Discover the seaside resort of Deauville
Deauville,
jowel of the
"côte fleurie"
Deauville, everything in walking distance
from the Villa le Cercle
The birth of Deauville the seaside resort in the heart of Normandy
This modern town was created in the 1860’s. Originally, Deauville was a small village situated on the green hillside of Mont Canisy, with only about one hundred inhabitants gathered around the St. Laurent church. Deauville emerged from the sea and the marshes following the visit of the Duke of Morney, half brother of Napolean 3, who took the initiative of acquiring the town to turn it into the ideal resort.
After only 4 years of work, Deauville is emerging from its marshes and the overall architecture of the seaside resort is taking shape. The resort of Deauville obtains a casino on the seafront, a hippodrome, a commercial port and a railway for easier access and develop activities in the heart of the town. Eugène Cornuché surrounded himself with an architect and financial advisor to create a prestigious resort and facilities to support the town. The casino and the Normandy hotel were created in 1912, the Royal in 1913, entertainment multiplied, it was now possible to frequent the a horse racing track, to to play golf on the golf courses created in 1929 or to go to the Deauville American Film Festival from 1975 onwards, one of the first steps towards providing entertainment out of season in the resort.
Deauville architecture and charm
Appreciated for its architectural style, Deauville is rich in works of art that give it charm and allow it to shape its own identity: seaside villas, beach cabins and Art Deco style roman baths and timber beamed manor housesAmongst these architectural wonders, the Villa le Cercle is modeled in the style of the second empire, the Villa Abeille in that of Art Nouveau. In Deauville it is possible to major patrimonial sites such as the Villa Strasburger. The Barrière Normandy Hotel is regularly qualified as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world by columnists and has become an emblematic site of Normandy heritage. The building of the town hall is certainly one of the most photographed spots in Deauville, constructed in 1881 under the guidance of the Versailles architect Saintin in the Beaux-Arts style. Visitors can enjoy the small square situated just in front of the entrance.
Deauville charms its visitors with its characteristic Normandy style architecture and its town centre. The ‘Place Morny’ is at the heart of the town. It is a historic and busy meeting place, with a magnificent fountain and a statue of the Duke of Morny. It has numerous restaurants, cafés and luxury boutiques. It is animated by the market which takes place on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 1.30 pm.
In order to preserve and valorise the architectural delights, the town of Deauville is committed to a global protection initiative, notably with the creation of the architecture and heritage enhancement scheme which has identified 555 buildings to this day.
The beach, the parasols and the ‘Planches’, symbols of the town of Deauville
Deauville’s two-kilometre long fine sandy beach is one of Normandy’s legendary beaches. It lies in a unique setting, bordered by historic villas. The beach in Deauville is famous for its coloured parasols, its 450 beach cabins, and for the film Un Homme et Une Femme directed by Claude Lelouch. The emblematic promenade now extends over 643 metres: these are the mythical Planches de Deauville. Made out of wood, each of the palisades that separates the cabins carries the name of a celebrity who has attended the Deauville American Film Festival. The Planches de Deauville and the uniquely coloured parasols are undoubtedly the town’s greatest symbols.
Near to the beach there is a mini-golf, a horse riding center, a spa, tennis courts as well as an olympic-size swimming pool. Visitors regularly experience magic moments when they come across race horses who come unwind on the beach early in the morning or in the evening at sunset.
Deaville, the land of horses and golf courses
Horses have left their mark on Deauville and is today one of the symbols of the resort. The town of Deauville is exceptionally equipped with two hippodromes: The Deauville-la-Touques and the Clairefontaine hippodromes. Each year horse racing lovers can enjoy events over around 60 days, Summer and Winter. Sales of yearlings, race horses or breeding horses take place in the renowned Elie de Brignac establishment: record sums are regularly reached during the prestigious international sales. Deauville welcomes the greatest French and international polo players to play matches and win cups: the Barrière Deauville Polo Cup competition in August continues to grow each year and attracts more and more spectators and enthusiasts.
The Pôle International du Cheval was created in 2010: it is a high quality multifunctional equestrian site, which hosts numerous competitions in dressage, show jumping, horse-ball, carriage driving, etc. It also allows the learning and improvement of horse riding for adults and children.
Deauville has no less than 4 golf courses: the Barriere de Deauville golf course, L’Amirauté golf course, the Deauville Saint-Gatien golf course and the Barriere de Saint-Julien golf course. These satisfy amateurs and professionals alike with their technical and fun rounds which provide spectacular views on the Normandy landscape.
Deauville : International cultural awareness
Deauville advocates international cultural awareness. Particularly appreciated for its charm and easy living, it follows a rhythm events throughout the year: corporate, tourism and general public events such as the Deauville American Film Festival, The Easter and August Classical Music Festivals, the Book and Music Festival, the Normandy-Deauville Triathlon, the important horse racing events, the prestigious polo tournaments and the golf competitions.
With a hotel capacity of 2,000 rooms, the town is equipped with outstanding facilities: a congress centre, The Longines Deauville International Equestrian Centre, a spa, tennis courts, horse riding, car racing circuit, a casino and a cultural centre, The Franciscaines, a unique structure of 6,000 sq metres including library, museum and concert hall.
“The town permanently looks to the future. It has become a cultural, touristic, economic and sporting centre recognised all over the world, and a first choice destination for trade shows and leading events: summit meetings and international events such as the G7, G8, G27, swimming and equestrian competitions” says Philippe Augier, Mayor of Deauville.
Therefore Deauville is the ideal destination for a unique experience in an exceptional setting.
