That's how Guy de Maupassant described the famous seaside resort on La Côte Fleurie. Just two hours from Paris, Trouville-sur-Mer owes its reputation to the charm of its fishing port, the beauty of its long sandy beach, the wealth of its 19th century seaside architectural heritage and the admiration it has received from artists since 1825.
Painting and literature are part of the city's DNA. Trouville-sur-Mer as a seaside resort was created under the auspices of 19th-century painters and writers. Charles Mozin, in search of the picturesque, discovered our fishing port in 1825 and went on to charm the whole of Paris with his paintings. He literally fell under the spell of this small village and told all his artist friends about it. The small fishing village became a popular spot for artists.
The Casino Municipal was built in 1912 under the impetus of a visionary man: Eugène Cornuché. This man marked a turning point in the history of Trouville-sur-Mer. He became manager of the Eden Casino and Casino Salon in 1909, and dreamed of bigger and bigger things. These two venues, built a decade earlier, no longer met the expectations of high society: they were no longer large or prestigious enough for the times. These notions of luxury, comfort and modernity led to the construction of a new Casino, the largest in France, supported by a decision made by the Trouville town council.
A picturesque fishing village turned seaside resort with unique streets and alleys, welcoming venues and lavish markets. Trouville-sur-Mer owes its name to the Viking chieftain Thorulf, who around the year 1000 named the town Thorulfvilla, which over time became Trouville-sur-Mer. As early as 1866, with the construction of many seafront villas, the town council had a plank path installed along the coast to make it easier to walk along the "Queen of Beaches".
At the time, the Promenade des Planches was the place to be for meetings and social gatherings, where prominent families and personalities went to be seen. This path invites you to stroll and contemplate the maritime landscape.
Trouville-sur-Mer became "the place to be". Over time, the town has been able to adapt and evolve, without ever denying its past. That's why it's such a popular place to take a walk, whatever the season. There's something immutable here.
The term "Côte Fleurie" refers to the lush, flower-filled countryside of Normandy's countryside, with its apple trees in bloom, and its many renowned seaside resorts: Trouville-sur-Mer, Deauville, Cabourg, Houlgate, Blonville-sur-Mer, Villers-sur-Mer... Keep your eyes peeled for the picture-postcard Côte Fleurie!
For all lovers of well-being and good living, Trouville-sur-Mer offers a year-round change of scenery to awaken all your senses. Discover this season's programme!
