Deauville vacation rentals

When it comes to vacations, Deauville has a license to thrill

Deauville is the sort of place James Bond would go on vacation. In fact, there are even suggestions that this place inspired Ian Fleming to write Casino Royale. With its elegant architecture, decadent restaurants, opulent casino, and wide, sandy beach, a Deauville vacation rental will make you feel every inch the international secret agent, even if the only license you have is for driving a sensible family car. A big point in Deauville's favor is that it's only an hour's train ride from Paris, meaning that come summer, you're likely to be surrounded by well-heeled weekenders from the capital.

Pack the tux, but leave the Walther PPK pistol at home

With its grand-dame looks, one thing you can't miss in Deauville is the casino. If you don't fancy battling international villains in a high-stakes poker game, the casino also offers a theater, a cinema, and several restaurants. As befits the home of the high rollers, horse racing is also big round here, and an excursion to the Deauville-La Touques racecourse is a must for any Deauville vacation rental. For a more laid-back, family-friendly experience, pop across the river to Trouville-sur-Mer. Deauville's less ritzy little sister is a relaxed beach resort that's perfect for groups.

You'll have a (Thunder)ball with a Deauville vacation

The beach is at the heart of a Deauville vacation rental, and it's here that you can practice coming out of the sea like Daniel Craig or Ursula Andress. There's a smart beachfront boardwalk, and Deauville's also a popular base for yachting holidays. There's never a dull moment in this glamorous vacation hotspot, with a full program of annual events, including music and film festivals. The Deauville American Film Festival is among the most famous, and attracts plenty of celebrities. As you'd expect, the drinking and dining scene in Deauville is to die for. Martinis and caviar at the ready...

Don't play your hand—play the weather forecast

Any decent gambler knows it's all about playing the odds, and when you're faced with a lively maritime climate like the one in Deauville, those skills at the card table might come in handy. Deauville gets all 4 seasons, and the weather can be a shade unpredictable. Fall and winter rarely get really cold, but they can be a bit gray and damp, while spring is often still cool, wet, and windy. It's summer when Deauville really puts on a show. The long, sunny days are warm without being stifling, and any rain tends to blow over quickly.

The top vacation spot for British MI6 agents

Deauville looks out onto the English Channel, and you'll overhear a fair few British voices, thanks to the short ferry hop between Portsmouth and nearby Le Havre. The sandy beaches of Normandy are celebrated not only among sun seekers, but also among history buffs, thanks to the WW2 landings. The area is full of war memorials, and many towns and villages had to be rebuilt after the fighting. Normandy's well-known for its apples and cider, but the fields and farms round Deauville have a different specialty—the massive horse-racing scene means there are loads of stud farms.

How to get to and around Deauville

Fly into Caen (CFR-Carpiquet), the closest airport, located 27.1 mi (43.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Deauville (DOL-Normandie), which is 3.6 mi (5.8 km) away.

If you'd rather travel by train, the main station is Trouville-Deauville Station.