Travel to Deauville

Travel to Deauville

Located in France's Basse-Normandie region, Deauville is considered one of the premier Norman beaches. Earliest historic references to Deauville are rooted in the 11th century, when the village was primarily a fishing hamlet. Over the course of time, the deserted sand dunes and marshlands were converted into the small harbour and holiday destination that it is today. In addition to its beach, the area is also known as France's principal region for breeding racehorses.

Transportation to Deauville

Deauville's small airport, Deauville Saint-Gatien, is a small facility with very limited connections to other destinations in France as well as with a few greater European destinations. Most international passengers arrive first in Paris. From there, another connection to Caen is a decent option for approaching the region.

Regular rail service runs from Paris Saint-Lazare to the Deuaville-Trouville Station. Transportation by bus is available via Bus Verts du Calvados, and regular connections are made to Caen, Le Havre and Honfleur. Brittany Ferries also operate daily crossings from Portsmouth, England to St Malo and Caen; from here, travellers can proceed to Deauville by road.

The roads that service Deauville are well-maintained and offer excellent connections from most of France's major destinations. The A13 provides direct access. Those who arrive first in Caen can make use of the N176, followed by the N177. The roads within the city limits are easily navigated and are generally well-signposted.

What to see

Deauville's tourist options are a little sparse compared to some of the other holiday destinations in France. The two primary draws to this region are the beaches and the area's fame for horse racing. The beach is considered the finest in Normandy and is a prime destination for the French elite. The golden sand and calm water boasts an excellent climate in which to relax and soak up the sun.

The city's equestrian reputation leads many visitors to one of the two race courses: Deauville La Touques and Deaville-Clairefontaine, where a mix of celebrities, race enthusiasts and tourists come together to watch the races. Horseback riding is also available at one of the many centres that give access to the countryside, offering splendid scenic views.

Daytrips

Having access to a vehicle opens up the option of visiting other places around Deauville. The countryside of Normandy is lush and green, with a smattering of traditional villages that are generally not accessible by public transportation. Other potential daytrips include Cherbourg or even an overnight expedition into Brittany.

Activities and leisure

Water sports have become popular in Deauville and many holidaymakers enjoy a visit to the Deauville Water Sports Centre, which hosts a wide spectrum of activities including surfing, kayaking, speed-sailing, sailboarding and catamaran sailing. This facility is open from April to mid-November. The Casino Barrire is another popular place to spend some time. The casino is, without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions of the region.

Safety issues

Deauville is by and large a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is low and the only real concern to guard against is pick-pocketing. Thieves and purse-snatchers make easy targets of tourists, and it never hurts to take extra care in securing your belongings. Participating in water sports increases the risk of injury. We strongly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy to protect yourself and your family.