Deauville…surreal!

Irish skin and more than 30 deg c. of sunshine take a while to get along with each other - and it has been very hot in northern France of late. So when I saw the colours of the umbrellas on the beach at Deauville, I thought it was a mirage. Indeed the whole town was like something out of a fairytale.

I've been traveling and photographing over here for the past few weeks and and ended up in this most unusual seaside town. It is the Monte Carlo of Normandy, all be it with a most spectacular and pristine beach.

Deauville was founded in the late nineteenth century as a pleasure resort and was purpose built in a traditional Norman style. The town hall looks particularly beautiful surrounded by manicured gardens. After the second world war Deauville became famous for the American film festival held at the end of summer. The favorite place to "promenade" here, is the American style board walk which is lined with a walk of fame. All of the major stars who have appeared at the festival are named on the barriers between the art deco beach huts.

Possibly the most unique and spectacular building is the 290 room Hotel Normandy. Built in 1912, it is a one off, with turrets, wooden balconies and gargoyles. Inside it is an art deco masterpiece. Indeed both it and it's sister hotel played a starring role in an early episode of "Poirot". With plenty of designer shops and the famous Casino next door to the Royale Hotel, you can also see why Ian Fleming didn't have to look too far for the inspiration for his first James Bond novel, "Casino Royale".

If only I had remembered to bring an Aston Martin!