Trouville & Deauville: A Tale of Two Seaside Sisters
Trouville and Deauville are neighboring coastal towns on the Normandy coast, separated only by a narrow river and connected by a bridge (or a quick ferry ride during high tide, if you prefer a little charm with your commute). The train station sits conveniently between the two, making either one an easy and accessible weekend escape from Paris.
I’ve stayed in both towns, and while I find myself returning to Trouville more often, I always recommend seeing both. They each offer something different: Trouville is cozy, casual, and local, while Deauville is polished, cinematic, and a little bit glamorous. Think woven baskets and oysters on the Trouville side; wide-brimmed hats and Hermès on the Deauville side. You really don’t have to choose—just wander back and forth and soak it all in.
And while Normandy weather isn’t always beach-perfect, the mix of architecture, fresh seafood, salty air, and kid-friendly beaches and boardwalks makes this area an easy weekend trip.
Where to stay
Trouville
Cures Marines Hotel & Spa
Bright, modern, and swanky—with a spa and casino on-site—Cures Marines is well located between the beach and Trouville’s popular weekly market.
Le Fer à Cheval
This small, family-run hotel is charming, central, and well-priced. It's a great base for a casual weekend—comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and just a few minutes' walk from both the beach and the market.
The Saint James
If you’re looking for fancy, the Saint James is not your hotel. However, if you’re after charm, authenticity, and a wonderful breakfast—in prime location just in front of the beach—then look no further.
Sowell Hotels Le Beach
As the name implies, the hotel sits directly in front of the beach. It has a rooftop pool with ocean views and an airy, nautical feel. Where the Saint James is eclectic and cozy, the Beach Hotel is more modern and streamlined.
Deauville
Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy
This is Deauville’s grande dame. With its iconic half-timbered façade and striped awnings, it feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. Inside, it’s all plush carpets, toile wallpaper, and impeccable service. Pricey, yes—but worth it if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Novotel Deauville Plage
Clean, modern, and family-friendly. The Novotel has a great location near the beach and boardwalk, and the value for the price is hard to beat. Bonus: beautiful rooftop bar views on sunny evenings.
Where to eat
Trouville
Les Vapeurs
Every time I come to Trouville, I eat at Les Vapeurs. It’s a no-fail. They serve regional dishes like moules frites, oysters, and seafood galore. The outdoor terrace is great—they have heaters for cooler days. Inside, it’s vintage posters and old mirrors. You must reserve; they fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Villa Gypsy
A charming café-meets-concept store, Villa Gypsy is the spot for a proper coffee (and the only matcha latte I’ve found in town). The food is fresh, the vibe is calm, and the curated home goods are exactly what you’d expect from the French: tasteful and chic.
Robert & Denis
Our go-to seafood vendor. You can eat in or take it to-go. We often grab oysters and fresh fish to bring back to the Airbnb. They’ll open the oysters for you on request—no extra charge.
Deauville
La Cantine
Trendy and casual with a modern French menu. Great for a relaxed lunch or apéro hour. The interior is stylish without trying too hard, and the menu has enough variety for picky eaters.
La Péniche
A floating restaurant docked right in the harbor. Simple, well-prepared seafood with a view of the yachts. Come for the sunset, stay for the rosé.
Chez Miocque
A brasserie classic. It’s a little more buttoned-up than its Trouville cousins, but still welcoming. Great steaks and seafood, with crisp service and generous portions.
Where to shop & stroll
Deauville has more in the way of upscale and curated shopping. You’ll find a mix of big names (Hermès, Chanel, Longchamp) and concept stores with coastal-chic fashion and home goods. Even if you're not shopping, pop into the Hermès store—it’s housed in a historic villa and truly beautiful inside.
Deauville’s weekly market (Place du Marché) is also worth a visit. It’s well-organized and polished, but still full of charm—think linen shirts, striped espadrilles, and seasonal produce.
Trouville, on the other hand, leans more brocante. The market here has a mix of secondhand treasures, paintings, jewelry, and tableware. You never know what you’ll find, which makes it all the more fun.
What to do
Sunbathe or build sandcastles on either side—the beaches are wide and made for lounging or running wild. You can rent umbrellas and chairs for the day or bring your own setup if you prefer.
Explore both towns by foot or by boat. There’s a little ferry that crosses the river between Deauville and Trouville—it only runs during high tide, so check the schedule in advance. It takes just a few minutes and kids love it.
Go mini golfing. Deauville’s course is prettier, but Trouville’s does the job, too.
Ride the Petit Train. The mini tourist train in Trouville is a big hit with the little ones.
Let the kids bounce, race, and ride. There are carnival-style attractions near the beach—trampolines, go-karts, and a tiny train that circles the boardwalk.
Try your luck at the casino. Both towns have one, and while we’re not serious gamblers, we do enjoy a quick spin at the slot machines.
Wander. Honestly, this is half the fun. Stop for ice cream, admire the Belle Époque villas, pick up a souvenir, and soak in that briny, breezy sea air.