Girls Guide to Deauville, France
Welcome to the Hamptons of France. Deauville is the glamorous weekend escape for Parisians the way that the Hamptons is for New Yorkers and Chatham is for Bostonians. Located on the Normandy coast, this stunning seaside town has been a jet-set escape since the 19th century. Deauville, France is the chicest seaside town in Normandy, just a quick 2-hour train ride from Paris. This elegant coastal gem has picturesque buildings, cobblestone streets lined with designer boutiques, and stylish cafés. Deauville feels like stepping into a storybook with a luxurious twist. The town is world-renowned for its glamorous film festival, polo matches & horse races and Les Planches, Deauville’s very own Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Perfect for a day trip or a full weekend escape from the city, add this dreamy seaside place to your France bucket list!
Getting There
From Paris: Hop on a direct train from Gare Saint-Lazare — just over 2 hours and you’re stepping into a postcard.
By Car: A scenic drive through the French countryside (ideal if you want to hop over to Honfleur or Étretat). Pro Travel Tip- In France they actually drive on the same side of the road as we do in America!
Where to Stay
Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy – Classic, half-timbered Normandy architecture with interiors that feel straight out of a vintage Chanel ad. Afternoon tea here is a must!
Airbnb Chic – Look for a balconied apartment near the marina to enjoy perfect morning with an espresso and-harbor-view vibe.
What to Do
Shop Like a Parisian on Holiday
Chanel, Hermès, and small French boutiques line Rue Eugène Colas. Coco Chanel opened one of her first boutiques here making it a shopping hub and today still one of the best shopping destinations in France.
Shop at La Maison- La Maison is a unique concept store in Deauville, housed in a late-19th-century family home. The founder transformed her childhood home into this enchanting boutique and every corner tells a story. The whole family seems to be working there and it felt like an intimate glimpse into French culture—woven into the shopping experience. A tip before you go: bring euros, as it is cash-only.
Don’t miss the Saturday market for baskets, linens, and cheese.
Stroll the Promenade des Planches
The Hollywood Walk of Fame in coastal France! This iconic boardwalk is lined with art-deco bathing cabins, each named after Hollywood stars.
Horse & Polo Culture
Deauville is horse-obsessed. Catch a polo match, visit the Deauville-La Touques racetrack, or just admire the kids at training camps thoughout the town!
Pro tip: Visit in September for a mini-Cannes film festival with French seaside flair.
Where to Eat & Drink
After strolling the streets I found that everywhere looked great, the restaurants were serving the best seafood and even the markets looked incredible. I decided to buy butter and cheese here because I have heard so much about Normandy having the best! Here’s a few restaurants that I would recommend:
La Belle Époque – Inside Hôtel Le Normandy, for a chic lunch or tea time.
Les Vapeurs – Classic brasserie serving Normandy oysters and moules-frites.
Maximin Hellio – Michelin-starred fine dining for that “last night in Deauville” splurge.
Day Trips & Extras
Honfleur – A dreamy harbor town 20 minutes away, full of art galleries and pastel houses.
Trouville-sur-Mer – Just across the bridge, with a more relaxed, fishing-village charm (plus amazing seafood).
Style Tip:
Like The Hamptons & Cape Cod, Deauville feels effortlessly polished with coastal charm. The French Riviera meets equestrian chic here and people are dressed to simply go for a drive or walk their dogs in style. I wore a pink linen set with wide leg pants because pink is my favorite color but I think a white linen look would have been better after being here!
I hope I’ve added another place to your bucket list and can’t wait for you to visit this special place.
Bien à vous!
Jules