Deauville France
Racing playground of the jet set
Just a two hour drive from Paris, on the magnificent Normandy coast, Deauville has, since the early 20th Century, been one of the chosen getaway spots for Paris’ beau monde. It is a small town that was the brainchild of Napoleon III’s half brother who had a vision to create, on the marshlands and sands, an “elegant kingdom” for the Parisian jet set. With its Neo-Norman villas, luxury hotels, glamorous casino and racetrack it became irresistible to the smart set of the Roaring Twenties and was frequented by the likes of Mistinguett and Josephine Baker. Today Deauville has lost none of its allure and has maintained its feeling of elegance, and history, while keeping in tune with the demands of the modern day traveller.
The town combines the tranquillity of a seaside resort with plenty of international social and sportive events: the American film festival, golfing contests, regattas, polo tournaments and horse racing. Known as the “lady of France”, it was France’s most prominent fashion icons, Coco Chanel, that put Deauville on the shopping map when she opened her famous boutique here. There is an abundance of restaurants to choose from, whether you choose to sample the local flavours of Normandy cuisine with its traditional dishes “a la crème”, or enjoy the excellent seafood on offer.
With the long sandy beaches full of colourful parasols, the famous promenade, luxury shopping and several leisure facilities there is something for everyone. Horse racing has long been the sport of Kings and here in Deauville the horse is king. Normandy is the top thoroughbred breeding region of France and many of France’s top studs are located in the environs of Deauville. There are now two racecourses in Deauville itself and several more in the surrounding areas which play host to some of the top meets throughout the year. Golf is also one of the top activities in the area, with several golf courses within easy reach of the town.
The months of July and August see the town at its busiest, with the racing fraternity of Paris decamping to the area and visitors from far and wide congregating here. The summer months are, of course, the warmest too but the sea remains stubbornly cooling and refreshing.
Just a two hour drive from Paris, on the magnificent Normandy coast, Deauville has, since the early 20th Century, been one of the chosen getaway spots for Paris’ beau monde. It is a small town that was the brainchild of Napoleon III’s half brother who had a vision to create, on the marshlands and sands, an “elegant kingdom” for the Parisian jet set. With its Neo-Norman villas, luxury hotels, glamorous casino and racetrack it became irresistible to the smart set of the Roaring Twenties and was frequented by the likes of Mistinguett and Josephine Baker. Today Deauville has lost none of its allure and has maintained its feeling of elegance, and history, while keeping in tune with the demands of the modern day traveller.
The town combines the tranquillity of a seaside resort with plenty of international social and sportive events: the American film festival, golfing contests, regattas, polo tournaments and horse racing. Known as the “lady of France”, it was France’s most prominent fashion icons, Coco Chanel, that put Deauville on the shopping map when she opened her famous boutique here. There is an abundance of restaurants to choose from, whether you choose to sample the local flavours of Normandy cuisine with its traditional dishes “a la crème”, or enjoy the excellent seafood on offer.
With the long sandy beaches full of colourful parasols, the famous promenade, luxury shopping and several leisure facilities there is something for everyone. Horse racing has long been the sport of Kings and here in Deauville the horse is king. Normandy is the top thoroughbred breeding region of France and many of France’s top studs are located in the environs of Deauville. There are now two racecourses in Deauville itself and several more in the surrounding areas which play host to some of the top meets throughout the year. Golf is also one of the top activities in the area, with several golf courses within easy reach of the town.
The months of July and August see the town at its busiest, with the racing fraternity of Paris decamping to the area and visitors from far and wide congregating here. The summer months are, of course, the warmest too but the sea remains stubbornly cooling and refreshing.
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Villas in this destination
