Cabourg: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The popular northern French seaside resort of Cabourg on the Flower Coast in Normandy enchants with endless sandy beaches and a pretty beach promenade that invites romantic walks. The small town is famous for its romantic charm and, in addition to the beautiful nature, also offers the opportunity for water sports such as sailing or surfing.
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Cabourg - Must-see attractions
Marcel Proust Promenade
The Promenade Marcel Proust stretches over 3.6 km and served as a model for the promenade in Proust's fictional town of Balbec. Along the promenade, many things remind of the famous writer – from cafés to fashion shops to graffiti. The promenade runs along the coast and is popular with pedestrians, cyclists, and joggers. Here, one can easily enjoy the magnificent sea view or explore the surroundings with their opulent villas from the Belle Époque era.
Cabourg Beach
The coastal section of Cabourg consists of the finest sandy beach, stretching over 4 km along the bright blue sea, adorned with imposing villas and the Marcel Proust promenade, which greatly contributes to the romantic atmosphere. The beach is perfect for swimming and also offers many great leisure activities such as surfing, land sailing, horseback riding, or sailing with a boat. This is accompanied by a breathtaking sunset, whose fireworks can be wonderfully enjoyed on the promenade.
Cabourg Casino
The garden, Les Jardins du Casino, extends eponymously behind the casino of the seaside resort Cabourg. It is freely accessible and delights with its flower beds, which are complemented by perennials and various herbs to create a colorful plant splendor. Les Jardins du Casino is an oasis of tranquility and also an ideal spot to take a closer look at the architecture of the casino and the adjoining Grand Hotel with its sophisticated charm of the French era.
Villa of Time Regained
The museum is located not far from the Jardins du Casino and the Grand Hotel Cabourg, where Marcel Proust stayed. The villa dates from the second half of the 19th century and was inaugurated as a museum in 2021. Here, one can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, which strongly influenced Marcel Proust's work. The writer serves as a guide, through whose novels the exhibits can be classified and viewed from a cultural-historical perspective.
Cabourg Dunes
The chic seaside resort of Cabourg in Normandy is famous for its interesting history and its sophisticated atmosphere. The charming dune landscape at the edge of the largest promenade is a popular retreat where one can enjoy the silence. This is only occasionally pierced by the screeching of the seabirds that nest here. From the dunes at the Pointe de Cabourg, you can even see as far as the hills of the neighboring seaside resort of Houlgate.
Cabourg Racecourse
Approximately 20 events take place annually on the 1,275 m long track. These are exclusively harness races. Thousands of spectators attend the night races, often followed by a concert or fireworks. Culinary needs are also catered for: horse fans and onlookers visit the Marcel Proust restaurant, which features a panoramic terrace and serves gourmet cuisine. Those who do not wish to leave their seat can be satisfied with the snack stand.
Cabourg - Secret spots
The Church of Saint-Michel in Cabourg
In the north of Normandy and south of the bustling city center lies the historic Saint-Michel Church in the fashionable seaside resort of Cabourg. In the mid-19th century, the church was built in the neo-Gothic style from stone and later complemented by Norman half-timbering. Large bay windows, pointed arches, and colorful stained glass windows adorn the silhouette with its Anglo-Norman bell tower.
The House of Nature and the Estuary
With a view of the Baie de l’Orne, the House of Nature and the Estuary provides you with information about the typical characteristics of the Norman coast near Cabourg. Embark on the informative nature trail or discover the biotope with its countless birds on the circular path, enlivened by artistically designed stations.
The artillery battery at Merville
Where the Allies once landed, there is a military museum about World War II in Merville, located west of Cabourg. You visit bunkers and a restored Nazi artillery battery. During the impressive audio and light show, the exhibits come to life and let you experience the grim atmosphere of the Battle of Normandy.
Charming Estate: Manoir de Coupesarte
Forty kilometers inland from Cabourg, in the town of Mézidon Vallée d'Auge, you will discover an old house with English flair. The thatched half-timbered building, surrounded by moats, dates back to the 16th century and was expanded in later centuries. For a long time, the estate, designed as a manor house, served as a farm. You can view it from the outside.
Cabourg - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your vacation with a walk along the picturesque promenade path. The Promenade Marcel Proust is the longest pedestrian promenade in all of Europe. Along the promenade, you will see beautiful houses in the Belle Époque style. In between, countless flower beds bloom. Right by the sea, the Grand Hôtel is a true architectural masterpiece. In front of it stretches the beautiful sandy beach of Cabourg in Normandy. In the fine sand of the 4-kilometer-long beach, children dig for water and build sandcastles. A dip in the English Channel provides refreshment. After a break on the terrace of the casino with a view of the sea, you continue strolling at the end of the promenade through the gardens of the casino, also built in the Belle Époque style. Those who want to learn more about that era will find the Villa du Temps retrouvé in the center of Cabourg to be the right place. The museum takes you on a journey through past eras.
Day 2
On the second day, you can explore the surroundings of Cabourg. Start the day with a short drive into the idyllic hinterland of Normandy, where you can visit the small town of Beuvron-en-Auge. The charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets give this place an irresistible rural charm. Enjoy a coffee in one of the cozy squares and breathe in the fresh country air. In the afternoon, continue your journey and make a stop at Château de Crèvecoeur. The medieval fortress is a fascinating testament to times gone by. The last stop is the Cerza Zoo. Discover with your family more than 1,500 wild animals from around the world on 78 hectares of valleys and forests. Here, both young and old explorers can even participate in a safari tour to experience the wildlife up close. End your day with a picnic in the greenery, surrounded by the beauty of Normandy, before returning to Cabourg.
Day 3
On the morning of the third day, you cycle along the coast. On the Vélomaritime coastal bike path, breathtaking views of the azure sea unfold. It's about a two-hour bike ride to Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine. For those who find this too far, Deauville offers an exciting destination along the route. The elegant seaside resort shines with its marina and the boardwalk Planches. In the afternoon, you can take a trip to Caen. The capital of Basse Normandie is about half an hour's drive from Cabourg. With its numerous students, many charming cafés, and unique boutiques, Caen exudes a lively flair. Particularly worth seeing is the half-timbered district with its small alleys. You should not miss a visit to the Château de Caen. The medieval fortress is the city's landmark. To conclude, the museum in the fortress offers a deeper insight into the history of Normandy.
Cabourg - Climate
Cabourg has a maritime climate influenced by the sea, leading to relatively small temperature differences. The highest average temperature in summer is around 20° Celsius, while the lowest average temperature in winter is about 7° Celsius. The best time for a beach holiday is during the summer months of July, June, and August. September is also a good time, as the water temperature at the beginning of September can even be higher than at the beginning of June. For wonderful beach walks or hikes, April and May in spring as well as October in autumn are ideal. November is mild with a maximum temperature of 14° Celsius, but it already brings more precipitation.