The world’s gaze recently fell on Deauville, the chic seaside haven in Normandy, when international leaders met for the G8 summit. Fashioned as a resort in the 19th century, Deauville is a favorite destination of well-heeled Parisian weekenders—with its beach boardwalk, racetrack, casino, and luxury hotels lined with photos of the Hollywood A-listers who hang out during the annual American Film Festival in September. Luxury Travel Advisor recently made a pilgrimage to the town where Coco Chanel first started selling her signature hats, and fell hard for Deauville. (All that Tudor architecture! The race horses cooling down in the surf after their morning work-outs! Calvados and camembert!)
Looking to book a weekend getaway just a short hop from Paris? The Lucien Barrière Hotels Group has been instrumental in Deauville’s blossoming into a holiday resort since the opening of its three iconic resorts in the early 20th century. The Normandy Barrière and The Royal Barrière both offer opulent facilities and five-star digs right in the heart of town. A short drive away, the four-star Hôtel du Golf Barrière has splendid views over the coast and “pays d’Auge” countryside from its perch above its 18-hole golf course. (The Royal Barrière is home to the only Michelin-starred restaurant in town, L’Étrier.) Trains depart the Paris St Lazare station for Trouville-Deauville a few times every day; the journey is just two hours.