10 Best Things to Do in Cabourg
What is Cabourg Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Cabourg invite you to explore this beautiful coastal town, home to a stunning beach and a popular casino. Its pretty seafront is lined with Belle Époque villas. Artisanal boutiques and cosy eateries fill the heart of the town, and you’ll see locals dining late on the terraces of busy restaurants and creperies.
Normandy is known for its magnificent horses and stud farms, so it’s no surprise to find an impressive racecourse at Cabourg. Enjoy thrilling harness-racing events or spend a weekend at a luxury spa close to the sea, if you prefer more serene activities.
What are the best things to do in Cabourg?
1. Plage de Cabourg
A stunning stretch of coastline
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico, Foto
Plage de Cabourg is a magnificent beach of soft, fine sand stretching along 4 km of spectacular Normandy coastline. It’s a wonderful choice for a fun family day at the seaside. Kids can splash in the water, burn off some energy in a game of beach volleyball and indulge in refreshing ice creams. There are plenty of organised activities during the summer months too, including competitions to build the best sandcastle and sports events.
For a romantic date night, take an evening stroll along the promenade or enjoy a cosy picnic on the beach. If you prefer quieter spots, make your way to the western part of the beach where you’ll get magnificent sunset views over the water.
Plage de Cabourg
2. Avenue de la Mer
A popular street in the town centre
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação, Foto
Avenue de la Mer is one of the top spots in Cabourg for those who love to combine great food with incredible shopping. From the casino, head down this 1-way street to enjoy over 1 km of wonderful boutiques and eateries. Choose from clothing and souvenir stores, artisanal jewellery and gift shops and a wide selection of handmade nougat and biscuit vendors for those with a sweet tooth.
As you stroll down the avenue, the aroma of sugary crepes and enticing French cuisine is irresistible. You’ll see locals enjoying a leisurely lunch on the restaurant terraces under the shade of the brightly coloured awnings. It can get very busy, so arrive early in the day to secure a parking space.
Avenue de la Mer
3. The Dunes
Unspoiled beauty and nature
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
The Dunes are located at the eastern tip of Cabourg’s long beach, overlooking the Dives estuary. As you approach the dunes, you’ll see locals and visitors alike enjoying thrilling water sports, including jet skiing and flyboarding. But continue along the trail through the wild landscape and you’ll find yourself surrounded by tranquillity, with just the occasional dog walker in sight.
Enjoy a gentle hike whilst listening to the waves and seabirds and taking in the sea air. Don’t forget your camera as the rugged scenery and views over the estuary are simply breath-taking. You can even cross the small Port Guillaume bridge on foot and take amazing pictures looking back over the estuary across the dunes.
The Dunes
4. Villa du Temps Retrouvé
Normandy a century ago
Ideal para: História, Foto, Alimentação
The Villa du Temps Retrouvé is in central Cabourg, just a short walk from the casino. You’ll love the Instagram-worthy facade of this villa with its striking diamond-shaped lattice pattern on cream brickwork. Discover a fascinating museum inside, showcasing the heritage of the Côte Fleurie (Flower Coast), the Belle Époque era and the French novelist, Marcel Proust, who vacationed in Cabourg frequently.
The guided tours are highly recommended. Explore life in Cabourg in the early 1900s through a series of rooms filled with incredible artwork and artefacts. After your visit, why not head outdoors to the serene gardens and try the tearoom? Enjoy a relaxing drink, French pastry and spectacular floral scenery.
Localização: 15 Avenue du Président Raymond Poincaré, 14390 Cabourg, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 47 44 44
Villa du Temps Retrouvé
5. Hippodrome de Cabourg
Fast action and summer nightlife
Ideal para: Aventura, Alimentação, Vida noturna
The Hippodrome de Cabourg is a fantastic choice for a thrilling day out at the races. But this is horse racing with a difference. The competitions at Cabourg involve harness racing, where the jockey sits in a small 2-wheeled cart and is pulled along by the horse. It’s a fast and exciting sport which is extremely popular in Normandy, a region is known for its stud farms and racing.
Head to the racetrack in July or August when there are regular evening events. Delight in dazzling firework displays and a guided tour of the stables or feast on delicious French cuisine overlooking the track. Budding equestrians will love the pony rides and there’s a mini farm on site too.
