by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:17th December 2024
A visit to Normandy’s seaside
The charming coastal town of Cabourg in Normandy is the perfect location for a seaside mini-break, where you can stroll amongst its Belle-Epoque villas. Cabourg is a delightful place to base yourself while exploring the poignant D-Day landing beaches.
Normandy is a magnificent region of France to discover and is bursting with an incredible amount of history. Cabourg is located in the Calvados Department of Normandy, along the English Channel, at the mouth of the River Dives.
We’ve visited Normandy in northwest France on several occasions. The verdant rolling countryside mixed with the golden beaches is a pleasure to explore. There is so much to see in Normandy, and returning once again offered us an excuse to also stay at Bayeux and visit the recently opened British Normandy Memorial.
Not that we needed a further nudge to visit Cabourg, but this gave us the opportunity to plan an EV mini-road trip. We headed off in our new electric vehicle to reconnoitre the Normandy coast; here is our inspiration.
Why not Pin it for later?
Where is Cabourg?
How to get to Cabourg
- By Car
Departing from the UK to France, there are various options. You can either jump on Le Shuttle and arrive in Calais in 35 minutes or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the open waves with DFDS or P&O. Alternatively, you can head down to the south coast of England and catch Brittany Ferry directly to Normandy.
- By Plane
If you’re flying into France, search for your flights in one easy place with Booking.com. This reliable travel search engine will scan for your favoured routes and chosen dates. Pre-book your hire car from Rental Cars, and your adventure begins.
Brief history of Cabourg
The chic arrives at the Côte FleurieThe shoreline town of Cabourg was founded more than 1400 years ago during the medieval times, and it holds a fascinating and intriguing past.
Villa L'Argentine
Its elegant charm attracted the wealthy and well-to-do from the mid-1800s. With the growth and expansion of the railway era, the seaside resort of Cabourg became very fashionable and accessible for stylish sea-bathing.
Cabourg sits on Normandy’s beautiful Flowery Coast, and the Queen of the Côte Fleurie continues to attract many visitors from near and far. It’s such a pleasure embracing the bygone charm of the sophisticated Belle-Epoque villas.
Hôtel de Ville, Cabourg
Cabourg became a haven for artists, authors, and intellectuals, attracting the renowned French author, Marcel Proust. Proust drew inspiration from Cabourg for the fictional town of Balbec, the seaside location in Proust's ‘In Search of Lost Time’.
Each year in June, Cabourg hosts the International Festival of the Romantic Movie.
Village d'Art Guillaume-le-Conquérant, Dives-sur-Mer
Cabourg’s very close neighbour, Dives-sur-Mer, is famed for being the location where William the Conqueror left France and sailed across the English Channel to ultimately defeat Harold II on the 14th of October 1066, during the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex.
Where to stay in Cabourg
Kyriad Prestige Residence & Spa Cabourg-Dives-sur-Mer
The Kyriad Prestige is a peaceful hotel located on the edge of Cabourg and Dives-sur-Mer. It’s just a short stroll to the historic old town and the beach resort of Cabourg. Its rooms are modern and has welcoming, friendly staff.
Onsite secure parking is available and complimentary.
Alternatively, pop your dates in the Booking.com search box and discover further options for all budgets.
The elegant ‘Promenade Marcel Proust’
A stroll back in timeThe glorious ‘Promenade Marcel Proust’ is a delightful boulevard that unfolds along the Plage de Cabourg for as far as the eyes can see. The panoramic walk proudly boasts to be the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe at 3.6km (2.2 miles) long.
Promenade Marcel Proust
The unravelling views across the wide golden sandy beach are incredible; you can easily see why Plage de Cabourg is so popular with visitors. So, grab your bucket and spade and feel the warmth of the fine sand beneath your feet.
Plage de Cabourg
Take a slow amble and admire some of the beautiful Belle Époque villas as you go, or why not take a seat and soak up the ocean view and partake in a spot of people-watching.
I love the blue and white striped bathing tents in front of Le Grand Hôtel; they are so nostalgic and take your imagination back to a bygone era.
We love visiting France and each region so different from one another. I find the DK Eyewitness Guides really helpful in planning a trip and so often find interesting little snippets of info.
Take a peek at this revised Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide and see what you can discover.
Exploring the charm of Cabourg
A Normandy delightWhen you arrive in Cabourg, you’ll immediately want to set off and explore this seaside town’s charming historical streets and lanes. All the roads that lead off from the Jardin du Casino unravel like a fan.
Shopping in Cabourg
Avenue de la Mer at night
As we head from the pleasant Parc de la Mairie, passing the Hôtel de Ville, we amble along the bustling Avenue de la Mer.
This characterful street will keep you entertained for hours, from the many cafés and restaurants to the overflowing boutiques. Don’t forget to keep looking up, as some of the architecture here is amazing.
Le Hastings Restaurant
There truly is something for everyone in Cabourg, whether you’re visiting for the grand, elegant villas or a relaxing coastal break, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Jardin du Casino
At the end of Avenue de la Mer, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Jardin du Casino, surrounded by blossoming flower boxes. This lovely garden sits at the feet of the Grand Hôtel and Cabourg Casino, encircled with eye-catching 20th century villas.
One of the many things I love about France is that you’ll always stumble upon a traditional twinkling carousel, and Cabourg is no exception.
Nylic Square
Just by the Casino Garden, keep a lookout for the tranquil oasis named Nylic Square; this is a peaceful little garden and a haven for butterflies and bees. Take a seat and relish the dappled shade from the Normandy sunshine.
Normandy Tourist Information
If you’re tempted to visit Normandy, especially the department of Calvados, take a peek at the official Normandy Tourism website. The local tourist offices provide some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around the region.
I found the Normandy Cabourg Pays d'Auge Tourism website extremely useful.
The elegant ladies of Cabourg
Belle-Epoque villas and a Grand HotelWhen strolling around Jardin du Casino or promenading along Marcel Proust Walk, you’ll undoubtedly see the elegant Grand Hôtel. This chic 5-star hotel dominates the seafront and adds a true sense of style to Cabourg.
The Grand Hôtel, Cabourg
The Grand Hotel was built in 1907 to accommodate the visiting wealthy aristocrats and the French well-to-do. The majestic hotel overlooks the golden sands of Plage de Cabourg to the north and the semicircle of villas around Casino Gardens to the south.
Cabourg Casino
The Cabourg Casino is located adjacent to the Grand Hotel and was built in 1854; the Italian-style casino has had a few alterations; however, today’s façade dates from 1909.
Cabourg Casino offers not only the traditional style of gaming tables, including blackjack, poker, and English roulette, but also slot machines and electronic games.
Striking villa in Cabourg
A visit to Cabourg would not be complete without an amble amongst its historic streets to discover the grand Belle-Époque villas. While visiting the tourist office in Jardins de l'Hotel de Ville, pick up a map of the Circuit des villas and wend your way around the picturesque avenues.
Along the 3.2km (2-mile) route, you’ll be able to identify 30 villas and gain an understanding of their heritage and history. These elegant architectural gems, built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflect the luxury and sophistication of the era.
La Villa du Temps retrouvé
One of the most famous Belle Époque villas in Cabourg is the Villa du Temps Retrouvé. This beautiful villa, once owned by the French author, Marcel Proust, is now a museum. The ‘Villa of Time Regained’ guides you through the daily life during the golden age of Cabourg and the Côte Fleurie.
Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France
If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.
Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.
The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.
More from our travels to Normandy
We have a shared history with Normandy, and it's a place we love to visit, discovering from the coast to a hidden Normandy, often overlooked.
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