Deauville Racecourse

You’re standing by one of the places that shaped Deauville’s very identity: its racecourse. Let’s rewind to August 1864. Back then, this was still reclaimed marshland, and yet it was already a day of celebration: on the 14th and 15th, the very first major races of the young resort took place right here.

To this day, Deauville’s racecourse remains one of the most famous in France. Every summer, throughout August, it hosts the grand Deauville meeting, several weeks of prestigious races that draw the finest horses, leading owners, and plenty of curious visitors. People don’t come only to place bets, but for the spectacle itself: the thunder of thoroughbreds, the elegance of the crowd, and that unique blend of chic and adrenaline. Over the years, the racecourse has modernized with tracks designed to cope even in wet weather, and more recently, semi-night races under the floodlights.

All around it, an entire horse industry thrives: renowned stables, auctions of young racehorses known as yearlings, and the expertise of top trainers. So even if you’re not a gambler or a racing enthusiast, take a moment to look out over this great oval of greenery. It’s a living piece of history where elegance, excitement, and heritage meet.