Beach Pleasure at Trouville sur Mer in Calvados Normandy, France

Trouville sur Mer in Calvados Normandy suits anyone who is fond of a relaxing vacation at a charming, family friendly beach town. Trouville in Calvados, Normandy is France's oldest seaside resort and one of its prettiest.

Often unjustly deemed the down-trodden relation of its neighbour Deauville, Trouville sur Mer is a town that oozes with elegant charm. Situated between the sea and the Normandy countryside, Trouville sur Mer is a combination festive seaside resort and traditional fishing port.

In the 1830's, Trouville sur Mer's golden sandy beach and close proximity to Paris established it as a premier tourist destination. Trouville sur Mer attracted numerous artists, including Monet who was inspired to paint the evocative La plage a Trouville sur Mer in Calvados Normandy France.

Today, Trouville sur Mer is a family-friendly resort with few pretensions. Its expansive one-and-a-half mile beach with wooden boardwalk, along its length, is lined with opulent villas whose architecture has been preserved in its 19th century state. Trouville sur Mer's by-gone-era charm is what sets it apart from many modern seaside resorts.

The boardwalk is fringed on the sand-side with attractions for the entire family including mini-golf, bouncy castles and pony rides. These attractions do not detract from Trouville sur Mer's charm. The meticulously clean sandy beach is safe for children as the water is shallow for a long distance out.

Close to the beach, there are many restaurants that offer excellent seafood, while the town's casino built in 1912, in the style of a Louisiana paddle steamer, is terrific place for a hand after a day at the beach.

Restaurants in Trouville sur Mer in Calvados Normandy, France

Le Central is a classic brasserie: an old-fashioned place that advertises "pure butter cooking." Diners enjoy platters piled high with oysters and other raw shellfish. There are omelets, steaks grilled over a wood fire, and golden frites. Be sure to reserve ahead, because the restaurant gets busy, especially at lunchtime after the nearby fish market closes.

Les Quatre Chats

A popular Parisian-style place is Art Deco in character with some 21st century touches, including an open kitchen and a mezzanine. Both the menu and wine offerings are listed on a blackboard. The food is fresh and well-prepared, but the main attraction is the hip crowd.

Info: 4beachnuts.com