Just 2 hours from Paris lies one of Normandy's most legendary towns. A well-known destination for lovers of casinos, golf, horse racing and sumptuous hotels. You will of course recognise Deauville, the seaside town with a thousand faces. Thanks to its wide range of activities, Deauville now attracts a varied public. The 4-star La Closerie hotel is the ideal retreat for your trip to the Channel coast.
Activities 100% Deauville: a trip around the world of games
The extraordinary world of Casino
Deauville has always been an avant-garde town, and its first casino was built in 1846, just as the seaside resort was enjoying its first hours of glory. At the time, the main attraction was sea bathing. But there was also a need to entertain the wealthy aristocracy who frequented the town at the time. With the fall of the Empire, this first playground closed and Deauville was abandoned for a while. It was a certain Eugène Cornuché who breathed new life into the seaside resort in 1912. He commissioned the construction of the current Barrière casino, whose architecture was inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles. It quickly became a meeting place for high society. At the time, the businessman was looking for ultra-luxury to bring back wealthy and lucrative tourists. Mission accomplished, as the casino is still reputed to be one of the most beautiful and sought-after in France. One of the nicknames given to Deauville is the 'Las Vegas of Normandy'. As well as the gaming tables and slot machines, the building houses several nightclubs and 3 restaurants, so there's plenty to do in Deauville!
Equestrian activities
Another great local tradition is horse racing. The town is nationally renowned as a popular venue for racegoers, families, enthusiasts and those curious about the world of horses. There's no shortage of horse-related activities in Deauville! Among the must-sees is the La Touques racecourse, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people and is the largest in the region. Thoroughbred races are held here all year round. The summer season is the most eagerly awaited, kicked off by the famous "Meeting Deauville Barrière" social event. This is an international meeting where you can watch the world's best horses race. It's something you have to experience at least once: the excitement in the stands is palpable. Some of them are betting big on their favourites! For a calmer atmosphere, set your sights on a horse ride. It's an outdoor activity that's sure to delight the whole family. This uphill ride will also be an opportunity to (re)discover the diversity of Normandy's landscapes, from half-timbered houses to the beaches of the Côte Fleurie.
Wellness destination: Deauville activities
Thalasso and balneotherapy
In the mid-19th century, the appeal of sea bathing encouraged the creation of seaside resorts. Even today, people still take advantage of the therapeutic virtues of seawater to indulge in a wellness break. From your hotel room La CloserieYou don't have to go far to enjoy a relaxing interlude. In fact, the establishment offers its own services at the spa Thalassotherapy: indoor pool heated all year round, modelling, treatments, massages, sauna, jacuzzi and hammam. Luxury thalassotherapy outlets can be found all over the city. And if sea bathing has remained so popular, it's thanks to the many virtues of salt water, seaweed and marine mud. Iodised water is a real source of mineral salts, as well as trace elements. What's more, it boosts energy levels, helps the skin to glow, reduces stress and relieves aches and pains. All it takes is 12 to 15 minutes in the water to reap its benefits. Here are some ideas for activities in Deauville that are good for body and mind!
Sporting activities on land and sea
If you find it hard to stay in one place, even on holiday, don't worry, Deauville is full of sporting activities for all levels. On the seafront, you'll find all the timeless water sports: sand yachting, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing lessons. It's the perfect way to spend your holiday with family and friends and create some great memories! Every summer, group activities are organised on the legendary Deauville beach: Pilates, an introduction to tai chi, yoga or gentle gymnastics. A little further away from the blue sea, a whole host of other sports await you. Deauville has 7 tennis clubs with all types of surface: clay, artificial turf, hard courts and padel courts. There's something for every racket enthusiast! Another great local sporting speciality is golf, and once again there's plenty to delight enthusiasts. The courses are set in breathtaking natural surroundings and have been designed by some of the world's most famous architects. Technical or fun, there's no shortage of options for this activity in Deauville.
Deauville: a city of cultural diversity
The Franciscans
The monument that houses this multicultural centre owes its name to the congregation of Franciscan sisters who once lived there. Today, following extensive renovation work, the building has been restored, taking care to keep the original architecture intact. The central area, now a library, is surrounded by the vaults of the original cloister. The building now houses a museum, an auditorium, an auditorium and various exhibition, reading and archive spaces. With its unique architecture, this new living space in Deauville invites visitors to enjoy a moment of calm and discovery. At Les Franciscaines, there's no set itinerary - visitors can choose whatever inspires them. Shows, concerts, literary meetings, conferences, major exhibitions and cultural events punctuate the seasons. It's a lively place, full of activities for Deauville. At the heart of the building is a museum dedicated to André Hambourg, a French painter who painted many pictures of Calvados and scenes of Norman life in the early 20th century. The Cour des expositions and the Galerie des maîtres host temporary exhibitions.
The Strassburger villa
This bourgeois mansion, now a museum, was built in 1907 on commission from Baron Henri de Rothschild. Baron de Rothschild was a wealthy businessman, aristocrat and horse racing enthusiast. In fact, he wanted to build this house close to the racecourse, which he obviously frequented a great deal. The current house replaced the Ferme du Coteau, formerly owned by Gustave Flaubert's family. The site has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1975. First of all, all the period furniture is miraculously perfectly preserved inside. A visit to the villa is like stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the Deauville of the early 20th century. What's more, the house is a perfect illustration of the Norman regionalist style. It's an original way to get away from the classic Deauville activities.
