Heading for the Normandy Hotel

Admittedly, the drive is a bit of a gamble. But once you’ve got past the Parisian traffic jams, the journey usually adds to that pleasant feeling of knowing you’re off for the weekend, or even on holiday. Especially in a lovely car, we love driving through the countryside, though the ultimate would be to come in a Ford Mustang, Lelouch-style. And this Normandy countryside is the first reward for the journey, especially at this time of year when nature is decked out in its spring colours.

Deauville, like all the towns along this attractive coastline, is of course the place to be. There is no shortage of beautiful holiday homes or luxury hotels. We chose the Normandy, a true classic. It had been quite some time since I’d last set foot in this fine establishment of the Barrière Group, a refined and glamorous world. The complex has just reopened all its restaurants for the season and has used the winter to refine both its décor and its offering.

Of course, we’re keeping an eye on the skies in the hope of enjoying the culinary delights and sea-facing terraces, when Ciro’s, ‘the icon of Les Planches’, the Bar de la Mer with its large terrace and private sun loungers, and the aptly named Bar du Soleil, even though it’s open all year round, sometimes without the sun, are all equally inviting. These are not the only culinary experiences at the Normandy, and all the dining areas play their part in these gourmet get-togethers.

Ciro’s Deauville, an iconic gourmet destination

Similar in décor to its Cannes counterpart, Ciro’s Deauville, which stands out as one of the seaside resort’s most iconic restaurants, has its own distinct character, largely due to its location but also to its clientele, rather chic, yet casual, as we like to say. Reimagined in 2024 by the interior design firm Friedmann & Versace, the restaurant has retained the spirit that made it legendary whilst adopting a contemporary aesthetic inspired by the nautical world.

Elegant wood panelling, soft fabrics and a warm atmosphere evoke the feel of ship’s cabins and offer a unique setting overlooking the sea. At the table, the experience showcases the finest local produce: premium fish, generous seafood platters, and iconic specialities such as sole meunière prepared to order in the dining room, or creamy linguine with roasted lobster.

When it comes to culinary delights, and there are plenty of them, a variety of dining experiences punctuate the week, inviting guests to fully savour the French art of living. Aside from the restaurants’ traditional offerings, you’ll be happy to linger for the Normandy Afternoon Tea (daily from 2pm to 6pm, €45), where refined pastries and sweet and savoury treats provide a delightful gourmet interlude in the afternoon at one of Deauville’s most iconic bars.

Every day is a treat, but weekends and new offerings are moments to be discovered. Why not start, for example, with a new culinary ritual: the ‘Volaille Belle Époque’. Every Saturday lunchtime, an exceptional roast bird (€20 per portion or €70 whole), with melt-in-the-mouth meat and crispy skin, is carved in the dining room in a spirit of conviviality, reviving the pleasure of family meals and large gatherings.

On Sundays, we gather for brunch

Every Sunday, the Belle Époque restaurant hosts its famous “Grand Brunch” (€98), a must-attend gastronomic event in Deauville. Beneath the chandeliers and candelabras of this iconic dining room, guests discover a generous buffet combining seafood, foie gras sliced to order, ham on the bone, succulent cuts of meat and a wide selection of Normandy cheeses: Camembert, of course, Pont-l’Évêque, Livarot, Pavé d’Auge, Neufchâtel… The evening continues with a medley of desserts and the famous chocolate fountain.

At the Normandy Bar, every Friday and Saturday evening at 6.30 pm, the team also hosts a candle-lighting ceremony, placing candles on the tables to the sound of Francis Lai’s song from the film *Un Homme et une Femme*, played on the piano.

La Villa sur la Plage: experience Deauville in a different way

Located right on the Promenade des Planches, facing the sea, this “Villa sur la Plage” offers an exceptional setting. It has just opened its doors for the Easter weekend, as it will do only at weekends and on public holidays, before welcoming visitors every day in July and August. Designed as a real home on the beach, the Villa is the perfect place to share large, convivial meals, cocktails at sunset and timeless moments in the iconic atmosphere of Deauville’s Planches.

Don’t be under the impression that this getaway is merely about hopping from one restaurant to another as the hours pass. We’ll be strolling along the boardwalk, of course. It’s good to see who’s there… and to be seen. We certainly didn’t skimp on the elegance: we are in Deauville, after all! And if you want to pamper yourself, you can also stay within the hotel’s welcoming surroundings, especially as the elegant spa promises relaxing and rejuvenating moments to purify body and mind, in an extraordinary setting featuring prestigious partner brands selected for their effectiveness, uniqueness, innovation and respect for the environment.

The hotel is also opening a new 1,115 m² Guerlain spa, designed as a cosy sanctuary dedicated to well-being. Among the signature treatments, “Souffle sur les Planches” combines exfoliation, a relaxing massage and a mask in a sensory evocation of the Normandy sea mist. The venue also features an indoor pool, eight treatment rooms and exclusive rituals inspired by the world of Deauville. As for the spacious indoor pool (heated to 28°C), it invites you to take a gentle dip, lulled by the natural light filtering through the glass roof.

One might be forgiven for forgetting that the Normandy is first and foremost a hotel, a beautiful hotel, proud of its long history – it was established in 1913 to accommodate guests of the Casino opened the previous year – and that its facilities are comprehensive, with 269 rooms (191 of which are connecting rooms for families), including 56 with sea views, 16 rooms and 5 suites with private terraces. There are, of course, 40 suites, including the ‘Un homme et une femme’ suite, dedicated to Claude Lelouch’s cult film shot at the Normandy, and the Presidential Suite (100m²), the most majestic in the hotel, with its vast terrace offering unobstructed views of the Cour Normande.

The Barrière Group is well known for its casinos. The one in Deauville is not far away. Built in 1912, it has lost none of its timeless beauty and its sumptuous setting is sure to charm you. You can also enjoy a show in its small Italian-style theatre, dine in one of the three restaurants or have a drink at the O2 Sofa Bar. And perhaps hit the jackpot?

Article written by Bernard van de Kerckhove and Dominique Busso

Translated by Bethszabee Garner