Spending a few days in Normandy? Don’t miss a visit to Les Franciscaines de Deauville, an iconic site nestled in the heart of the famous seaside resort. This former convent has been transformed into a cultural space, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Les Franciscaines in Deauville.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Deauville’s Les Franciscaines museum worthwhile?
Yes, Les Franciscaines de Deauville is well worth a visit. Successively hospital, orphanage and convent, the building was recently acquired by the town and renovated. It’s now a superb cultural space, rich in discoveries: contemporary art, music, cinema, literature… You’re bound to find something to enjoy. We loved the new architecture. It blends beautifully with the existing structure. The unique atmosphere of Les Franciscaines makes it a must for your stay in Deauville.
In fact, it’s one of our favorite activities in Deauville.
What you can see
La Grande Galerie
You enter immediately after the reception desk. 9m high, the Grande Galerie gives access to the 6 thematic universes of Les Franciscaines de Deauville: music, cinema, shows, horses, Deauville, lifestyle and youth. We were intrigued by the glass walkway suspended at the heart of this vertical rift. On the right, white arcades open onto the cloister.
Le Cloître
This was once the convent’s inner garden. Re-invented by architect Alain Moatti during the renovation of Les Franciscaines, this luminous 400m2 space impressed us. Today, it is covered by a high glass roof and a monumental chandelier. The whole perfectly illustrates the meeting of historical heritage and contemporary spirit.
The André Hambourg Museum
The Musée André Hambourg is dedicated to the life and work of the artist who made Normandy and Deauville his inspiration. It features two rooms on two levels, organized around a central staircase. On an annual rotation basis, you can discover the many inspirations, artistic periods, countries and themes addressed by André Hambourg. During our visit, an exhibition was devoted to his bestiary.
Youth Universe
L’Univers Jeunesse is a playful area that brings together the library’s 70,000 books, CDs, DVDs and games for young people. We liked its modular, colorful design, at the height of the youngest visitors.
L’Univers Art de Vivre
Wellness and relaxation are part of Deauville’s cultural heritage. The town’s reputation for its gentle way of life is well known. Hence the idea of this space dedicated to fashion, architecture, sport, cuisine and well-being. We loved this relaxing place with its warm colors…
Show Universe
We didn’t have enough time to take full advantage of this space, which brings together works and historical documents relating to artists’ stays and creations in Deauville. Deauville’s cultural events also contribute to its worldwide reputation: the American Film Festivalbut also the festival of photographic creation Contact boardsor the literary festival Books & music… Not to mention the dozen or so residences of artists activated each year, promoting encounters with the public.
The Masters Gallery
The Galerie des Maîtres showcases exceptional works of art. During our visit, we discovered the engraving work of Pierre Soulages. The gallery runs alongside the chapel’s stained glass windows, which illustrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It is designed as a monumental showcase opening onto the cloister.
Le Réfectoire-Deauville restaurant
The museum’s restaurant is a canteen where the cuisine is concocted by gourmet chef Yanick Bernouin. We really appreciated being able to sit down for a coffee around the big sharing table in the middle of the books. We could just as easily have enjoyed the south-facing terrace, but the books won out. See the map here.
The Cloister’s monumental chandelier
Norman skies were the inspiration for architect Alain Moatti‘s monumental Les Franciscaines chandelier. We were won over by its 14,285 transparent polycarbonate tubes. By day, they filter the sky and capture every nuance. The light is magical and ever-changing.
During our visit, we didn’t have access to the Chapel, where shows, lectures and screenings take place. There’s also the Cour des Expositions, home to temporary exhibitions, a Fablab and a bookshop-boutique.
Les Franciscaines in Deauville: how to find us
Where to find Les Franciscaines
- In the town of Deauville
- 2-hour drive from Paris
- 1 hour’s drive from Rouen
The museum’s address is as follows: Les Franciscaines, 145 B, Avenue de la République, Deauville (14800).
Access by car and parking
The museum has no dedicated parking lot. You’ll need to find a parking space in the adjacent streets, or in the parking lot of the Église Saint-Augustin, 300m away. You can also opt for the Parking des Lais de Mer, 500m away, on the seafront.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
By bus, the Nomad Normandy mobility network provides access to the museum.
Stop: Les Franciscaines. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
Les Franciscaines museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. An elevator provides access to the upper floors. Find out more here.
DISCOVER Deauville
- Best things to do in Deauville
- Where to stay in Deauville: our best hotels
- Where to eat in Deauville: our best restaurants (coming soon)
- How to spend a weekend in Deauville(coming soon)
- Les Planches de Deauville
- Deauville beach (coming soon)
- Visiting Deauville in winter
- Village of Beaumont-en-Auge
- Honfleur or Deauville or Cabourg: where to go?
Useful tips for visiting Les Franciscaines
Schedules and prices
Access to the museum is free, but exhibitions are subject to a charge.
You can purchase the All-Exhibitions Pass:
- Price: €16
- – 18 years: €9
More details on the official website here.
How long
Les Franciscaines can be circumnavigated in less than 1 hour, but it’s also possible to spend the whole day there. It all depends on your program. See the program here.
Best moment
The Les Franciscaines museum is an ideal rainy-day venue in Deauville. However, you’re bound to find a few more people there. If you prefer peace and quiet, come when the weather’s fine.
Direction of visit
There’s no sense in compulsory visits. It’s up to you to visit the exhibitions that interest you.
As part of the 6 universes set up by the museum, a digital device lets you create your own exhibition using documents from the media library. Your curation is then shared on the Grande Galerie screens.
Visiting with children
In addition to the Univers Jeunesse area dedicated to young audiences, Les Franciscaines offers a wide range of workshops and activities for ages 3 to 18. Find out more here.
Eating out
If you don’t want to have lunch inside the museum, at the Restaurant le Réfectoire-Deauville, the town offers many fine restaurants, such as Restaurant L’Essentiel, where we had lunch during our visit.
Our article on the best places to eat in Deauville will be available soon.
Hotels
The museum is right in the center of Deauville, and the town is full of lovely hotels. The most famous of these is, of course, the famous Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy, where the American stars who come for the American Film Festival in September stay. But you’ll find more hotels in our article devoted to our best places to stay in Deauville.
WHERE TO STAY IN Deauville
Option 1: downtown
For easy access to the beach, beautiful downtown and restaurants… We recommend..:
- Hotel Villa Augeval with its charming manor houses – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Patio for good value – see prices, photos and availability
- And for luxury, Hôtel Le Normandy is a must – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the countryside
Less than 15 minutes from Deauville, you can enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery. We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgeville – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Trouville
On the other side of the harbor is the twin town of Trouville, also with beautiful villas but a more relaxed atmosphere. We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Flaubert, les pieds dans le sable – see prices, pictures and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
