Deauville, France

Deauville is a historic seaside resort town located in the Normandy region of northwestern France. Situated approximately 210 kilometers northwest of Paris, Deauville is best known as one of France’s most elegant coastal destinations. Although the area has older roots, Deauville developed mainly in the mid-19th century as a modern resort town and quickly became popular among Parisian elites.

Today, Deauville offers a large sandy beach, a grand casino, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, boutiques, and a variety of sports and leisure facilities, making it a memorable seaside getaway. The town is also known for Port-Deauville, its international polo club, and the Deauville-La Touques racecourse.

Deauville Beach is the main attraction, featuring a long stretch of fine white sand, colorful sun umbrellas, and bathing cabins. The famous Les Planches boardwalk, dating back to the 1920s, runs along the beach and is lined with restaurants and bars. Other points of interest include Villa Strassburger, Les Franciscaines cultural center, and Mont Canisy. Deauville is also home to a major event venue, the CID | Deauville Convention Center, located at 1 Rue Lucien Barrière.

Deauville has influenced and appeared in various works of literature and cinema. The town and the Normandy coast are associated with writers such as Marcel Proust, while F. Scott Fitzgerald, who spent time in Deauville, is often linked to its glamorous atmosphere. The town’s casino culture is also frequently mentioned in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, although the story is not set directly in Deauville. Over the years, Deauville has served as a filming location for several productions, including Un homme et une femme (1966), The Friends (1971), Trivial (2007), and Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value) (2025).

Deauville hosts the Deauville American Film Festival, founded in 1975 and dedicated to American cinema, which attracts international filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts every year.