A Weekend in Trouville

 

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A Weekend in Trouville

Trouville-sur-Mer, just across the river from Deauville, is a charming seaside town on the Côte Fleurie, in the Normandy department of Calvados. It is known for its elegant 19th-century villas and beautiful sandy beaches – and it’s the perfect spot for a long weekend. 

Day one 

Trouville’s beach, once dubbed the ‘Queen of Beaches’ by Gustave Flaubert, features a historic wooden boardwalk dating back to 1867. Start your day with a stroll along the boardwalk and admire the handsome Belle Époque villas that line the front as you breathe in that bracing sea air.  

Stop for lunch in one of the many tempting restaurants on the beach, such as the Aquarius, which has revived a Belle-Epoque tradition whereby restaurant terraces looked directly onto the boards. This stylish restaurant (check out the aquariums filled with jellyfish!) serves sleek, modern cuisine and boasts a fantastic cocktail menu. 

Walk off your lunch with a saunter through the streets of Trouville, stopping to admire the charming and elegant shops. Don’t forget to admire the many works of street art dotted around town, too.  

In the evening, pay a visit to Casino Barrière, housed in a stunning Belle Époque building right on the shore. You don’t even need to find a restaurant first – you can dine in the casino’s bar-brasserie or restaurant while soaking up the magnificent views out to sea. Then you can try your luck at all the classics, such as Black Jack and roulette, or burn off some energy at one of the discotheques. 

Day two 

After a leisurely breakfast, head to the weekly market (8am to 1pm, Sundays and Wednesdays), which is one of the most famous on the Côte Fleurie. It stretches all the way from the Pont des Belges to the fish market, and brings together the finest local produce from greengrocers, cheese makers, butchers, delicatessens, craftsmen and fishermen.  

Then make your way to the Villa Montebello where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Trouville. Built in 1865 by architect Jean-Louis Célinsky de Zaremba for the Marquess of Montebello, this fairy-tale villa is perched on a hill with magnificent views over the Seine Bay. It also houses the Trouville Museum, which focuses on the history of sea bathing and the development of the resort, showcasing works by artists such as Raymond Savignac. 

Next, head to the lively fish market (open daily 9am-7pm) and, if you’re self-catering or heading straight home, treat yourself to some fish direct from the fishermen’s boats. You can’t get fresher than that! Otherwise, indulge in an aperitif and/or lunch at the market, which is listed as a historical monument. Many stalls offer the option to enjoy your seafood on the spot, washed down with a glass of crisp white wine. Parfait! 

Why not work off your lunch with a bike ride? You can hire bicycles from Les Trouvillaises, on Place Foch, and set off to explore under your own steam, or you can book a guided tour with a local person around the sights of Trouville, or (for groups of 8 to 20) a guided visit to the calvados cellars of Christian Drouin. 

Day three 

If you’re lucky enough to have a third day, treat yourself to brunch – there are many delectable spots to choose from. The Pâtisserie Charlotte Corday, which dates back to 1929, is a veritable institution attracting gourmands and celebrities; Georges, which specialises in freshly made pancakes and waffles, does a mean buffet brunch on Sundays; or push the boat out and breakfast in style at the five-star Cures Marines Hotel & Spa. 

It’s not a trip to the seaside without getting out on the water, so why not head off on an excursion aboard the Gulf Stream II? A 30-minuted guided cruise will showcase both Trouville and nearby Deauville, plus some of the famous monuments along the Côte Fleurie. As you look out towards Houlgate, Honfleur and Le Havre, keep your eyes peeled: if you’re lucky, in summer, you might spot dolphins or porpoises. 

If all this seafaring has worn you out, then what better way to while away an hour or two in the afternoon than with a spa treatment at the Cures Marines? Here you’ll find a tension-zapping array of luxury treatments and wellness experiences to soothe away the stresses and strains of modern living. 

Further a field 

If you have longer to spend in Trouville and would like to explore the surrounding area, you could also take a day trip to one of several sights nearby. About 12km away, you’ll find the charming port town of Honfleur, known for its pretty harbour (which has inspired many artists over the centuries), beautiful restaurants and vibrant art scene. Closer to home and just a short trip across the river, is Deauville, famous for its sandy beaches, high-end shopping and horse racing. Or for some Second World War history, you could visit Caen, 38km away. Here you can explore the Caen Memorial and Museum, Caen Castle and the beautiful Abbaye aux Hommes, where William the Conqueror is buried. 

Trouville’s success is due largely to its port © Le Photographe du Dimanche – Calvados Attractivité

How to get there 

  • Take the Eurostar or fly to Paris. The train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Trouville-Deauville takes around five hours. 
  • Take the Eurostar or ferry to Calais, then it’s a six-hour drive to Trouville via the A16 and A29.  

Lead photo credit : Boats bobbing in Trouville's harbour, ©-LezBroz

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