Trouville-sur-Mer Beaches

Overview

Trouville-sur-Mer offers a classic French seaside experience on the Normandy coast. As one of the region's first coastal resorts, it blends the authentic charm of a fishing village with the elegance of 19th-century villas. Often considered more relaxed and family-oriented than its neighbor, Trouville provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors seeking a quintessential beach holiday. Its long, sandy shores and lively town, complete with a renowned fish market, make it a beloved destination that has charmed artists and families for generations.

The local coastline presents a wonderful variety of beach experiences. At the heart of the town is the Grande Plage de Trouville, a vast stretch of sand famous for its historic wooden boardwalk. Just across the river lies the chic and glamorous Deauville Beach, known for its colorful parasols and celebrity-named bathing cabins. For unforgettable day trips, the dramatic, world-famous cliffs of Plage d'Étretat offer breathtaking scenery, while Houlgate Beach charms visitors with its beautifully preserved Belle Époque architecture lining the sand.

A defining feature of the beaches here is the dramatic tide, which pulls back to reveal an immense expanse of sand perfect for walking and beach activities. The beaches highlighted here are just a starting point for what the Normandy coast has to offer. For more ideas, from bustling resort towns to quiet coves, be sure to explore our complete list of the region's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Trouville-sur-Mer a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Trouville-sur-Mer is an excellent choice for a family beach holiday. The main beach, Grande Plage de Trouville, offers a long stretch of fine sand perfect for children to play on. During the summer, the beach is supervised by lifeguards, ensuring a safe swimming environment. For entertainment, you'll find a children's club in July and August, along with amenities like mini-golf, pony rides, trampolines, and inflatable structures. The town itself has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Grande Plage de Trouville

What's the difference between the beaches in Trouville and Deauville?

Trouville and Deauville are neighboring towns, but their beaches offer different atmospheres. Trouville's beach is known for its more relaxed, authentic, and family-oriented vibe, backed by a charming fishing town. Deauville's beach is considered more upscale and glamorous, famous for its iconic colorful parasols, private beach huts named after movie stars, and proximity to high-end boutiques and a casino. While both have beautiful sandy beaches and boardwalks, Trouville offers a more laid-back experience compared to the chic reputation of Deauville.

Grande Plage de Trouville

Deauville Beach

Can you actually swim in the sea at Trouville-sur-Mer? What is the water temperature like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Trouville-sur-Mer, especially during the summer months. The swimming season is generally considered to be from July to August when the water is at its warmest. Average sea temperatures in summer range from 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F). While refreshing, some may still find it chilly compared to Mediterranean destinations, so a wetsuit might be comfortable for longer swims, though many people swim without one on warm days.

What is the best time of year to visit Trouville for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach-focused holiday in Trouville-sur-Mer is from June to August. During these summer months, you'll experience the most pleasant weather, with average air temperatures between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F), and the sea will be at its warmest for swimming. September can also be a good option, with mild weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer season.

Are there hotels with direct beach access in Trouville-sur-Mer?

While many hotels are located very close to the beach, offering sea views and just a short walk to the sand, direct access from a hotel onto the beach itself is rare due to the public boardwalk (Promenade Savignac) that runs along the beachfront. Hotels like Le Flaubert are located directly on the boardwalk, providing an experience that is as close to being 'on the beach' as possible. Many other hotels and apartments are just a street away from the promenade.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there any rules I should know about for Trouville's beach?

Yes, there are a few key rules. Picnics and camping are strictly forbidden on the beach by municipal decree. Dogs are allowed on the sand, but only during specific hours: before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. year-round. They must be kept under control and are permitted on a leash on the main boardwalk, the Promenade Savignac. It's also important to pay attention to the beach flags which indicate swimming safety.

How do the tides affect the beach at Trouville-sur-Mer?

The tides have a significant impact on the beach at Trouville. The tidal range is quite large, meaning at low tide, a vast expanse of flat, wet sand is exposed, which is perfect for walking, sand yachting, and horse riding. At high tide, the water comes up much closer to the boardwalk, reducing the amount of dry sand available. It's always a good idea to check the local tide times before you go to plan your activities accordingly.

