popular tipple. Known as calvados in Normandy, take a tour of the Calvados Experience, an interactive exhibit that details the history and production of this fruity liquor.

• Château des Fougères: As the purported best-preserved Medieval fortress in Europe, Chateau des Fougeres is a must-see for lovers of Middle Age history. The castle has seen several iterations in its lifetime, from the original wooden castle in the 11th century to the stone castle you see today. Explore the quintessential nooks and crannies like the drawbridge, towers, courtyards, moat, and the bailey while also uncovering its unique past. The castle grounds make up a sprawling complex that overlooks the village of Fougeres.

• Beuvron-en-Auge: Just 30 minutes southwest of Deauville, Beuvron-en-Auge is a charming Norman village. The town is studded with traditional buildings, including the 16th century Vieux Manoir. Beauvron-en-Auge is situated along the Cidre Route and hosts a cider festival every autumn.

• Pont l’Évêque: Cheese lovers, run, don’t walk to the tiny village of Pont l’Évêque where you’ll find a famous fromage by the same name. Thought to be one of the oldest Norman cheeses still in production, this delicious creation dates back to the 13th century. Dig into this cow-milk’s cheese in the town it was named for, just 20 minutes from Deauville.

• Château de Crevecœur: One of Normandy’s more humble Medieval châteaux, the Château de Crevecœur is a rare remnant of the region's local lords. Visitors can explore the complex which includes the castle itself, half-timbered buildings where the peasants once lived, and a 12th century chapel. From spring to early fall, the château hosts fun events like fishing in the moat, jousting tournaments and more.

• Caen: Entrenched in WWII history, Caen is best known for the Memorial de Caen and its D-Day Exhibit. The Caen Castle is another must-visit site and one of the largest walled fortifications in all of Europe, housing the Musée de Normandie, highlighting Normandy heritage, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Caen is just 50 minutes from Deauville and Trouville.

• Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives: Just 40 minutes south of Deauville, Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives is a small town that packs a punch with interesting architecture and heritage. Best known for its wonderful markets, including a traditional market and antique market, visitors can’t miss the striking Médiéval Abbaye de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives and its flying buttresses.

• Bayeux: About one hour outside of Deauville and Trouville, Bayeux is the famous home of the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the most impressive works of Romanesque art. Detailing the Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror, the tapestry stretches 70 meters and is housed inside the La Tapisserie de Bayeux. Aside from seeing this 11th-century masterpiece, the town of Bayeux is a charming destination in itself. Make a visit to the gargantuan Bayeux Cathedral and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy for more background on this historic Norman city.

• Falaise: Home to William the Conqueror’s Castle, Falaise is another interesting Medieval gem in the Calvados region of France. As the birthplace of William the Conqueror, history buffs flock to the Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant, perched on a rocky hill. The town of Falaise was almost completely destroyed in WWII to prevent the Germans from advancing, thus the Memorial to Civilian Suffering was opened as an homage to the local population.

• Etretat: One hour north of Deauville lie the stunning cliffs of Étretat. These sheer white cliffs, plunging into the English Channel, have inspired all, from famous artists to authors. Above all, this is a picturesque spot to enjoy a day in nature. Visitors can paddleboard or kayak for better views of the sea arch and cliffs or simply view them from above. The village of Étretat is also worth a visit with its quaint shops and cafes.

• Château du Champ de Bataille: Known as the Battlefield Castle in English, the Chateau du Champ de Bataille is a sprawling example of Baroque architecture. Originally built by Alexandre de Crequy-Bernieulle, like many chateaux in the 17th century, it was dismantled following the French Revolution. Today, guests can tour the beautiful gardens outside and the colorful frescoes, antiques, and chandeliers inside.

Top Things To Do in Trouville and Deauville with Kids

• Paléospace: Be transported to Normandy’s Jurassic period at Paléospace. Located just 15 minutes west of Deauville, this fascinating, interactive museum displays dinosaur fossils found in Normandy, a Jurassic fossil gallery, and a 360° planetarium. This is the perfect place to bring kiddos who love dinosaurs or on a rainy day!

• Le Petite Train de Trouville: Le Petite Train de Trouville is a small toy train that chugs through the quaint streets of Trouville, all while the conductor gives historical tidbits and facts about the town along the way.

• Le Hangar a Enigmes: For teenagers and older children, Le Hangar a Enigmes offers unique escape games in both Deauville and Trouville. Choose from nine different rooms, each offering a distinct puzzle to solve, from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice to The Magic Portal. You’ll have 60 minutes to figure out the riddles.

