Situated on the beautiful Normandy coast and on the banks of the River Touques, Trouville is often associated and compared with its neighbor Deauville, which is located on the other side of the river. The city may have some similarities to its sister community, but the truth is that Trouville has a different vibe and identity. Although the full name of this city is Trouville-sur-Mer, it is called that less often.
The town’s history dates back more than 120 years, when it began as a charming but bustling fishing port. In the 19th century, Trouville became one of the first spas in France. So it was no surprise that the town soon became known as the ‘Queen of the Beaches’, attracting romantics, artists and writers like Proust and Monet.
Even after more than a century, Trouville has managed to stay true to its roots as a sleepy fishing village. While Deauville attracts the affluent and adventurous, Trouville is less flashy and caters more to families. It has a beautiful sandy beach, which is home to a variety of water sports and outdoor activities. This long stretch of sand looks like a typical beach on the Normandy coast. Its look and appeal is enhanced by a wooden boardwalk designed in 1867. This is a good place to stroll while admiring the sea and the various elegant towns that line the beach.
The seafront Natur’Aquarium is a big hit with kids, who would like to marvel at fascinating creatures like sharks up close. Other activities to enjoy in Trouville include tennis, horse riding, and scuba diving. Away from the beach, nature lovers will probably love the idea of walking the many established trails in the city’s lush landscape.
In the city proper, one of the biggest draws is the neo-Norman style La Poissonnerie, a fresh fish market known for its electrifying atmosphere. Every day, La Poissonnerie sells the last catch of the morning from local fishermen. If you want to dine at a restaurant in town, try the seafood dishes as they are guaranteed to be the freshest you can get! If you stroll from a place called Pont des Belges to La Possionnerie on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, you can also visit a street market, offering flowers, local crafts, and Normandy favorites like meat and cheese. If you miss the markets, don’t worry, as there are enough antique and craft shops, as well as art galleries to keep you happy.
To experience a sense of Trouville’s rich culture, stop by the Musee de Trouville, which is housed in Villa Montebello. This villa is one of the most impressive in the city, not only for its architecture but also for its location, which is located on a hill with a spectacular view of the sea. If you want to get to know Trouville a bit more, consider signing up for guided tours that highlight the city’s history and exquisite architecture. These guided tours are available in English and are organized by the local tourist office.
And when night falls, Trouville’s main nightlife hub is its century-old Barriere Casino, which not only features hundreds of slot machines and traditional games, but is also home to Louisiane Café, the restaurant Villatara and the lively nightclub called l Beautified.