Deauville Beach (Plage de Deauville)
About Deauville Beach (Plage de Deauville)
Deauville Beach is a 2-kilometer stretch of fine sand on the Normandy coast, developed as a seaside resort in 1858-1859 by the Duc de Morny. The beach features the famous Les Planches wooden boardwalk (built 1923) made of African azobé wood, lined with 450 Art Déco cabins bearing names of film stars honored at the annual Deauville American Film Festival. Colorful parasols in five distinct shades, present since 1875, create the beach's signature look. Coco Chanel opened her first boutique here in 1913 and created the beige Chanel color inspired by the wet sand. The beach became internationally recognized after Claude Lelouch filmed 'A Man and a Woman' here in 1966. Swimming is supervised from July to August daily between 11am and 7pm, with the best swimming conditions from late June to early September. Free public access year-round, with optional rentals available for cabins, parasols, and beach chairs.
Interesting Facts
The Les Planches boardwalk was built using 64 planks of azobé wood imported from Cameroon, Gabon, and Ivory Coast. This rot-proof tropical hardwood requires no chemical treatment and can last over 50 years, explaining why the original 1923 structure still stands today.
Queen Elizabeth II received special permission to drive a Rolls-Royce directly onto Les Planches during her visit on May 25, 1987 - the only motor vehicle ever allowed on the wooden boardwalk.
The tradition of naming beach cabins after film stars began in 1995 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Deauville American Film Festival. What started with 60 names has grown to over 200 celebrities, creating what locals call the French 'Hollywood Boulevard.'
The colorful beach parasols are manufactured, repaired, and maintained in municipal workshops and are never sold to the public. Each parasol is handcrafted using the same techniques since the 1930s when the original striped design was replaced with the current five solid colors.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Promenade des Planches, 14800 Deauville, France
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