Cabourg is a seaside town on the Normandy coast of France, set along a wide sandy beach. It is known for its Belle Époque character, which shows in its elegant buildings and its long promenade, and for its close link to the writer Marcel Proust and his novel In Search of Lost Time.
What to see
- The beach. The sandy shore is the town's most open space, and a walk along it gives a good sense of the coast.
- The promenade. Its elegant sweep is the setting for much of the town's character, and it is the easiest way to take in the seafront architecture.
- The Grand Hotel. This hotel is the building that inspired Proust, and it remains the town's best-known landmark for literary visitors.
Who it suits
Cabourg is a good choice for a slow visit. Those interested in Proust will find the link to his work at its heart, while anyone who enjoys a classic seaside town, with a beach, a promenade and a relaxed pace, will find plenty to enjoy. It also works well as a base for exploring the wider Normandy coast.
Because the town is compact, most of its main sights can be reached on foot, which makes a day or a longer stay easy to plan around the beach and the seafront.
