Following the thread regarding a previous post from the jetset spas, this week we will talk about Deauville, a small town located on the northwestern coast of France in Normandy.
The Parisian Riviera
Two hours from Paris by car, Deauville has become a popular summer destination for Parisians. So much so, that it is often called the “Parisian Riviera”.
The offer of luxury services has led Deauville to compete in the preference of the powerful with the Côte d’Azur in southern France and with Monaco.
Deauville has become since the 1960s a favorite summer destination for the rich and famous, as well as for the most discreet French high-class.
The city became internationally known thanks to the 1966 film “Un Homme et une Femme”. In this multi-award-winning production, photography and artistic direction showing the landscapes and places of the city led to a romantic image of beauty and luxury of a time long gone, which the local authorities have endeavored to perpetuate.
Equestrian culture
The region around Deauville is the largest racehorse breeding area in France. In fact, such an atmosphere can be seen in the city through its Deauville-La Touques racecourse.
Thoroughbred horse breeding is one of the favorite economic pursuits of the wealthy classes. Just as equestrian polo is one of its emblematic sports.
It is no coincidence that this city has developed a symbiosis with its surrounding region, where horse breeding studs abound and riding schools thrive within Deauville itself.
If you want to taste some of that equestrian culture as a visitor, you can rent a horse and walk or gallop (according to your expertise as a rider) on the beach. This is a wonderful experience that will leave you with fond memories.
The casino
By law, in France the construction of casinos is allowed in places such as spas and thermal waters. Especially where the high-ticket purchasing power flows.
Deauville took advantage of this and established in 1912 a luxurious casino, the Casino Barrière Deauville, which, like the one in Monaco, serves as a showroom to observe the most luxurious vehicles in front of its facade.
According to its website description: “By day, the impeccable facade with its tall windows, rounded wings and stately entrance, never fails to impress. At night, enhanced by the lighting effects that cover it in gold, it is truly enchanting. Inside, crystal chandeliers, marble, mirrors and a ceiling height of 20 m emphasize Jacques García’s rich red and gold decoration ”.
Hotel Barrière Le Normandy
The 5-star luxury hotel Barrière Le Normandy is iconic. Built in 1912 in the design of the great English lords’ mansions, this hotel has long been a favorite for the wealthy who have no residence of their own in the region.
A famous love scene from the movie “Un Homme et une Femme” was shot here and as a tribute, the hotel maintains the “Suite Un Homme et une Femme”.
Adjacent to the hotel, you can see different luxury stores, built in the “Belle Époque” style, by great designers, remembering that it was in Deauville where Coco Chanel started her fashion empire.
Sandy Places
The beaches are frequented in summer. The famous handmade beach umbrellas can be rented for 14 euros a day. In summer you can enjoy the sun until 9 at night or even later.
As in most European beaches, the sand is usually made up of small pebbles, so you should never forget your sandals or beach slippers.
It is not uncommon that in season you can see a celebrity enjoying the beach. Who knows, she might even let you take a selfie with her …
American film festival
Since 1975 the Festival du cinéma américain de Deauville has been held annually, to extend the summer season and, above all, to attract American and European movie stars.
This festival has been competitive since the mid-90s of the last century and is dedicated, as its name says, to American cinema.
Not only are high-budget productions considered and awarded, but also indie films.
The proposal has paid off, because on festival days it is more common to see Hollywood stars walking around Deauville, which is very good for tourism.
International polo festival
Another bet to attract high-profile tourism and honoring the equestrian culture of the region is the International Polo Festival.
With very positive results!
If there is an illustrious polo tournament in France, it is the Gold Cup, which closes the Barrière Deauville Polo Cup world championship and showcases the biggest names in international polo.
The tournament takes place every year in August on the polo fields located in the center of the tracks of the Deauville – La Touques racecourse.
Since its creation in 1950, the following have been added successively: the emblematic Silver Cup of level 16 goals, the Bronze Cup of level 6/8 goals -which allows fans to play against professionals- and since 2015, the Women’s Polo Cup.
Conclusions
Undoubtedly, to get a glimpse of an aristocratic lifestyle and a decadent Belle Époque tone, nothing better than visiting Deauville.
And although many of its services are out of the reach of travelers on a budget, bathing in the warm beaches (perhaps with a famous one nearby), walking and seeing the items in stores Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Hermès and others, strolling through the lobby of the Hotel Barrière Le Normandy, you will instantly be taken to a time where luxury and wealth was the requisite of savoir vivre.
