Trouville Boardwalk (Les Planches de Trouville)
About Trouville Boardwalk (Les Planches de Trouville)
Les Planches de Trouville is a 1.2-kilometer wooden boardwalk built in 1867, making it the oldest promenade on the Normandy coast. Constructed from African Azobé hardwood that resists warping, the walkway runs along the sandy beach from the municipal swimming pool to the nautical club. Originally designed for 19th-century ladies to stroll without soiling their dresses, it became the social hub of French beach resort culture during the Belle Époque. Today visitors can admire colorful two-level beach cabins, Belle Époque villas with ornate balconies and turrets, and an open-air gallery of Raymond Savignac poster reproductions. The historic Hôtel des Roches Noires, painted by Claude Monet in 1870, stands at the eastern end. Free and accessible around the clock, the promenade offers views of the English Channel and connects to neighboring Deauville via a short walk across the Pont des Belges.
Interesting Facts
Despite being used by tens of thousands of visitors since 1867, the boardwalk requires 500-800 Azobé wood planks to be replaced every year. Maintenance crews work year-round to keep the 158-year-old structure safe and pristine.
Trouville's boardwalk predates Deauville's famous planches by 56 years. While Deauville built its boardwalk in 1923 and became more internationally known, Trouville was the original and remained 'la Reine des plages' (the Queen of Beaches) throughout the 19th century.
The beach cabins along the promenade have a hidden secret: they are built on two levels. The upper level faces the boardwalk, while the lower level, invisible to passersby, contains storage rooms and in some cases summer salons. In the 19th century, these cabins were mounted on carts and pulled by horses to follow the tides.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Promenade Savignac, 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer, France
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