Deauville-Trouville

The ‘Planches’ are a legendary beach promenade in Deauville and were inaugurated in 1924. Back then, they enabled upper-class women to enjoy the view of the wide beach without getting dirty. The 656 m long wooden planks are lined with cabins named after celebrities who walked on these azobé slats. These were mainly stars from the American film industry, to whom Deauville dedicates a festival every September. Perhaps you will meet one of these celebrities here?

In Trouville, make your way to the top, because the view will reward you for your efforts! Take 'the snake staircase', an inconspicuous path through the residential neighbourhood of Bonsecours. At the end of the 107 steps, you'll be greeted by a postcard-perfect panorama with wealthy houses, a wide beach and the sea in the background. 

Voisines, Deauville and Trouville are separated from each other by the River Touques. A very pleasant way of travelling from one place to another is by ferry. The ferry is the link between the two harbours and runs every 5 minutes at high tide. A micro cruise at a favourable price! At low tide, the ship remains at the quay and a jetty enables the crossing. 

Located in Deauville on the border with Trouville, the joint railway station is one of the most beautiful in France. It is listed as a historical monument and is characterised by its neo-Norman style, with a façade and roof in the style of the region, platforms paved in yellow and red sandstone and frescoes by Louis Houpin from 1932 in the passenger hall. The station appears in several films, notably in ‘Un homme et une femme’ by Claude Lelouch from 1966.

If you are staying in Deauville or Trouville, you should visit Honfleur, which is about 30 minutes away by train or bus. In this jewel of Normandy, the Vieux Bassin was immortalised by Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet. The wooden church of Sainte Catherine is unique as well. Another famous place on the Normandy coast, which can be reached by train in 30 minutes, is Cabourg, which inspired Marcel Proust's Balbec in ‘The Search for Lost Time’.