By Angela Fairhurst
Deauville is a seaside resort on the Cote Fleurie of France’s Normandy region nicknamed the “Parisian Riviera.” A mere two hours northwest of Paris, it’s known for its prestigious horse races, polo matches, grand casino, golf courses, the annual Deauville American Film Festival, and the site of TravellerMade Essence of Luxury Show.
Its wide, sandy beach bordered by the seaside boardwalk of Les Planches dates back to the 1920s.
The hotel has sea-facing bathing cabins, each bearing the name of a celebrity who participated in the film festival. The town has stylish boutiques, half-timbered buildings and chic hotels. Three of the hotels in town are Barrière Hotels.
In the city center across from the sea is the HOTEL BARRIÈRE LE NORMANDY.
This legendary half-timbered hotel recently retained Nathalie Ryan in Toile de Jouy to completely renovate its 271 rooms and suites in the Norman character. With views of the sea, city, or the courtyard, the rooms with king size beds exude comfort and coziness.
The restaurant The Good Times, has also been redesigned with a transparent wine cellar, majestic chandeliers, and mosaic floors contrasting with decorative moldings and modern light wood furniture. Highlight dishes include truffle and ham veal chop or the giant Nutella Lightning. On Sundays, the restaurant hosts its famous gigantic brunch. There is also the classic setting of the Normandy Bar, with stained glass windows and a grand piano in the corner.
The Diane Barrière Spa focuses on wellness and is centered around total regeneration. There is also a fitness center and translucent roof swimming pool.
HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE ROYAL gives off an air of splendor. As part of an annual winter closing, the hotel is currently open only on weekends with a full reopening April 27th. The 217 guest rooms and 30 suites are spacious with large windows, canopies and king size beds. Its welcoming lobby and a splendid view of the English Channel make the hotel a celebrity favorite.
Royal Coast is the fine dining restaurant with Chef Eric Provost serving traditional gourmet cuisine using local produce. Stirrup is a champagne bar decorated in English club style featuring red and gold tones. Drink offerings also include a variety of rums.
Le Royal has a heated outdoor pool, The Spa Diane Barrièr, The Tigre Yoga Club and meditation center, which come complete with a Pilates studio, holistic health institute, organic and vegan bar and store.
L’HOTEL du GOLF is also a traditional half-timbered structure located outside of the center of town in the green Normandy countryside. Rooms feature views of the 27 hole golf course, Trouville and the Bay of the Seine. Like the Le Royal, L’Hotel du Golf is open on weekends beginning February 1st with a full reopening March 2nd.
Redesigned by Chantal Peyrat, the hotel uses Scottish tartans and leather Chesterfield furniture with silky floral fabrics to evoke relaxation. 170 contemporary guestrooms have furniture with clean lines, and separate bathtubs and rainfall showers in the bathrooms.
The Lassey is the hotel’s restaurant headed by Chef Tommy George. The cuisine features local meat and fish flavored with exotic spices. Desserts are made with seasonal fruits and fine chocolates. The Green is the British style bar designed in wood and red accents. Its menu features Pata negra on Poilâne bread or foie gras and tasty tapas until 10pm. There is also a Bar Club House for the golfers.
The terrace has a 180° view of the Channel.
