Cabourg : book your hotel

Located on the English Channel at the mouth of the River Dives, Cabourg is a popular seaside resort steeped in Golden Age charm.

Like other Côte Fleurie towns, including nearby Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer, Cabourg came into its own during the late 19th century, when artists, authors and the wealthy elite flocked to the region from across Europe and established it as a sought-after holiday destination. In particular, Cabourg was known as the preferred hangout of Marcel Proust, the legendary French novelist whose seminal work 'In Search of Lost Time' features a fictional settlement based on the town. Cabourg's distinguished patrons came to bathe in the sea, to see and be seen on the beachfront promenade, and to gamble at the racecourse and casino – many of the same activities that attract visitors today. Their legacy is evident in the flamboyant, art deco villas that fringe the Plage de Cabourg in a graceful semicircle. In between them, you'll find world-class seafood restaurants and fashionable clothing boutiques. In particular, Cabourg tourism revolves around the Festival du Film de Cabourg, a five-day celebration of romantic cinema that has been held here each June for more than three decades. For the ultimate family holiday or romantic weekend in Cabourg, discover Accor's diverse portfolio of Cabourg accommodation.

Many of the best places in Cabourg are centred around the beachfront and its historic Promenade Marcel Proust, which, at 3.6 kilometres, is one of the longest in Europe. It acts as a showcase not only for the summer splendour of the adjacent beach, but also for a collection of magnificent Belle Époque villas in a cornucopia of architectural styles. One of the walkway's most recognisable sights is the Grand Hôtel. Now owned by Accor, it first opened as the place to stay for discerning aristocrats in 1907 and continues to immerse guests in the decadence of that distant era. Those who visit follow in the footsteps of Proust himself, who spent many nights in residence up until the outbreak of the First World War. The beach itself is another major attraction, offering a wide swathe of fine sand and tranquil waters perfect for swimming, standup paddleboarding, windsurfing and land yachting. In summer the Plage de Cabourg is a hive of activity, welcoming families with a choice of beach clubs geared specifically towards children – expect sand castle competitions, inflatable play areas and lifeguard-supervised swimming lessons. Nature lovers can stroll along the beach to the Pointe de Cabourg, where windswept dunes resonate with the sound of nesting seabirds, and panoramic views across the water to Le Havre await. At the western end of the beach lies another protected birding area, the Bay of Sallenelles; while a 10-minute drive east takes you to popular Houlgate Beach. There's more to Cabourg than its beautiful beaches, however. Those with a taste for trying their luck can do so at Cabourg Racecourse, a sophisticated equestrian gambling centre famous for the atmospheric evening trotting races that take place in summer. Alternatively, Casino Cabourg is an art deco landmark located on the promenade, with slot machines, electronic games and tables for everything from Black Jack and Texas Hold 'Em to English Roulette. The casino also hosts regular live music and late-night DJ sets in its seaview Lounge Bar. For culture of a more conventional kind, head to the Cabourg theatre known as La Sall'in. With a cultural season that lasts from October to June each year, the venue offers something for all comers, from plays and classical concerts to ballets and shows for children.

Cabourg and the wider Calvados area have plenty to offer culinary connoisseurs. The town itself boasts several Michelin Guide restaurants, where seafood sourced fresh from the local fish market and traditional dishes from across Normandy tend to take centre stage. Lobster spaghetti in squid ink sauce, bouillabaisse flavoured with Calvados' signature (and eponymous) apple brandy, stuffed pig trotters and the soft white cheeses of the Pays d'Auge – these are just some of the delicacies that await epicurean travellers. The region's many orchards inspire its bar menus, where calvados, cider and Pommeau de Normandie (apple juice blended with calvados) arede rigueur. If you wish to take these exquisite flavours home with you, pay a visit to the best market in Cabourg: Les Halles du Marché. The covered market is filled with artisan vendors hawking the most authentic produce from Normandy and beyond, for your suitcase or for an impromptu beach picnic.

Whatever it is that brings you to this idyllic resort town, Accor offers a choice of hotels to suit all budgets and requirements. Splash out on a 5-star weekend at a Belle Époque hotel in Cabourg city centre, with enviable views across Promenade Marcel Proust and a luxury Cabourg spa complete with a sauna and hammam. Alternatively, our 4-star Mercure property is ideal for family stays in Cabourg, with a heated swimming pool, an impressive breakfast buffet and duplex rooms capable of sleeping up to five people. For those in search of an affordable base for holidaying or coworking in Cabourg, our ibis budget property is conveniently located in between the resort itself and Dives-sur-Mer. Enjoy bed and breakfast at the hotel before unwinding in the Japanese garden or taking a languid stroll to Cabourg beach. Book your Cabourg hotel directly via ALL Accor for the best possible rates.

After booking your spa hotel in Cabourg, the next step is deciding how to get there. Want to bring your car over from the UK? Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, then drive 3.5 hours from Calais to Cabourg. You can also ride the ferry to Calais, or from Portsmouth to Caen for a shorter drive time on the French side of just half an hour. The train station in Cabourg is a handy resource for those who won't have their own wheels but still want to explore the delights of the Côte Fleurie region. Use the local TER service for day trips from Cabourg to Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur and beyond.