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In years gone by, when the trip to the South of France was long and onerous, many Parisians slipped away to country/shore homes in Normandy and Brittany. In fact, Deauville and Trouville became so chic because of the Designer Boutiques, world famous restaurants, glamorous events and people; it was known as the 21st Arondissement for Paris. Little has changed since those days, although with the advent of air travel, trips to both the South of France and the Normandy beaches are shorter distances.
Deauville & Trouville are two individual towns separated by a river, but sharing a rail station. Deauville is considered more cosmopolitan because of the elegance of its famed Casino, and the growing popularity and glamour of its Film Festival in September. Old world charm prevail in both cities, architecture remains in place for hundreds of years, and thank heavens, a lot of it survived World War II. You have the feeling in certain places, hotels, restaurants, streets, that you’ve stepped back into an Impressionist painting. And a walk on the Promenade which stretches the full length of the beach, and when in deed people did Promenade to see friends, debut their marriageable daughters, and chaperone couples, Deauville has all the luxuries of the present time wrapped in the historic and artistic joys of another era.
If gambling is your pleasure, then make your way to the Casino, a haven and magnetic for people from around the globe. Not quite as elegant and glamorous as the one in Monte Carlo (in its visitors that is, for the building is sublime). Other sporting pleasures including some of the best horse racing in Europe and attract a lively crowd from Paris and way beyond. As you sit perched on the Atlantic all forms of sailing will lure you. Beware though, as it is in northern Europe, and sitting at the end of the Atlantic ocean, even summer days can have a chilly edge. Always take a warm wraparound for that talk or ride, and if you’re lucky, the summer sun will prevail and the beauty of Deauville and Trouville will pleasure your life.
The cities vie for your attention, but Deauville is the more famous place with more world-class events to attract attention. There are several major luxury hotels on both sides of the water, and each one has been raised to 21st century living standards. As every luxury taste is unique and individual I try not to choose for you because we all make choices based on personal wants, needs and preferences. Suffice it to say, that any of the 5-star hotels come highly recommended.
So, if you want to step back into the pages of time when Deauville-Trouville and its surrounding smaller towns and fishing ports lured the cognoscenti from Paris to its shores, take the TGV and leisurely step back into the pages of time. It’s a trip you won’t forget or regret.
November 27, 2022