What facilities are available at the main beach in Trouville?

The main beach in Trouville is well-equipped, especially during the summer season. You can rent iconic beach huts, parasols, and deckchairs. There are public toilets, showers, and changing rooms available at the 'Établissement de la Plage et de la Mer'. For activities, there's a swimming pool complex with indoor and outdoor pools, a sailing club, and various play areas for children. Several restaurants and bars are located directly on or just behind the beach.

Grande Plage de Trouville

People Also Ask

Can I get to Trouville's beach from Paris for a day trip?

Yes, a day trip from Paris to Trouville is very popular and feasible. The most common way is by train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to the Trouville-Deauville station, which takes a little over two hours. From the station, it's about a 15-minute walk over the bridge to reach Trouville's beach. Buses are also an option but typically take longer.

Grande Plage de Trouville

What is the 'Promenade des Planches' in Trouville?

The 'Promenade des Planches' (also known as the Promenade Savignac) is the iconic wooden boardwalk that stretches for about 900 meters along the main beach of Trouville. Dating back to 1867, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll with views of the sea on one side and the beautiful 19th-century seaside villas on the other. It's a central feature of the beach experience in Trouville.

Grande Plage de Trouville

Are there many restaurants and cafes right on the beach?

Yes, Trouville offers a good selection of places to eat with your feet almost in the sand. There are several bar-restaurants located directly on the beach, perfect for a casual lunch, a drink, or dinner with a sea view. Additionally, the streets immediately behind the boardwalk are lined with numerous bistros and restaurants, especially famous for fresh seafood from the adjacent fish market.

What kind of activities can you do on the beach besides swimming?

Trouville's beach is a hub for various activities. The vast space at low tide is ideal for sand yachting, which can be arranged through the local nautical club. You can also enjoy kite surfing, sea kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach is great for volleyball, horseback riding (at specific times), or simply strolling along the famous wooden boardwalk.

Low / High	15°C/21.1°C
Feels Like (High)	21.2°C

Sea Temperature	21.4 °C
Wave Height	0.3 m

Rain Chance	25%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

Sunrise / Sunset	06:23/21:48
Sunshine Hours	9.6 hrs
UV Index	5.3
Cloud Cover	67%

Speed	16.3 km/h
Gusts	34.2 km/h
Direction	W

Trouville-sur-Mer Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Grande Plage de Trouville

Deauville Beach

Plage d'Étretat

Houlgate Beach

FAQ

Is Trouville-sur-Mer a good destination for a family beach holiday?

What's the difference between the beaches in Trouville and Deauville?

Can you actually swim in the sea at Trouville-sur-Mer? What is the water temperature like?

What is the best time of year to visit Trouville for a beach holiday?

Are there hotels with direct beach access in Trouville-sur-Mer?

Are there any rules I should know about for Trouville's beach?

How do the tides affect the beach at Trouville-sur-Mer?

What facilities are available at the main beach in Trouville?

A Tour of the Coast

Houlgate Beach

Plage de Blonville-sur-Mer

La Plage de Villers-sur-Mer

Plage de Cabourg

People Also Ask

Can I get to Trouville's beach from Paris for a day trip?

What is the 'Promenade des Planches' in Trouville?

Are there many restaurants and cafes right on the beach?

What kind of activities can you do on the beach besides swimming?

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Trouville-sur-Mer

Sand Beaches in Trouville-sur-Mer

Nudist Beaches in Trouville-sur-Mer

Where River Meets Sea

Deauville Beach

Plage du Butin

Plage du Havre

Explore More Local Beaches

Plage de Franceville

Plage Les Dunes de Cabourg

Merville Franceville Plage

Plage de La Redoute

Trouville-sur-Mer Beaches Map

Trouville-sur-Mer: Weather Today

Air

Sea

Rain

Sun

Wind

Explore More