The advent of the trend of seaside bathing, at the end of the 19th century, has encouraged the Parisians to invest in the coast of Normandy, which was so close to the capital. On the Côte fleurie, which stretches from the port of Honfleur up to Cabourg, the presence of the upper class has resulted in the creation of elegant and luxurious establishments: villas, manors, palaces, etc.

Today, Deauville, called “the 21st arrondissement of Paris“, continues to offer a refined experience with its horse racing tracks, sales of racehorses, including the prestigious auctions of the yearlings, pure-bloods younger than a year, its boat-races, cinema festivals, including the prestigious American Film festival. And also its Art-Deco style villas with their incredible roofs, grand luxurious hotels and its “Pompeiian” style sea bathing establishments, which are classified as Historical monuments , and its famous “Planches” in Deauville made of exotic wood. These boards are near a two-kilometre long stretch of fine sandy beach, which is ideal for sand yachting or galloping in the open air. It is known in the entire world for its bathing huts bearing the names of stars of American cinema and its typical parasols in five different colours.

The coast of Normandy stretches up to Mont Saint-Michel, with the famous D-Day landing beaches. Called the “8th Wonder of the world”, this masterpiece of Gothic art is built in the middle of an immense bay which has the strongest tides in Europe.

With a rich culinary tradition, which includes cider, apple brandy, camembert, fresh cream, etc. Normandy offers highly refined pleasures for the palate, like the famous “pressed duck”, which one can enjoy in Rouen, where the recipe originates.