Deauville: Private Sidecar Tour with Local Stories & Hidden Streets

Summary

Ride Deauville’s side streets & stories with a Norman guide

You’ll ride through Deauville in a vintage sidecar with your local guide—goggles on, wind in your face—pausing for stories at places like Villa Strassburger and Saint-Augustin Church. Expect laughter, unexpected history lessons, and glimpses of hidden lanes most travelers miss. It’s less about sightseeing and more about feeling part of Deauville for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is Jean (our “Gentleman Sider,” as he called himself) handing me these old-school goggles and grinning like we were about to rob a bank. He had that Norman warmth—quick to laugh, but also quick to point out things you’d never notice alone. We hadn’t even left the curb when he was already telling us how Deauville’s called the 21st arrondissement of Paris. I guess Parisians come here when they want sea air and a little glamour without the city noise. The sidecar itself felt surprisingly comfy, not at all what I’d pictured—maybe a bit like sitting in a teacup if the teacup could roar down tiny cobbled lanes.

We zipped past the Hotel Barrière Le Normandy—Jean slowed just enough to let us see where Poirot was filmed. I tried to get a photo but fumbled with my gloves (they give you everything: helmets, gloves, even rain gear if you need it). At Saint-Augustin Church, he told us about the Duke of Morny laying the first stone, and there was this faint smell of wet leaves from the walled garden. It’s funny how certain scents stick with you. We stopped at Villa Strassburger too—Jean said it used to belong to Baron de Rothschild, who loved horses so much he built his mansion right by the racecourse. The house looked almost edible with all those flowers and half-timbered walls.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse as much as I did; I’m not really into horses, but seeing all those stables lined up and hearing about winter races on sand-fibre tracks made me wish I could watch one someday. Jean waved at someone across the track—I think everyone knows him here—and then pointed out where British soldiers are buried at Tourgéville cemetery. That part got quiet for a minute. We rode up to Saint-Laurent church for a view over Deauville and Trouville that just kind of makes you stop talking for a second. The wind smelled salty up there—hard to describe but it felt good.

By the time we reached Casino Barrière Deauville (which looks more like an opera house than any casino I’ve seen), my hair was wild under the helmet and my cheeks hurt from grinning so much. Jean shared some wild story about an old robbery there—I probably wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t laughed so hard telling it. There were moments when I forgot we were on a tour at all; it felt more like riding around with an old friend who just happened to know every shortcut in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Deauville by sidecar

• Visit Hotel Barrière Le Normandy
• See Saint-Augustin Church
• Explore Deauville-La Touques Racecourse
• Tour Villa Strassburger
• Visit Saint-Laurent Church viewpoint
• Stop at Tourgéville Military Cemetery

Top questions

How many people fit in each sidecar?

Each sidecar fits two passengers: one behind the pilot and one in the basket.

Is this private or do we share with other travelers?

This is a private tour for your group only.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet your guide in Deauville.

Are helmets provided?

Yes, helmets are included for all passengers.

What if it rains during our tour?

Rain gear is provided so you can still enjoy the ride comfortably.

Is this suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 4 years old; children can join with adults.

Can wheelchair users join this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; transportation options support accessibility needs.

What are some highlights we’ll see?

You’ll visit Hotel Barrière Le Normandy, Saint-Augustin Church, Villa Strassburger, Deauville-La Touques Racecourse, Casino Barrière Deauville, Trouville views, and more hidden streets.

Is there time for photos during stops?

Yes, there are multiple stops throughout town where you can take pictures.

What’s included

Your day includes a private ride for up to two people per sidecar (with room behind your pilot or in the basket), vintage goggles that make you feel like part of old-school Deauville, gloves and helmets for comfort (and style), plus rain gear if needed—all while your Norman guide shares stories and local anecdotes along every stop.