Our Guide to Spending a Week in Deauville, Normandy

Embarking on a week-long getaway to Deauville promises a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures. Located along the picturesque Normandy coast, Deauville offers a range of activities that cater to every interest. From horseback riding on the beach to attending prestigious polo games, exploring historical sites, and indulging in the local culinary scene, this guide will ensure an unforgettable experience.

For a beachfront getaway, be sure to book our stunning Villa L’Abbaye sur Mer, a luxury holiday villa that sets the stage for a memorable escape.

Day 1:

Arrival at 6PM

Enjoy an aperitif by the water followed by a private chef dinner at your villa overlooking the ocean.

Day 2:

Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll along the along the famous boardwalk, Promenade des Planches, in Deauville followed by lunch at Le Ciro’s (30 min. walk from villa).

Le Ciro’s is a classic restaurant situated directly on the boardwalk. The menu features traditional and tasty dishes including seafood platters, grilled lobster, bouillabaisse and more.

Visit the town of Honfleur (30 min. drive from villa)

Spend the afternoon exploring this charming historic town with its beautiful port, picturesque narrow streets, and distinctive old timber-framed houses. Explore the array of shops and discover the Sainte-Catherine church, a magnificent wooden building from the 15th century. Before heading to dinner, our concierge team can also arrange a private Calvados tasting experience. Created after the French Revolution, Calvados is a distillation made from cider and has a long history in Normandy traditions.

Dinner at Les Impressionnistes, La Ferme Saint-Siméon

A gastronomic restaurant offering a timeless experience in front of crackling fireplaces in the light of the estuary. The menu showcases the excellence of Normandy’s produce from the land and the sea.

Day 3:

Charter a sailboat for the day

Embark on an adventure in the English Channel, where you can choose from an array of sailing activities such as catamaran sailing, kite surfing, or land sailing, and take in the panoramic coastal views.

Day 4:

Day trip to experience D-Day private guided tour (1h10 drive from villa)

Enjoy a private guided tour to deepen your knowledge of history regarding this significant event. You will explore the D-Day landing beaches, see one of the many Nazi bunkers that allied troops had to neutralize, visit the U.S. cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and finally Pointe du Hoc. This breathtaking cliff offers an incredible viewpoint over the English Channel and was built by the Germans as a key point of the Atlantic Wall.

Day 5:

Morning and lunch in Trouville-sur-Mer (12 min. drive from villa)

Explore the historic fishing village of Trouville, which has retained its authentic charm, to the delight of its visitors. Stroll around its beach and boardwalk and enjoy a lunch at Les Affiches, a great bistro serving seasonal cuisine.

Afternoon on the golf course (10 min. drive from villa)

Take advantage of the nearby golf courses renowned for their beauty and challenges. The Golf Barrière de Deauville and Golf de l’Amirauté are excellent options for golf enthusiasts.

Day 6:

Day trip to Rouen (1h from villa)

Ancient, magical, and medieval, the charming city of Rouen is the capital of Normandy and is well worth a visit on any trip to the region. Explore the picturesque city full of famous landmarks including the gothic Cathedral painted by Claude Monet, the Palais de Justice, and the Gros Horloge, to name a few.

Lunch at L’Epicurius

An authentic French dining experience in a warm, inviting atmosphere. This is a lovely lunch spot to enjoy delicious cuisine in the beautiful old town of Rouen.

Day 7:

An active day cycling or horseback riding

For a change of pace, rent bikes and set off on a scenic journey through the countryside or along the picturesque seaside. Alternatively, for animal lovers, enjoy an exhilarating horseback ride on the beach.

Apéritif at Le Normandy and dinner at L’Essentiel

Le Normandy, a local institution, is a grand hotel that has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and Coco Chanel. Enjoy a drink at their piano bar before strolling over to L’Essentiel, a Michelin-starred restaurant, for a memorable final evening in Deauville.

Day 8:

Departure

About L’Abbaye sur Mer

This luxury vacation rental is a perfect example of Normandy architecture, with its soaring arches, vaulted ceilings, and intricate stonework. The estate is comprised of two villas and a guest house in the gardens, offering a total of 15 bedrooms, accommodating up to 30 guests. This 19th century beachfront home boasts incredible amenities including an indoor pool, home gym with sauna and hot tub, a game room, and shared tennis court. This elegant retreat overlooks the ocean and offers guest private access to the sandy beach below.

The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to create a comfortable and inviting space while still retaining the property’s original features. The decor is a mix of traditional and modern, withelegant antique furnishings and contemporary touches that blend seamlessly together to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’d like to relax poolside, enjoy private chef meals in the gardens overlooking the ocean or explore the nearby beaches, towns, restaurants, and historic sites, this property is the ultimate retreat for a relaxing holiday in Normandy.

To book L’Abbaye sur Mer, click here