The town is a delightful blend of small village and luxurious international capital – from bicycles to Ferraris! Paris label shops such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, Hermes, Longchamp and Louis Vuitton occupy prime sites around the exclusive Hotel Normandie. However, the town also has a host of smaller shops (many family-run), ranging from fashion, jewellery, home furnishings, children’s clothes and toys to art galleries and bookshops along with florists, patisseries, boulangeries, delicatessens etc. The many cafes, bars and restaurants afford wonderful sites to sit and watch the world go by, perhaps spotting a visiting star during the Annual American Film Festival which is held in September and rivals that of Cannes.   For those early morning croissants, there is a boulangerie just around the corner from the flat, as well as newsagents, a large pharmacy, French and Oriental restaurants etc. Deauville is linked by a bridge to its neighbour across the river, Trouville, originally a mediaeval fishing port. To this day the fishing boats unload their daily catch directly into the famous Trouville fish market. By contrast Deauville exploded into the 19th century in a blaze of exuberant architecture and flowers. The extravagant fancies of the wealthy were expressed in the grand villas they built for themselves, no two the same, and such is the beauty of the flowers that this coastline is now called the Cote Fleurie. Motorways are within easy reach from Deauville for speedy access to cities such as Paris, Rouen and Caen, whilst the quiet French roads offer a more relaxed route through the beautiful countryside to your destination. Should you prefer to let someone else do the driving, the Bus Verts run a very reliable service throughout the whole year (the bus stop is very close to the flat), and there is also an excellent train service from Deauville station. Deauville is enchanting in all its seasons – from the spring flowers to the spectacular Christmas lights and decorations. It is also an excellent base from which to visit the numerous historic manors, chateaux, gardens and farms in the area. Picturesque towns and villages abound, from Honfleur, made famous by the Impressionists, to such famous cheese producers as Camembert, Pont l’Eveque and Livarot. Tastings in the many cidreries or Calvados producers will restore any flagging spirits! A wonderful range of purchases can be made in the many renowned French markets – food, local produce, fashion, antiques, bric-a-brac etc. Deauville’s own market is held on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year and daily in the summer.   Summer 2004 saw the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings onto the Normandy beaches. These are within easy reach of Deauville, as are the beautifully maintained military cemeteries, memorials and museums commemorating those who took part in the battle. There are many connections with William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy and William I of England), not least the wonderful Bayeux Tapestry.   Should you yearn for the big city, Paris is but some two hours by train – by 9.15 a.m, enthusiasts can be sipping their coffee on one of its fashionable boulevards! Starting from the Deauville-Trouville station the journey ends at the Gare St Lazare, about five minutes walk from the big Parisian department stores. Although Paris is a very compact and walkable city, the metro, similar to those of London and New York, gives easy access to all the great sights of the city.