There are cities whose very names are enough to spark the imagination. Deauville brings to mind colorful beach umbrellas, horses galloping across the sand, Anglo-Norman villas, and elegant figures strolling along the famous Planches.
From La Villa Marcelle, set out to explore this iconic seaside resort on the Côte Fleurie for a day of markets, architecture, culture, and fresh sea air.
9:30 a.m. — Start the day at the market
The day begins at the Place du Marché, in the heart of Deauville.
Beneath the half-timbered roofs of the market halls, the stalls fill with seasonal fruits and vegetables, Norman cheeses, fish, flowers, and local products. Locals come to do their shopping, while the nearby outdoor cafes welcome their first visitors.
We take our time strolling among the baskets, picking out a few apples, a piece of cheese, or a bottle of cider to take back to La Villa Marcelle.
Then we settle down on the terrace to have a coffee and watch the city come to life. Around the square, the elegant facades, shops, and half-timbered houses are already setting the tone for the day.
10:30 a.m. — Admire the villas of Deauville
From the market, we gradually make our way away from the shopping streets to explore the residential neighborhoods.
Deauville boasts a particularly rich architectural heritage. Behind the gates and gardens, the villas outdo one another in elegance: half-timbered walls, red brick, bow windows, carved balconies, and ornate roofs create an almost theatrical setting.
Some houses look as if they came straight out of a Belle Époque novel. Each has its own style, blending Norman, English, and sometimes more exotic influences.
When tours are offered, Villa Strassburger provides a glimpse into this world. Built in the early 20th century, it has retained much of its original furniture, artifacts, and atmosphere.
But the pleasure also lies simply in walking, observing the details of the facades, and imagining the stories hidden behind their windows.
11:30 a.m. — Stroll along the famous Planches
The walk continues toward the sea and the legendary Planches de Deauville.
Built of wood along the beach, they are among the resort’s most iconic landmarks. As you walk past them, you’ll see the Pompeian bathhouses, whose railings bear the names of directors and actors who have attended the American Film Festival.
We look for familiar names, take pictures of the cabins, and watch the silhouettes passing by as they face the sea.
Before us, the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with Deauville’s famous beach umbrellas and their delicately coordinated colors.
Even when the sky is gray, the landscape retains a special elegance. The sand, beach huts, and umbrellas create a striking scene that never seems to go out of style.
12:30 p.m. — Lunch overlooking the ocean
At lunchtime, we pick a table on the waterfront.
On the menu: fish of the day, seafood, a hearty salad, or a Normandy specialty. When the sun is out, sit out on the patio to enjoy the view of the beach.
You can also put together a picnic with items you picked out that morning at the market: fresh bread, a cheese from Normandy, some fruit, and a pastry to share.
All you have to do is find a quiet spot on the sand, spread out a pretty tablecloth, and gaze out at the sea.
The simplest lunches are sometimes the ones we remember the longest.
2:30 p.m. — Go for a horseback ride on the beach
The afternoon begins with one of Deauville’s most iconic experiences: a horseback ride on the beach.
Both beginners and experienced riders can set out on a guided ride along the beach. After a few instructions and an initial introduction to your horse, you’ll slowly ride out of the equestrian center toward the shore.
The horse's steady gait, the sound of the waves, and the sea air immediately create a sense of freedom.
You walk along the boardwalk, past the beach umbrellas and the villas on the waterfront, taking in a completely different view. At low tide, the wet sand reflects the sky and the silhouettes of the horses.
Those who are more comfortable may occasionally pick up the pace slightly, while beginners can leisurely enjoy the scenery at a walking pace.
For an hour, Deauville seems to recapture the atmosphere of its early years, when horses, horse races, and walks on the beach were already shaping the resort’s identity.
4:00 p.m. — Discover Les Franciscaines
After this break in the fresh air, we’re off to Les Franciscaines.
Housed in a former convent, this cultural center features a museum, a media library, exhibition spaces, a bookstore, and a cozy tea room.
Surrounding the former cloister, the spaces have been reimagined with contemporary architecture that blends harmoniously with the historic building. Light streams in through the large glass roof, giving the space a calm and soothing atmosphere.
The exhibitions explore themes closely linked to Deauville: painting, photography, film, literature, and horses.
You can stroll through an exhibition, flip through a few books, or simply take a break under the glass roof. Les Franciscaines is also a great place to go when the Normandy weather decides to be a bit unpredictable.
5:30 p.m. — Treat yourself to a gourmet or wellness break
After the tour, we have two options.
You can extend your cultural interlude with tea and pastries at Les Franciscaines, or choose to experience the spirit of the grand seaside resorts by treating yourself to a spa treatment, a massage, or a few hours of thalassotherapy.
In Deauville, wellness is an integral part of the trip. You slow down, take care of yourself, and lose track of time for a few moments.
For a more spontaneous outing, you can simply head back to downtown, browse the shops, and stop for some ice cream or a crêpe.
7 p.m. — Head to the beach during the golden hour
At the end of the day, we naturally find ourselves heading back to Les Planches.
The atmosphere has grown quieter. Families are beginning to leave the beach, the beach huts are closing up, and the horses occasionally leave their last hoofprints in the sand.
We settle in on the terrace overlooking the ocean to order a glass of white wine, a cocktail, or a few treats to share.
Little by little, the light changes. The umbrellas take on deeper hues, the villas light up, and the sky is bathed in shades of pink, yellow, and blue.
As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the beach suddenly seems vast.
We let the evening stretch on until the last rays of light, a sweater draped over our shoulders, watching the strollers walk along the Planches one last time.
8:30 p.m. — Head back to La Villa Marcelle
After sunset, it's time to head back to La Villa Marcelle.
We leave Deauville with a few items from the market, sand still in our shoes, and memories of a horseback ride overlooking the sea.
Behind its sophisticated image, Deauville reveals a simple, timeless way of life—one marked by coffee on the terrace, long walks on the beach, and evenings spent gazing at the horizon.
An elegant city, of course, but never stagnant.
A city that’s just as enjoyable to explore in a light dress as in riding boots, to the rhythm of the waves and the seasons.
Claire's Tips
Check the market's opening days before you visit, and try to arrive in the morning to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Horseback riding must be reserved in advance. It depends on weather conditions, the tide, and the times when horses are allowed on the beach. Between May and September, riding horses are generally allowed on the sand early in the morning or in the evening, at low tide.
The Franciscaines are open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Be sure to check their schedule: exhibitions and events change with the seasons.
Finally, be sure to bring a jacket, even in the summer. The sea breeze is part of Deauville’s charm and can quickly make it feel cooler as the day comes to a close.
An elegant getaway by the sea, nestled among Belle Époque villas and the freedom of the open ocean.
