Deauville Town Hall

In front of you stands Deauville’s Town Hall. Hard to believe, but before this building existed, the town hall was perched up on Mont-Canisy near Saint-Laurent Church, until a fire destroyed it in 1840.

For decades afterward, the administration moved from one temporary location to another. It wasn’t until 1879 that the decision was finally made to build a proper town hall in the “new town.” Two years later, a red-brick Beaux-Arts style building was inaugurated. Over time it was expanded, then completely transformed after the Second World War to better match the Norman style. Architect Albert Guy redesigned the facade, blending brick, stone, and timber framing, topped with slate and tile roofs. That half-timbered look you see today fits seamlessly with the seaside identity of Deauville and has made this one of its most photographed landmarks. If the exterior catches your eye, step inside: the grand staircase and some of the reception rooms are listed as Historic Monuments. In the hall you’ll spot a bronze medallion of former mayor Eugène Colas, created by Paul Belmondo, the father of the famous french actor. And before you move on, take a look behind you.

Notice the twelve bells mounted on tall poles? This carillon is a work of art in itself. It rings out every hour and once even played the iconic tune “Chabadabada” as a nod to director Claude Lelouch and his film A Man and a Woman, partly shot right here on Deauville’s beach.