A holiday on la Côte Fleurie
The writer Phillipe Camus described la Côte Fleurie as a place where the people, the land and the sea melt together. A feeling which remains part of any holiday today, in captivating towns close to the château.
The birth of la Côte Fleurie
La Côte Fleurie stretches from Honfleur in the east, to Sallenelle in the west and has been known by this name for a hundred years. A term first used by Count Raymond Coustas of Yanville, in praise of the wonderful garden displays that still adorn the area today. Even earlier, the region had become a focus for wealthy Parisians seeking the sea and sun, with Deauville a popular resort in the 1860's.
Deauville is perhaps the best known town in the area. A centre of elegance, with designer shops, a marina often filled with luxury yachts, the glamorous boardwalk and casino. Even so, this show of prosperity feels natural, rather than planned extravagance. Simply the spirit of that town, with other unique places close by.
Towns and sights to see
- Trouville - A fine resort, with it's own casino and waterfront boulevard, yet different to Deauville. The trawlers and fish market still at the core, blending with an aquarium and other facilities to keep people young and old amused, a fun place to be.
- Honfleur - The incredible Normandy bridge close by, modern architecture not out of place in a town considered the birthplace of impressionism. The past calls through cobbled streets and ancient festivals. Try not to miss Le Musée d'Ethnographie.
- Touques - A small, very Norman town, built around l'église St. Pierre. Stood for nearly a thousand years, as has William the Conqueror's impressive castle.
- Houlgate - A friendly resort, of half timbered gables and turrets. The town's golf course unique, imagine playing in a hillside orchard, with glorious views over the channel.
- Cabourg - Worth a visit just to take tea at the Grand Hotel, originally a small fishing village that became a symbol of 19th Century splendour. Captured by Proust in La Recherche de Temps Perdu, a feeling the town never lost.
- Manoir des Evéques - Drive a few miles into the enchanting Pays d'Auge, amongst rolling hills and green valleys. The Manoir is a fine place to stop, to view the historic building, the contents and to feel at peace.
The places we mention can only be a sample, holding their own character and most regularly holding special events, or traditional Normandy markets. There is so much to see on la Côte Fleurie and we hope you will join us to share the experience.
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