rtalized in the 19th century
paintings of Eugène Boudin - is the oldest seaside resort in
France. In the days of Louis-Philippe, it was discovered by artists
and
the upper crust, by the end of the Second Empire it was the beach
à la mode. Then the Duc de Mornay, half brother of
Napoléon III, and other aristos who were looking
for something more exclusive, built their villas along the deserted
beach across the Touques. Thus was launched Deauville, a
vigorous
grande dame who started kicking up her heels during the Second Empire,
kept swinging through the Belle Epoque, and is still frequented by a
fair share of millionaires, princes, and French movie stars. Few
of them ever go near the water here, since other attractions : casino,
theater, music hall, polo, galas, racecourse, marina and regattas,
palaces and gardens, and Place Vendome jewelry shops - compete. The
Promenade des Planches - the boardwalk extending along the seafront and
lined with deck chairs, bars, and striped cabanas - is the place for
celebrity spotting. With high-price hotels, designer boutiques, and one
of the smartest gilt-edge casinos in Europe, Deauville's fashionable
image still attracts the wealthy throughout the year.
