Deauville is the charm of Normandy, that "little something" that leaves no one indifferent! The wildness of the tides, the extravagance of the half-timbered houses, the great airs that parade at the casino, at the racetrack or on the red carpet of the American Film Festival: Deauville provides all the glitz of its legend... And even more so for those who venture beyond the boards to the lovely basin of Honfleur, the most picturesque port on the Côte Fleurie. As the famous Festival is celebrated from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 11, this is a perfect opportunity to go and put down your bags in this legendary Norman city.
Deauville, an elegant seaside town
In 1850, Deauville consisted of one church, ten farms and twenty-six houses... until the day the Duke of Morny transformed this small town into a "kingdom of elegance". It took only a few years for sumptuous villas, the racetrack and the railroad line to appear. Or for "Dosville" to become "Deauville". During the roaring twenties, the beautiful Normandy town attracted the Parisian elite, and today it is still one of the most luxurious seaside resorts in France. Let's be honest, Deauville's greatest luxury is that it is only 200 kilometers from Paris, allowing city dwellers to take a deep breath of fresh air in less than two hours..
There are still its valiant vestiges that tell the story of its great era, such as the famous promenade des Planches, made of exotic wood and topped with Pompeian arches, built to prevent Josephine Baker, Coco Chanel and other Mistinguett from having to walk on the sand. Or the grand Hotel Normandy and its tormented curves entirely dressed in white fences symbolizing the extravagance of the Belle Époque resort. The Strassburger villa is close behind this masterpiece: corner turrets, corbels and awnings characterize the architectural flourish of the 1920s. The album of memories forms a picturesque backdrop along the train station, the harbor, the town hall, in the heart of the covered market that celebrates local specialties and in front of the half-timbered villas where flower gardens coo
A day is enough to cycle around the city, since in a few strokes of the pedal you can easily survey the center, the port, the pier and the seafront where the great seaside "follies" are located, such as the Villa Camélia or the mythical casino, the Normandy and the Royal Barrière
The folklore of Deauville
Casino, but also cabins, deckchairs or parasols, the folklore of Deauville has a price! Fortunately, the city can be lived simply, and the sea is available to all free of charge, even though it is sometimes necessary to run after the tides: this is what makes the city so charming... and it becomes enchanting when you go for a horseback ride on the beach and gallop along the sea foam, with your hair blowing in the wind. Great airs - at least haughty - that were attributed to the Duke of Morny when he ordered the Touques racecourse. A few years later, the city inaugurated a second racecourse (Clairefontaine) and, through this double showcase, declared itself to be the "horse capital". Every upscale seaside town has a golf course... Deauville has three! The closest is the Golf Barrière, located on the heights of Mont Canisy. Thanks to the technical nature of its course, this golf course has been ranked among the best in the country.
Excursion and stroll in Honfleur
Only 15 kilometers separate Deauville from Honfleur and yet we totally change the world, at least the atmosphere that carries a je-ne-sais-quoi of privateer..
Honfleur is the most charming port of Calvados and seems to have written history at the end of its anchor. Serving both as a defense of the royal river and as a starting point for great oceanic epics, it was a military stronghold, especially during the Hundred Years War, and a commercial port and maritime city in the 16th and 17th centuries
The Vieux-Bassin, which has become a marina, weaves the picturesque decor of the city and boasts the oldest houses, most of which date from the 16th century. The Sainte-Catherine quay displays a string of high houses, built next to each other and covered with slates, which inspired the painters of the 19th and 20th centuries and which still inspire the easels today. The soul of Honfleur floats somewhere around here, sometimes playing between the masts of the boats, sometimes flattering the terraces of the two banks... At the end is the Lieutenance, which once housed the king's lieutenant and which remains the last witness of the city's fortifications. The old town nestles in the alleys behind the Sainte-Catherine church, the largest wooden sacred building in France. In the heart of this protected area, the church of Saint-Etienne, transformed into the Musée de la Marine, exhibits the happy hours of the navy and the salt granaries built in the 17th century to store some 10,000 tons of salt are listed as historical monuments. They were the last four large salt warehouses in Normandy; they became the property of the city in 1952 and are now used as a cultural center
The medieval port also revives the artistic memory of the estuary, that of Eugène Boudin, precursor of the impressionist movement, who created the school and the museum of Honfleur, rich in a considerable collection of works by artists who painted the Normandy coast, including Courbet and Monet. There is also the memory of Erik Satie, an avant-garde composer who was born and lived here. His house has been transformed into an interactive museum that humorously plays with the many facets of the artist: a playful visit to his completely whimsical universe
Long live the cinema!
When the curtain closes and the lights come back on after 10 days of festival, we would like the clock to stop. Since 1975, Deauville has been one of France's major cinematic events. In 2022, the American Film Festival celebrates its 48th edition from September 2 to 11. The Deauville festival is the only one to offer the general public and film buffs screenings 24 hours a day for 10 days. The focus is on American cinema with studio films, independent films, tributes, documentaries and short films. No less than 100 films (in 13 categories) will be presented. Please note that the Festival and Day Passes do not give access to all the screenings! It's best to be well informed before treating yourself to a few screenings and invigorating walks in Normandy.
Smart info
When is it? In summer, the temperatures are very pleasant but it is also the busiest time. Therefore, prefer spring and fall. The American Film Festival period is perfect. In 2022, to attend the 48th edition, go from September 2 to 11.
Getting there. By train or by car. Deauville and Honfleur are 200 kilometers from Paris.
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