• Mini-Golf: Situated just opposite the Plage de Deauville, Mini-Gold Deauville offers visitors a fun course for both children and adults. Drinks are served at the bar and the seaside views offer a pretty backdrop.

• Piscine Olympique de Deauville: Offering both the large, 50 meter Olympic pool and a children’s pool, the Piscine Olympique de Deauville is the perfect place to bring little ones who are just learning to swim. The water is heated to 27°C and has lifeguards, year round.

• Boat Ride on the Touques River: Hopping on a speedboat for a cruise down the Touques River makes for a fun afternoon with children. Sightsee down the river or along the coast, depending on which tour option you choose.

• Deauville Carousel: A quintessential carousel in the center of Deauville, children can hop on this traditional amusement ride, surrounded by classic half-timbered architecture and whimsical carnival music.

• Pony Rides: The La Mangeoire - Club Hippique de Deauville offers children pony rides in the small corral, including 10-minute pony baptisms to get little ones used to the idea of riding horses. For older kids, you can also book a horse riding session on the beach as well as lessons.

• Naturospace Butterfly Park: Located just outside the city of Honfleur, the Naturospace Butterfly Park is an enclosed botanical garden filled with butterflies and tropical birds. You’ll also find over 400 unique plant species like cocoa trees, orchids, and hibiscus from across the globe.

• Zoo de Cerza: As the largest zoo in all of Normandy, Zoo de Cerza cares for 1,500 animals from 120 different species. Situated on 8 hectares of land, the animals have large exhibits to roam. This is the perfect outing for animal lovers and children, offering additional amusements like a 3D-cinema and a safari train. Zoo de Cerza is just 30 minutes from Deauville.

Best Restaurants in Trouville and Deauville

Deauville:

• Maximin Hellio (1 Michelin star): One of Deauville’s two Michelin-star restaurants, Maximin Hellio is located just off the quaint Place de Morny. Named after the chef himself, guests will find three tasting menus to choose from. All menus highlight fresh produce and local meat from Normandy.

• L’Essentiel (1 Michelin star): A perfect mix of vibrant Asian dishes and Normandy produce, wrapped up into a Michelin-star restaurant. This is L’Essentiel. Also steps away from the Place de Morny, guests will find delicious and inventive dishes like Simmental beef with samsang jus.

• Augusto Chez Laurent: The oldest restaurant in Deauville, Augusto Chez Laurent might be recently reinvented but the cuisine is classic French. Choose from several set menus that highlight local seafood with dishes like Breton lobster, pan-fried sea bream, bouillabaisse.

• Le Square Deauville: With a focus on locally inspired, healthy food, Le Square Deauville provides a fun and trendy space to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unique desserts. The menu features global cuisine with dishes like bibimbap, poke, burrata, and ramen.

Trouville:

• Marinette: Situated on the Trouville side of the river La Touques, Marinette is a trendy French bistro featuring simple meals like endives with Roquefort, sole meuniere, and homemade desserts like crepes Suzette.

• Les Etiquettes: Tucked in the heart of Trouville, Les Etiquettes is a wine bar and restaurant. Enjoy unfussy yet delicious dishes that are a perfect mix of French and Italian like tartare de boeuf a l’italienne, ravioli, and salmon carpaccio. All of it is set in an intimate atmosphere.

• La Regence: A traditional restaurant, La Regence combines classic French charm with seafood delights. Enjoy lobster, langoustines, mussels, crabs, and several kinds of local fish. Guests will find a romantic interior, dining by candlelight.

Trouville and Deauville Golf Courses

• Golf Barrière de Deauville: Two different courses make up the beautiful Golf Barriere de Deauville. Play the Par 71, 18-hole course at Diane Barrier or the Par 36, 8-hole Lucien Barriere course. Avid golfers will also find putting courses, a driving range, and a practice bunker, along with the gorgeous Deauville Clubhouse and a pro shop.

• Golf de Deauville Saint-Gatien: Situated about 17 minutes outside of Deauville, Golf de Deauville Saint-Gatien is a 100-hectare golf course with three different 9-hole courses on offer. Courses are designed with both beginners and advanced players in mind. Visitors can also take golf lessons and enjoy a delicious meal at the Le Coin du Terroir restaurant.

Racecourses in Trouville and Deauville

• Deauville-La Touques Racecourse: Deauville-La Touques holds the most races of any racecourse in France each year. Held in the very center of town at the Hippodrome de Deauville, this racecourse is known for its ability to hold races at any time throughout the year, due to its fiber-reinforced sand track, this race track is great for those both young and old, with plenty of facilities for families.

