Deauville is considered as the “queen of the Norman beaches” – with its famous racecourse, International Film Festivals, stylish villas, refined shopping center, celebrity plates that you can see as you walk along the beach boardwalk, and Grand Casino.
This place is also the birthplace of Coco Chanel’s clothing career – she used to vacation here during her affair with Boy Capel. And well, Deauville is mentioned in The Great Gatsby as the place where Tom Buchanan and Daisy honeymooned.
Deaville harbour
A very luxurious hotel – The Normandy Barriere – where many people wait outside, hoping to spot a celebrity. I was wondering what the fuss was about and decided to hang around for a minute – but I saw nothing. The Asian Film Fest was being held in Deaville sometime this week and I guess some celebs were seen coming and going in this hotel.
Normandy Barrierre hotel
Apartments are very nice in Deauville and you can just sit around and relax under the sun.
nice apartments
The mayor’s office is unbelievable. It’s very different from the others I’ve seen…and it’s just so pretty.
mayor's office
No big department stores here in Deaville – each boutique is situated in a Normandy style house. Fist from left is Hermes, followed by Polo Ralph Lauren, then Dior, and so on.
shopping center
The beach in Deauville – along with its boardwalk and the celebrity name planks.
The beach in Deaville
celebrity name plates along the boardwalk
Wasn’t able to go to the grand casino of Deauville, but a river away is Trouville’s casino. It’s a far cry from the casinos in Las Vegas. But according to popular culture, Deauville is the location inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond (Casino Royale) because he played here as a young man.
casino (trouville)
A tourist tram that tours you around Deaville.
tourist tram
The countryside around Deauville is the primary horse breeding region in France and home to several stud farms. The famous Ventes de Deauville yearling auction is held here during mid-August every year.
You might like my blog all about my nocturnal adventures in Paris and London in the 20s: I start of my fun and frolics in Deauville in August 1922. My oh my it actually has not changed that much!