Deauville Casino

And here stands Deauville’s other great landmark: its Casino. Did you know that in France casinos are only allowed in spa towns or seaside resorts? That’s no coincidence, it’s a nineteenth-century law still in force today. Which explains why Deauville has its glittering casino while Paris does not. The one you see before you dates back to 1912, designed by architect Georges Wybo and inspired by the Grand Trianon of Versailles. A true palace of pleasure, set right on the seafront. Its grand opening that summer matched the ambition: 1,500 guests flocked in to discover this new temple of luxury and entertainment. At the very same moment, the Normandy Hotel welcomed its first visitors, together realizing the vision of impresario Eugène Cornuché. Already behind the success of the Trouville Casino, he dreamed up the perfect pairing for Deauville: a lavish hotel and a casino to rival the most fashionable resorts. After his death, his relative by marriage François André carried the torch, laying the foundations of what would become the Barrière group. From then on, Deauville rose to international fame, a place where gaming, elegance, and high society came together. But the Casino has always been more than roulette wheels and card tables: it houses gaming rooms, grand reception salons, and performance venues. The most famous of all is the Ambassadors’ Room, which has hosted galas, balls, concerts, and prestigious shows for over a century. And of course, cinema is inseparable from Deauville. Every year, the American Film Festival brings screenings, galas, and glamorous encounters right here under its roof, cementing the Casino’s image as a symbol of style. If you have a little time, step inside, even if you don’t plan on playing, the marble, gilding, and festive atmosphere will transport you straight back to Deauville’s golden age.