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August in Deauville

© Sara Dellinger

Here we are mid-August again and things are very sleepy in France. In Paris, the first half of the month is hot while the last two are often cold and rainy. Further disappointment is in store as many boutiques are closed for the annual congé (much of the French working population takes 3 or 4 weeks of vacation each August). However, if you do happen to pass through the French capital, major department stores as well as boutiques on the Champs Elysées and Boulevard Saint Germain will be open, as will most stores located in major shopping malls.

I'm spending only part of the month in Paris. In fact, I just returned from a week in the mountains near the Swiss border. Next week I'm headed to Normandy for a polo match in Deauville. It's the 53rd Coupe d'Or, the top trophy in France, played at the 18 to 20-goal level. The best polo players in the world from England, Argentina, Chili, France, Mexico and the USA are participating from August 13 to 25

Deauville is a great place to be in August, and the rest of the year isn't bad either. Big international jumping competitions take place each June and some of the best horse racing in the world can be found here from May to October with the Grand Prix de Deauville the last Sunday of August. The town has two superb racecourses: the Hippodrome de Deauville La Touques and Deauville Clairefontaine, just a few minutes away from each other.

This big horse town is appropriately twinned with the USA's Lexington, Kentucky. Along with Lexington and Great Britain's Newmarket, Deauville is one of the world's three main venues for buying and selling horses. 80% of the buyers come from abroad.

Even if you don't come to enjoy the horses, Deauville aims to please with something for everyone. If you've grown tired of the crowds, the rude clerks and the pollution of Paris, this elegant seaside resort offers a slower pace without a compromise in activities. The atmosphere is calm, relaxed luxury, just 125 miles/200 km from Paris (less than 2 hours away by car). Full service hotels provide luxurious settings and offer the best in service, either in town, on the beach, or next to the celebrated Casino de Deauville. Restaurants specialize in everything from pizza to typically French fine dining.

As one of the most glamorous places in France, Deauville is also one of the most appreciated by an international clientele. While August is perhaps the most exciting time to visit, there is plenty to do the rest of the year as well. The Festival du Cinéma Américain happens in September and attracts many big Hollywood names. Much like the American Sundance festival, this is one of discovery and independent filmmakers.

Deauville

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