NORMANDY - COTE FLEURIE - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Deauville

The tiny town of Deauville was founded as an upscale resort in 1859 by the Duc de Morny, Napoléon III's half-brother. Located seaside and filled with timber-framed houses, the town together with its adjacent neighbor, Trouville-sur_Mer, are known as two of the prettiest towns in Normandy. It is a posh destination where many Parisians have their summer houses. This is also where Coco Chanel launched her career, opening a boutique selling tiny hats. Deuville is famous for its horse races, beautiful harbor, and Grand Casino. It also offers some great golf courses, deluxe hotels, regattas, polo grounds and tennis courts. You will find it stylish, a bit glamorous, and somewhat expensive.

Honfleur

At the mouth of the Seine opposite Le Havre, Honfleur is a picturesque city characterized by its historic harbor, unique church, and many timber-framed houses. It is 500 years older than Le Havre, dating from the 11th century. It is especially known for its beautiful historic port, painted many times by artists like: Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet and Johan Jongkind, who have contributed to the appearance of the Impressionist movement. The main sights in town are the 17th century Bassin and the Lieutenance buildings, the church of Sainte Catherine. The charming streets and old port are lined with colorful cafes and restaurants. And you’ll notice Honfleur’s art scene is not just in the past, a community of artists are still drawn to the town today. You’ll usually see an easel or two set up in the Vieux Bassin, with painters capturing the same scenes the Impressionists did 200 years before. There are also galleries and studios open to visitors all over town.

Ouistreham

Ouistreham, in the heart of the landing beaches, is characterized by the diversity of its neighborhoods. Here you'll find a medieval town, a small fishing port and ferry harbor, and the beach Riva Bella. It is one of the European destinations that can accommodate cruise ships directly into a historical and lively town center. It is the ultimate destination to discover medieval history and explore the scenery that inspired Impressionist painters.

Cabourg

Cabourg owes its popularity to three things - the beaches, the interesting architecture and the lively atmosphere in the town center. It is a popular seaside resort steeped in history with its "Belle Epoque" atmosphere and its admirable villas with Anglo-Norman architecture, it is sure to charm any visitor. Enjoy the Romantic Film Festival, beautiful golden beach, race course, casino, and grand Hotel found throughout the town. The main street of town offers several bars, restaurants, and interesting shops.

Dives-sur-Mer

Dives-sur-Mer is a charming port city, with strong historic links of William the Conqueror. It was here that the famous Duke of Normandy gathered his fleet before setting off on the Norman Conquest in 1066. As you explore the town, you will discover many tributes that relate back to his epic adventure. The Notre-dame church also houses a list of William's companions who fought in the Battle of Hastings, and the marina, the master's office of which is decorated with scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, is referred to as Port Guillaume.

Villers-sur-Mer

Villers-sur-Mer is a charming town that boasts a long fine sandy beach, elegant seaside architecture, and a friendly atmosphere. The town is situated between a huge sandy beach and over a mile of countryside, bordered by two natural protected areas: the cliffs of Vaches Noires and the March with water of 7 acres and Bird Island. The resort's emblem is a dinosaur, for it stands at the foot of the age-old Black Cow Cliffs, renowned for their paleontological and geological interest. Pay a visit to the paleontological museum to learn more about fossils discovered on the site.

Touuville-sur-Mer

The famous seaside resort of Trouville-sur-Mer owes its reputation to the charm of its fishing port, the beauty of its sandy beach, the richness of its architectural heritage and its renowned gastronomy. It is an authentic destination which has attracted artists and writers for centuries. The town combines glamorous buildings and villas, a vibrant fish market, and a lively port area with several seaside shops. Make sure to check out the Savignac murals at the Musee Villa Montebello, along with the interesting murals dotted around the town.

Cricqueboeuf

The charming town of Cricqueboeuf, located on the Cote Fleurie between Honfleur and Deauville, is the perfect place to relax and explore the surrounding Normandy countryside. The Cricqueboeuf takes its name from Scandinavian origins of the region. Make sure to visit the St Martin Church, which dates back to the 12th-century. Listed as a historical monument, the church is partly covered with ivy, which earned the name "chapel with ivy." The town is also registered in the canton footpaths, with beautiful walks between Normandy and the sea. To enjoy a quiet beach with fantastic wilderness, head to Beach Cricqueboeuf.