You just can't get enough of Norman charm! For your next vacation, head for Trouville-sur-Mer, which, despite its unappealing name, has a wealth of beauty in store for you. This small coastal town in the Calvados region boasts colorful half-timbered houses and unspoilt beaches. When the painter Charles Mozin discovered this pretty spot in 1825, he surely had no idea that it would become one of the most fashionable towns on the Normandy coast. Let's take a look at the 11 must-sees in Trouville.
1. The circuit of Savignac's painted walls
Start your exploration of Trouville-sur-Mer along the Promenade Savignac, a pleasant stroll through the works of the poster artist of the same name. Famous in his day, he had a major influence on the artistic ambience of the town. Adorable blue whites punctuate the walk, proudly displaying the names of a number of cultural celebrities: writers, painters and so on. Take the time to discover each of these famous names, before settling down on one of these benches yourself, to admire the view of the bluish horizon.
Bordered on one side by the sea, on the other by Belle Époque houses, the Promenade Savignac is a haven for reverie and contemplation. With your feet firmly planted on the ground, you'll take an enchanting trip back in time. Let's hear it!
Book a guided bike tour of the seaside towns of Deauville and Trouville right here!
2. Enjoy the beach and nearby activities
It's impossible to miss Trouville beach, with its picturesque colorful cabins! Bordered by the Promenade des Planches, it offers some 1,200 meters of idleness. Let's face it, the water is rarely warm in Normandy... But the bravest will dare to dive into these supervised waters during the high season.
Overlooking the beach is a mini-golf course, ideal for families on vacation. Nearby, you can also opt for a pony ride. Accessible from the age of 2, this activity is offered for a small fee. A subscription for 10 rides is also available, if the children are keen to take this little ride again and again over the course of the vacation. Can you enjoy the beach despite the not-so-warm water? Of course you can!
3. Villa Montebello, a Museum of Art and History
Discover the history of the development of the Côte Fleurie at Villa Montebello, now a Museum of Art and History. The building itself is impressive, with its red walls, slate-grey roof and period white window frames. Pushing open its doors is like stepping back in time.
Savignac and Charles-Louis Mozin are featured prominently, allowing the curious to immerse themselves in their vision of the Trouville of yesteryear. Sea bathing, which was very popular at one time, is also brilliantly described in this emblematic museum. In addition to the museum, numerous workshops are offered by the Villa throughout the year. Some are aimed at younger visitors (children), others are parent-child workshops. A great way to immerse yourself in this fascinating world!
As an added bonus, the villa boasts a magical view over the Bay of Seine. What's not to love?
4. Instant thalasso, well-being at Trouville
Come to the Trouville Hotel Thalasso & Spa-MGallery for a moment of pure relaxation. At Les Cures Marines, you'll find a top-of-the-range hotel, restaurant and marine spa. The 5-star hotel is a must for those seeking a quality stay, where little touches add up to luxury. There are different ranges of rooms, but even the "classic" ones offer an idyllic and enchanting setting.
In a Belle Époque atmosphere, you'll enjoy treatments inspired by the benefits of the sea... Combined with the right gestures focused on sleep, body movement and nutrition, it's a 100% well-being stay that you're about to experience. Trust the expert touch of our friendly staff: you're in good hands! Several formulas are available to suit every need:
- one-day wellness protocols,
- multi-day packages on different themes,
- à la carte treatments and activities.
From massages to beauty treatments and wellness/health stays, each formula meets a specific need.
5. Take to the heights at Les Escaliers du Serpent
Treat yourself to the best view of Trouville! This unusual little passageway leads to the heights of the town via the Bonsecours district. Arm yourself with your best shoes and set off up the 107 steps of the Escaliers du Serpent. I promise, it's well worth the effort! From up there, you'll enjoy the most magnificent panorama of the bay. Similar to the staircases of Montmartre, the ones in Trouville have nothing to envy them, so breathtaking is the view from up there. Get ready to take your most beautiful Normandy vacation photos!
6. Discover the Casino Barrière in Trouville
Designed by architect Alexandre Durville in 1912, the Casino Barrière in Trouville-sur-Mer is a jewel steeped in history. The history of gaming in Trouville-sur-Mer began with the "Salon des Bains " in 1838, followed by the "Casino Salon " in 1845. However, it was in 1912 that the current casino was built. At the time, it was the largest casino in France. In 1992, it took on the emblematic name of "Casino Barrière de Trouville".
Don't hesitate to try the Villatara restaurant, a chic brasserie renowned in this seaside resort. Its hushed setting immerses you in a refined ambience. The rococo decor, velvet seats, retro lighting... Everything here exudes good taste!
Good to know: on Saturday evenings, an orchestra provides pleasant, non-invasive background music, so you can enjoy the place with your taste, sight and sound.
7. The fishing port of Trouville, authentic charm
Looking for another Instagrammable spot after the Escaliers du Serpent? Head for the fishing port of Trouville! Before becoming a famous seaside resort in Normandy, this small town was a fishing port. Colorful trawlers litter the quays, offering a picturesque and enchanting spectacle. Stroll along the harbor, admiring the boats and colorful buildings, before settling down at a café...Excellent restaurants have also found their place in this enchanting setting. Take the time to enjoy a good mussels and French fries on the terrace, or one of the regional specialties. La Dolce Vita invites itself to Normandy, and it's on the port of Trouville that it takes place!
