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All it takes is one trip to be sold on the French Riviera as one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, but next time you’re in Paris itching for sun and sand, check out a hidden gem most travelers overlook.
With the lesser-known ‘Parisian Riviera’ in close proximity, you don’t have to take a bullet train from Paris to Marseille like I did; you can visit beaches to the north, a short train ride away from the ‘City of Light.’
Small yet packing a punch with timeless charm, spacious beaches equipped with readily available parasols, and waterfront boutique hotels, the ‘Parisian’ beach town of Deauville is waiting to be discovered by mainstream travelers rather than simply being a locals’ favorite retreat.
According to the Irish Sun, those who’ve had the pleasure of visiting are claiming it’s “one of the best beaches in France”; bold words with the company of Nice, St. Tropez, and aforementioned Marseille.
But 2025 is the year to avoid the crowds of popular getaways and embrace off-path escapes, especially those that have been right under our noses all along.
Deauville: Scenic Beaches & Surprising Attractions
The quaint beach town of Deauville blends classic French charm and coastal bliss with a mile-long stretch of sandy shores perfect for relaxing under one of the 450 colorful parasols — or, if you’re lucky enough to score one, a beach hut along the promenade known as “Les Planches”.
Oddly enough, each hut is named after a Hollywood star who has attended the Deauville American Film Festival, so don’t feel weird asking for the “Morgan Freeman” or “Robert Pattinson”.
But most notably, there are dozens of shops to peruse and bars and eateries to indulge in lining the beach, whether it’s classic boardwalk ice cream to cap off a nice stroll or beachfront eats like Chez Patou, known for their craft beer and made-to-order cheeseburgers.
In other words, you can definitely make a full day vacationing along Deauville’s pretty beaches. Plus, you can take part in the town’s famed equestrian heritage by booking a horseback ride along the beach or booking a sailing or jet ski excursion for the more adventurous.
While Deauville makes for a nice spring getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris, Deauville’s prime time to visit is summer, especially when the popular open-air market of Place du Marché, arguably the heartbeat of the town, opens in July.
Place de Morny is another buzzing part of town lined with nice restaurants and traditional French cafes, all surrounded by picturesque Norman-style architecture.
Upscale Boutique Hotels On The Cheap
As we all know, Paris expenses can stack up quickly! After buying a travel pass, sidewalk cappuccinos, and a few museum tours, you’ll already be double-checking your bank balance.
Hotels are notoriously pricey in Paris, so at the very least, a weekend trip to Deauville will help balance out your expenses as it’s a lot lighter on the wallet, especially with upscale boutique stays under $100 per night.
According to TripAdvisor, Villa Augeval Boutique Hôtel & Spa is a must-visit not only for its location, world-class spa, and grand pool, but most notably for its cheap rates.
The Irish Sun reported rates as low as $79.
There are more lavish stays with some names you might recognize if you’re a frequent international traveler, such as Novotel Deauville Plage and even a 4-star Best Western in the neighboring town of Trouville-sur-Mer, which tourists also rave about.
Getting Here: An Affordable, Easy Train Ride From Paris
If there’s one experience that seems to be a common denominator on many travel wishlists, it’s traveling Europe by train.
The Irish Sun mentioned taking the Eurostar from Paris for roughly $90, but why do that when there are much cheaper options?
SNCF offers direct routes from Paris to Deauville in the $20 – $25 range depending on which day you book and the ride is only 2 hours and 12 minutes.
You can wake up, grab a coffee at one of the endless cafes of Paris, and bask in the sun of a Deauville beach before lunch.
And if you happen to be vacationing in Paris this summer, SNCF just announced a ticket sale from August 31 – December 31, 2025 with cheap connections to such places as Milan, Nice, and my favorite Luxembourg.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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