Two kilometers of fine sandy beach, the legendary boardwalk, and Norman heritage right at your fingertips: a family weekend in Deauville ticks all the boxes for a successful short break. Whether you arrive with toddlers or teenagers, the town offers a packed program without being exhausting.
Normandy is known for its changeable weather, and Deauville is no exception. Planning indoor activities in addition to outdoor excursions is key to a stay free of unpleasant surprises. This program of 5 must-do activities gives you everything you need to organize a memorable family getaway.
The main thing to remember
- Deauville is accessible in 2 hours 30 minutes from Paris Saint-Lazare, from €16 per person. (Normandy Tourism)
- A seawater pool heated to 27°C, laser tag, and an escape room guarantee a successful weekend, even in the rain.
- The Franciscans, the little train and the racecourse are suitable for families with young children.
- Team Active offers go-karting, laser tag and buggy rides at the Deauville Circuit, for all ages.
- Accommodation from €203/night, from family apartments to mansions with indoor pools
The beach and the boardwalk: the heart of a family holiday in Deauville
It's hard to imagine a family holiday in Deauville without setting foot on its 2 km of beach. Swimming is supervised during the season, and the typical beach huts can be rented by the day or week. The boardwalk always impresses with its huts named after American actors, a reminder of the connection between Deauville and the American Film Festival.
- Swimming and sandcastles : increased surveillance in July-August
- Happy Club Deauville Activities for children aged 2 and up, both indoors and outdoors
- Olympic seawater swimming pool Heated to 27°C, perfect when the Atlantic feels chilly
- Bath cabin rentals : an authentically Deauville touch
Find more ideas in our selection of activities to do in Deauville in the summer.
What to do in Deauville with children besides the beach?
When the sandcastles are gone, Deauville reveals another side. The town offers activities for all ages, rain or shine. Here are three land-based options not to be missed.
The little tourist train and discovering the city
The little electric train offers a 35-minute guided tour through the boardwalk, Place Morny, and the port—ideal for younger children. The Villa Strassburger complements the program perfectly: guided tours are available from May to September, at €7,50 for adults and free for children under 5.
The Franciscans: culture accessible from a very young age
Housed in a renovated former convent, this venue combines a museum, a media library, and a dedicated children's area. The permanent André Hambourg exhibition sits alongside a freely accessible library. Open every day except Monday, some areas are entirely free of charge.
The Deauville-La Touques racecourse: an original family outing
According to Normandy Tourism, the racecourse hosts the highest number of horse races annually in France. An educational area welcomes newcomers and children. The La Mangeoire riding club offers pony rides for €7 per child and group rides for €50 per person, ideally before 10 am or after 19 pm during peak season.
Our weekend in Deauville details how to fit these outings into a well-paced 48-hour itinerary.
Go-karting, laser tag, buggy rides: supervised activities that make all the difference
At Team Active, founded in 1993, the supervised activities are designed to appeal to all generations at the same time. Teenagers, parents, grandparents: everyone finds something to enjoy at the Deauville Circuit!
- Children's go-karting at the Deauville Circuit : available in a two-seater version for younger children, in complete safety
- Laser tag for adults and children in Deauville : an ideal indoor activity in all weather
- Vintage buggy ride in Deauville : a unique experience that the beach cannot offer
- Tree climbing, mini-golf, virtual reality The catalog adapts to everyone's desires.
Normandy weather: how to guarantee a successful weekend in all weather conditions?
A mix of indoor and outdoor activities is essential to avoid getting stuck in the hotel. The good news: Deauville is perfectly equipped for this!
| Weather | Recommended activities | age range |
| Good weather | Beach, horseback riding, miniature train, buggy ride | All ages |
| Mixed weather | Indoor karting, racecourse, Les Franciscaines | Ages 3 and up |
| Rain | Laser tag, escape room, virtual reality, heated swimming pool | Ages 6 and up |
Family outings in Calvados offer even more options for putting together a program for all weather conditions.
How to plan your itinerary for a weekend with children in Deauville?
From Paris Saint-Lazare, the train reaches Deauville in 2 hours 30 minutes, from €16 per person according to Normandy Tourism. A well-paced 48-hour itinerary allows you to see everything without getting tired.
- Friday night Arrival, a stroll along the boardwalk and a look at the beach huts named after American actors
- Saturday morning : beach or heated pool at 27° depending on the weather
- Saturday afternoon Team Active activities at the Deauville Circuit: karting, laser tag or buggy
- Saturday night market or dinner in the city centre
- Sunday morning : tourist train, Les Franciscaines or pony ride at La Mangeoire
- Sunday afternoon Villa Strassburger before taking the train back
Locally, bicycles, scooters, and pedal cars are readily available for rent. Bus line 111 connects Deauville to Cabourg and Honfleur, offering day trips to the Côte Fleurie.
- Trouville-sur-Mer Fish market and family beach just steps away
- Honfleur : picturesque port, ideal for a half-day of cultural activities
- Cabourg : beach and seaside town to extend the getaway
Travelers departing from inland will find in our guide a fully planned weekend trip from Caen to Deauville and Cabourg . Cabourg also deserves a full day visit: the Côte Fleurie around Cabourg boasts beaches, Belle Époque villas, and outdoor activities for the whole family.
Ready for the departure to Deauville?
Join us in Deauville for an experience full of fun and adrenaline!
Sources
- Normandy Tourism: normandie-tourisme.fr
F.A.Q
What activities are suitable for children under 5 years old in Deauville?
Toddlers are very welcome in Deauville. The supervised beach with its 2 km of sand remains a sure bet. The little tourist train (35 min) is suitable for children who don't stay on the move for long. Les Franciscaines offers a dedicated play area, and the Happy Club Deauville organizes activities for children as young as 2. Pony rides at La Mangeoire (€7/child) will also delight the little ones.
How much does a family weekend in Deauville cost?
Expect to pay between €200 and €500 for two nights, depending on your chosen accommodation. Team Active activities (karting, laser tag, buggy rides) cost between €10 and €30 per person. The beach, the boardwalk, and several areas of Les Franciscaines are free. Train tickets from Paris cost €16 per person each way, depending on the booking date.
What is the best time for a family holiday in Deauville?
July and August offer the best beach conditions, with a supervised beach and the active Happy Club. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying Team Active activities without waiting. Outside of peak season, accommodation rates drop significantly.
How to get to Deauville from Paris with children?
The train remains the easiest option from Paris Saint-Lazare: a 2.5-hour journey, starting at €16 per person according to Normandy Tourism. By car, allow 2 hours from Paris via the A13. Once there, bicycles, scooters, and pedal cars are readily available for rent to get around between the beach, the town center, and the Deauville Racecourse.
What to do in Deauville when it's raining with children?
Deauville is well-equipped for rainy days. Laser tag and virtual reality at Team Active operate in all weather. The seawater pool, heated to 27°C, is open even when it's overcast. Les Franciscaines offers a museum and a children's area with free access. The racecourse also offers indoor activities suitable for families.
