The seaside resort of Deauville gained a glamorous reputation when it became a popular playground for the rich and famous during the 19th century. This leisurely town still attracts celebrities for its annual film festival, and is also a haven for sports and music events. Enjoy this French beach town and its surroundings by arranging your Avis hire car at Deauville Train Station.

We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

From the city’s train station, a relaxing five-minute drive will bring you to Deauville’s pretty waterfront, where a long stretch of beach awaits. Wander along the historic and ultra-elegant Promenade des Planches, take in fresh sea air and admire the impressive surroundings. Besides sunbathing and swimming, Deauville beach offers a range of activities and water sports, including tennis, horse riding, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Many celebrities have visited Deauville over the decades to attend the American Film Festival which is hosted here. To pay homage to this fact, the beach closets lining the promenade are adorned with the names of famous visitors, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Cate Blanchett, Steve Martin, Salma Hayek and Harrison Ford. All of this glitz and glamour has resulted in the beach resort being referred to as the ‘Parisian Riviera’.

A gentle stroll around the town to take in impressive half-timbered houses and grand hotels is a must. La Place Morny, with its fountains and street-side cafes, is a sophisticated spot to spend an afternoon. The design for this public square was inspired by Paris’ Place de l’Étoile.

Depending on the time of year you visit, Deauville can be a bustling party town or a relaxing haven. In the peak season during the summer months, the city becomes a hive of activity, as various events and festivals get underway. In the winter, it’s a much quieter destination, but equally as beautiful.

With a car at the ready, your journey around Deauville is made easy.

Frequent renters get upgraded – and additional days for free – by signing up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.
 

Historic towns and scenic views are in abundance in the region surrounding Deauville. Wherever you decide to go, you’re only a relaxing drive away.

Trouville-sur-Mer

Located a quick 10-minute drive across the Touques river, Trouville-sur-Mer is a seaside resort with a very different ambience to Deauville. Still a thriving fishing village, the seafood restaurants here are a major draw. While Deauville has historically attracted the rich and famous, Trouville-sur-Mer was popular with the more reflective types, such as artists and writers, like Courbet and Proust. But there are also many parallels between the two destinations, with Trouville also featuring many grand villas, hotels and even a casino.

Wander along the promenade and take in the picturesque harbour and impressive architecture. Also be sure to stop at one of the town’s food markets, and find out more about local history at the Musée de Trouville.

Honfleur

The pretty town of Honfleur is just a 25-minute drive from Deauville. The harbour is the main feature here with impressive historic houses and boats reflecting beautifully on the water. Many famous artists have been inspired by this scene over the centuries, including Monet. The ancient port here dates back to Norman times.

Top sights to visit in Honfleur include the Church of Saint-Etienne, the Normandy Cultural Museum and the Notre Dame de Grâce – one of the oldest sanctuary chapels, founded by Richard II in the 17th century.

With the luxury of an Avis rental car, Deauville and beyond are yours to discover. If you haven't driven in this part of the world before, don't forget to check out the common French road rules before you travel.