A Guide to Deauville & Trouville on France’s Normandy Coast
Where to stay, eat and play in the coastal towns
Just over two hours from Paris—by train or car—you’ll find yourself on the Normandy coast, where the twin towns of Deauville and Trouville have long lured Parisians with their art-deco charm, cultural happenings, and relaxed atmosphere.
These coastal gems truly offer something for everyone, whether you're planning a family-friendly weekend, a romantic escape, or a laid-back getaway with friends.
My husband spent his childhood summers in the area, so it holds a deep sense of nostalgia for him. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times over the years, but this trip was especially meaningful with both of our little ones in tow.
If you’re looking for an easy getaway from Paris, especially to be close to the water without traveling the distance to the South, Normandy makes for an amazing escape. While technically neighboring towns, Deauville and Trouville are separated by a bridge and are easily walkable. So, if you opt to take the train to Deauville station, rest assured that it’s easy to get around without a car.
Deauville has the more prestigious reputation, hosting the annual film festival, the hippodrome, and high-end shops, although Trouville seems to be growing in popularity and notable destinations.
Overall, they each have their own character, both home to some notable gems. Here are some of our favorites:
WHERE TO STAY:
HÔTEL FLAUBERT: We loved our stay at Hotel Flaubert: a quaint seafront boutique hotel in Trouville with the warmth of a guesthouse. You can (reasonably) book a room with amazing sea views, and if you’re traveling with little ones, their suites offer separate small rooms with single beds.
*The only note I will make is that the rooms did not have bathtubs, which can be difficult with small children.
There are also many good Airbnb’s available. We’ve previously stayed at this one
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
COFFEE AT VILLA GYPSY: Located on a Main Street of Trouville is Villa Gypsy—a quaint coffeeshop and boutique serving (arguably) the best (and one of the few) lattes in town. When the weather is nice, enjoy your coffee outdoors with a slice of their must-try chocolate cake. It’s also a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch when you need a break for the heavy French dinners!
QUINTESSENTIAL FRENCH DINNERS AT:
Le Drakkar, Le Central, Les Vapeurs, Le Comptoir & La Table
Deauville and Trouville are serious when it comes to food—especially seafood and classic French staples like steak frites. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that you will eat well here. While you can typically squeeze in a last minute reservation, especially if you dine “early” like us around 7pm, I would still advise to reserve just in case a few days in advance, especially during high-season or school holidays.
We also had a great pizza from La Parasol for a more casual lunch/dinner option.
OTHER RESTAURANTS ON MY LIST:
Les Quatre Chats, L’essentiel, Bouillon Morny
ICE CREAM AT MARTINE LAMBERT: While we’re lucky enough to have a Martine Lambert nearby our apartment in Paris, this is the original location, and let’s just be honest…ice cream is better at the beach.
WHAT TO DO:
Aside from lounging on the beach, of course.
LES FRANCISCAINES: A beautifully restored cultural space near the Deauville Hippodrome. Free entry, a multi-level library, rotating exhibitions, and a lovely salon de thé make it a great stop for both adults and kids. Highly recommend!
MUSÉE VILLA MONTEBELLO: A charming museum in Trouville showcasing local history and artists, with seasonal workshops available for both children and adults.
*If you’re interested in attending a workshop, be sure to book as soon as possible. They fill up extremely quickly, especially during school holidays.
SHOPPING AT:
L’usage du Papier: I’m a complete sucker for bookstores and stationery shops, and this one was no exception. I found the perfect pencil pouch, monogrammed with the shop’s name, that tucked neatly into my journal (and gives me a small moment of joy everyday.)
OTHER HOME/DECOR SHOPS: Le BO Magasin, Par Hasard Maison and La Maison.
OTHER ACTIVITES: We played a (shortened) game of mini golf at Mini golf de Deauville near the beach, which was very fun while it lasted until our toddler was beyond ready for a nap. There are also several places for horseback riding available, as well as camps and “kid-clubs” available during the year.
FINAL TIPS:
If you’re traveling from Paris, Giverny makes for a quick and worthwhile detour. I highly recommend stopping to visit Monet’s home and gardens, followed by lunch in the village before continuing on to Deauville. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance — trust me, you’ll want to skip the line.
If you want to extend your getaway beyond Deauville and Trouville, Honfleur is another great option, even if just for the day. Also, the famous cliffs and breathtaking views of Étretat are located within an hour or so of Deauville.
Prepare for the weather, keeping in mind that Normandy is notorious for grey skies, occasional rain, and rough winds. Even in the summer, the wind can be somewhat brutal. With that being said, the weather can also be stunning, especially when escaping the summer heat of Paris.
Have you visited this area before? I’d love to know where some of your favorite spots are. Also, if you have any questions about Deauville/Trouville, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks for reading and I hope this inspires a future getaway!
Until next week,
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That bookshop! And such an odd name. I looked it up and an article in Ouest France said it was "new" in 2022? But it looks very vintage. This has got me curious.