Plage du Casino, Sand beach in Houlgate, France.
Plage du Casino stretches along the coastline as a generous band of pale sand backed by the chalk cliffs typical of Normandy. During summer months, rental stands offer deck chairs, umbrellas, and equipment for swimming and water sports.
This resort began to expand in the 1800s when the railway arrived, making it possible for people from Paris to reach the coast easily. The railroad fundamentally changed the village from a quiet fishing area into a fashionable destination.
The Belle Époque villas rising above the shoreline display the architectural style that wealthy visitors brought with them in the early 1900s. Walking along the sand, you can observe these elegant houses and understand how leisure culture shaped this corner of the coast.
Plan your visit around the tides, as the Channel's natural rhythm shifts the amount of usable sand twice daily, affecting where you can walk and play. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to offer calmer conditions and fewer crowds on the sand.
The Channel's tides reshape the visible shoreline twice daily, dramatically changing how much sand is exposed and where you can safely walk. This constant shift means the beach feels different depending on when you arrive, offering new paths and spaces to discover.
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