• Clairefontaine Racecourse: Located just 10 minutes south of Deauville, the Clairefontaine Racecourse holds events and races from June to October. Visitors can take guided tours of the track and surrounding buildings on race day, along with childcare and themed race days.

Where to Stay in Trouville and Deauville

Deauville:

• Hotel Barriere le Normandy Deauville (5-star): Le Normandy is a sprawling, five-star resort situated on the seafront in Deauville. Featuring charming, traditional architecture throughout and well-appointed, spacious rooms, guests can settle into an extra comfortable stay by the beach. Choose from several suites, including large family apartments. Guests can also enjoy an onsite restaurant, bar, indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, hammam, spa, and bicycles to cruise around town. This is also one of the best hotels in Deauville for children, as they offer a special program for kids 4 to 12 years old.

• Royal Barrière Hotel (5-star): A stay at the Royal Barrière Hotel oozes old-world luxury. Sleep beneath canopied, king-size beds, enjoy sea views from your private balcony and relax beneath crystal chandeliers. Dine at onsite restaurants, including The Côté Royale, or grab a drink at L’Etrier Bar for a glass of bubbly. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool, kids club, fitness center, spa, sauna, hammam, salon, and bicycles for cruising around town. Located just beside the Casino Barrière Deauville and the Grand Plage de Deauville, this hotel also offers one of the best locations.

• Villa Augeval Hôtel de charme & Spa (4-star): A boutique hotel and spa situated just opposite the Hippodrome de Deauville, Villa Augeval is one of the most charming accommodation options in the city. The exterior of the property is traditional Norman architecture with a beautiful half-timbered facade, while rooms offer a quiet, intimate retreat. Guests will enjoy the heated outdoor pool, daily breakfast, and spa for massages, jacuzzi tubs, facials, and more.

Trouville:

• Cures Marines Hotel & Spa (5-star): Situated right on the Grand Plage de Trouville, Cures Marines Hotel & Spa is a beautiful 5-star property. Built in 1912 in the Belle Époque style, this luxurious property offers guests sprawling rooms with views of both the harbor and beach. A world-class spa, La Galerie Restaurant, oceanfront terrace, piano bar, fitness studio, organized wellness activities, and a saltwater pool.

• Le Flaubert (4-star): The Le Flaubert is a charming, 4-star, half-timbered hotel built in the Neo-Norman style that looks out to Trouville’s pretty Grande Plage. With just 31 rooms, guests can expect a more intimate stay with beautiful, light-filled rooms that look out to the sea. Pop in to the bar and literary cafe, Le Bovary, after a long day of exploring.

• Hotel Saint James (3-star): Tucked a bit more in town while still being walking distance to the sea, Hotel Saint James offers visitors of Trouville a cozy accommodation option in the heart of the city. Housed inside an old mansion, guests can sit beside the fireplace to enjoy a glass of calvados. Continental breakfast is served daily.

Best Time to Visit Trouville and Deauville

Deauville and Trouville have a continental and oceanic climate with mild summers and chilly winters. Precipitation remains fairly consistent throughout the year but picks up a bit from October through January. Because both Deauville and Trouville are seaside resort towns, most guests will want to visit any time from May to September. This time of year is the most vibrant, with restaurants, cafes, and shops open for the season.

Festivals in Trouville and Deauville

• Deauville American Film Festival: Held annually in September, the Deauville American Film Festival is by far the most important event of the year. Unlike the Cannes Film Festival, this celebration of cinema focuses only on American films. The festival has taken place since 1975, drawing in famous actors and actresses like Morgan Freeman.

• Le Barriere Deauville Polo Cup World Championship: As one of the world’s premier polo matches, players from across the globe compete in Le Barriere Deauville Polo Club World Championship. The coveted prize is the Coupe d’Or and both men and women compete. Be sure to come dressed in your finest!

• Fete de la Mer: Held in the nearby coastal hamlet of Villerville, Fete de la Mer takes place every July. Festival-goers will find traditional bagpipe music, religious ceremonies, parades, and a Blessing of the Sea.

• Fete Nationale: Every July 14th, the city of Deauville takes part in a celebration that spans the entirety of France. La Fete National is celebrated with traditional fireworks and live music.

• Fete Sable Show: The Fete Sable Show is an annual celebration held in the town of Villers-sur-Mer featuring beach concerts from July to August.

• Dragon de Deauville: A multi-day race of dragon sailboats, the Dragon de Deauville is a fun spectacle for sailing aficionados and interested onlookers alike. Held over a weekend in June, the sailors make their way past Deauville’s main beach.