Localização: Avenue Michel d’Ornano, 14390 Cabourg, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 28 28 80
Hippodrome de Cabourg
6. Le Petit Train de Cabourg
Fantastic photo opportunities
Ideal para: Foto, Famílias
Le Petit Train de Cabourg is one of the most fun ways to explore this charming town. Head to the tourist office on Avenue de la Mer and you’ll find a little, white train to take you on an entertaining circuit of the town centre with its colourful boutiques and bistros.
Enjoy a commentary in French and English as you sit back and admire the stunning architecture of this seaside town’s pretty villas. The train slowly winds its way to the promenade, where you’ll get a magnificent view of the beach, the glistening sea and the majestic Grand Hotel. Marcel Proust spent many summers in this architectural masterpiece, and you can snap amazing photos of it from the train.
Localização: Avenue de la Mer, 14390 Cabourg, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)6 37 30 24 67
Le Petit Train de Cabourg
7. Les Halles du Marché
A central spot for fresh produce
Ideal para: Alimentação, Compras
Les Halles du Marché is a pristine indoor market with a bustling outdoor section, in the heart of Cabourg. Plan on arriving early to enjoy the vivid colours of the rows of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked baguettes and pastries. You’ll love the lively atmosphere as locals chat and banter with the friendly vendors. It’s a busy market with a great vibe.
It’s popular with locals for its locally produced, high-quality goods, but visitors flock to Les Halles for its amazing artisanal gifts and delicious food. Fill a basket with fresh bread, cheese and cold meats and stroll down to the beach to indulge in a lazy picnic by the sea.
Localização: Avenue du Marché, 14390 Cabourg, France
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 28 88 88
Les Halles du Marché
8. Casino Gardens
Serene beauty close to the seafront
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Casais
The Casino Gardens are close to the beach and Promenade Marcel Proust. They’re a tranquil haven of peace in an otherwise bustling town. Stroll along the immaculate pathways and enjoy the beautiful mix of vibrant plants, flowers and aromatic herbs decorating the manicured lawns and gardens.
You’ll see lots of artists and photographers capturing the vivid colours of these gardens against the backdrop of Belle Époque villas and the immense Grand Hotel. It’s a great place for a romantic evening stroll before trying your luck in the adjacent casino. The gardens are free to access year-round, but they’re at their most beautiful in late spring with magnificent blooms. So, be sure to bring your camera.
Localização: Les Jardins du Casino, 14390 Cabourg, France
Telefone: +33 (0)2 31 06 20 00
Casino Gardens
9. The Meridian of Love
The language of love
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
The Meridian of Love was set up by the Cabourg Film Festival Association as a universal celebration of love. Walk along Promenade Marcel Proust on the seafront and look out for 104 metal dedication plaques set in the ground, spaced out over 3 km.
You’ll also see blue columns dotted along the promenade. There are 5 in total, each dedicated to a different continent, and they contain telegrams displaying words of love in over 100 languages. Start at the far east section of the promenade, at Avenue des Algues Marines, to discover the Asia column and the word for ‘love’ in Nepalese and Cantonese. Stroll along the promenade, finishing at the Oceania column to the west.
Localização: Promenade Marcel Proust, 14390 Cabourg, France
The Meridian of Love
10. Thalazur Thalasso and Spa
Relaxation and mesmerising views
Ideal para: Luxo, Alimentação
Thalazur Thalasso and Spa is a contemporary hotel and spa complex located opposite the beach. If you’re looking for a luxurious weekend break at the seaside combined with rejuvenating treatments and a picturesque setting, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy top-class facilities, including a fully equipped fitness room, jacuzzi, heated pool, hammam and sauna in an elegant spa setting.
The hotel is also known for its delicious and healthy cuisine. Indulge in a fine meal made from fresh, local ingredients whilst soaking up magnificent views over the English Channel. There’s also a direct pathway to the beach, so stroll down as dusk arrives and take in a breath-taking sunset to round off your day.
Localização: 45 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 14390 Cabourg, France
Telefone: +33 (0)2 50 22 10 00
Thalazur Thalasso and Spa
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