8. Take the Trouville-Deauville ferry
With the Trouville-Deauville ferryquickly reach the other side of the Touques. This little boat, which has been in existence since 1889, offers a pleasant way of getting to this other well-known seaside resort, without having to take the car. In just 5 minutes and for a small fee, you can enjoy a short trip on the river. You can also take advantage of your vacation in Calvados to visit this emblematic town on the Côte Fleurie.
From the Casino to the racecourse, via the Villa Strassburger and Place de Morny, the stroll promises another great visit. The Les Franciscaines cultural center is also well worth a visit. The icing on the cake: you can even watch a polo match! It's an original activity, and one you don't often get to see in your daily life. Another original activity is to book a guided tour of the legendary town of Deauville aboard a vintage sidecar by clicking here !
Take advantage of your getaway to admire the Deauville train station. It's one of the 10 most beautiful stations in France, and well worth a visit. Discover our dedicated article What to do in Deauville? The 15 must-sees!
9. Take a boat trip up the Touques
Embark on a captivating adventure along the Touques! Departure is opposite the Tourist Office. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you sail on motorboats moored to a floating pontoon. The first few moments transport you to the heart of an urban atmosphere, crossing the town before plunging into the artisanal zone of Touques and Saint-Arnoult. After half an hour, the magic happens: civilization fades away, giving way to the wild beauty of the river. Time seems suspended, and a true escape begins. After an hour's navigation, the mysterious meanders of the Touques before the estuary reveal a wild landscape, a natural paradise that will leave you longing for dreams and contemplation.
Would you like to complete your experience on the water? Come aboard the Gulf Stream and sail off Trouville. You can take a day or half-day trip, admiring the view of the Normandy coastline.
10. Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours church, a jewel of the XVIIIᵉ century
TheNotre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours church immerses you in a historical and religious atmosphere, revealing a piece of the Côte Fleurie's history. Imposing its presence between two parallel streets, it invites contemplation. Partially rebuilt over the centuries, the church has retained all its splendor. Don't hesitate to push open its doors and discover its stained glass windows, but above all its superb organ, which occasionally plays a sublime, muted sound to your ears.
11. The fish market of Trouville-sur-Mer
The Halles aux poissons is housed in a charming period building. An undisputed emblem of Normandy's maritime tradition, the fish market invites visitors into a gustatory world where the flavors of the sea dance to the rhythm of the seasons. Listed as a historic monument, this giant fish market offers a glimpse into the preserved history of the fishing port. Open every day of the year from 9am to 7pm, the stalls are brimming with scallops, mackerel and other treasures of the sea. On-site catering provides an opportunity to sample the best of Trouville's produce, from fisherman to consumer. Freshness guaranteed!
What to do in Trouville when it rains?
Numerous workshops open their doors to you come rain or shine. Depending on the current program, there are many options to choose from:
- les Toiles de Verre,
- the Blaisefactory art workshop
- the Garden House workshop (for children up to age 14),
- elim gallery workshop.
Villa Montebello is another great idea for a rainy-day visit. It also organizes occasional workshops, but can be visited at any other time. Take advantage of the rain to discover the religious buildings, as well as the historic architecture of the Casino Barrière.
Tell us, would this rain that seems to want to stay all day be the perfect opportunity to enjoya day of thalassotherapy? In the warmth of expert hands, all you have to do is relax and wait for the famous Normandy drizzle to end!
Family activities in Trouville
If there's one must-do activity for the whole family in Trouville, it's "Mystère sur le Tournage"! Play little Sherlock Holmes with your family as you wander the town for 2-3 hours. Objective: find a missing work of art. The adventure promises to be thrilling, bringing the whole family together for a common goal and 100% fun. Go to theTourist Office to start your investigation!
Now set sail for the sea. You can rent a kayak from Concept Sport Émotion to explore the area from a different perspective. Ouch! The rain's back! What to do with children in Trouville when it's raining? Go and have fun at the Hangar à Énigmes, of course! Enjoy a family escape game indoors, where cunning and complicity will be required to get you through (minimum age: 8).
The mini-golf course on the beach is another fun activity to enjoy with children, as is the pony ride.
What to do in Trouville on a romantic weekend?
To discover the wonders of the Côte Fleurie in a bucolic way, hire a guided bike tour. Riding at a leisurely pace, you'll discover this pretty spot in an original way. The fishing port also has a romantic ambience to offer... At sunset, it's pleasant to dine on the terrace of a good restaurant, admiring the sun melting away on the horizon.
Trouville is also an enchanting place to spend the festive season as a couple. The atmosphere is more authentic and relaxed than during the summer season. Let yourself go and admire the colorful boats on the quays, hand in hand, before enjoyinga bucolic stroll along the beach and the Promenade Savignac. The city is decked out in 1001 lights for Christmas, immersing you in a slightly magical, resolutely romantic atmosphere.
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway less than 2 hours from Paris? Welcome to Trouville-sur-Mer! This little corner of Normandy paradise is waiting to welcome you for a relaxing getaway. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the charm of a small coastal town of character, where treasures of the past rub shoulders with the comforts of modern life. A little nugget of Normandy to discover!
