Beautiful stories at the Hôtel Le Normandy, Deauville, France

Hotel Le Normandy, Deauville, France

The weather is never like I dream when I go to Normandy in September. On my arrival there is always a splendid sun and I say to myself with a smile: “Oh, what a beautiful extension of my summer holidays on the Mediterranean! I will have a walk on the Planches at the beach and I will breathe the fresh air which blows in from the infinite Atlantic.” But the Atlantic doesn’t share these same thoughts with me.  When I enter the Hȏtel Le Normandy, I leave my luggage, change my shoes, go to the beach (a dream to walk) and, right away, a strong storm welcomes me to Les Planches!

Les Planches, Deauville

Les Planches, Deauville.

There is no other hotel where I have spent so much time in its bar, sitting in an armchair. And I enjoy it so much! The armchairs are all occupied by people of the American Cinema Festival. I listen to English mixed with French from all the professions of show biz. How many aspirations from young professionals; how much advice from well-established directors and producers; how many confessions from aspiring actresses and, even more fun, how much gossip! Hours and hours of talk!

The bar at the Hôtel Le Normandy, Deauville

The bar at the Hôtel Le Normandy, Deauville.

As I listen, I wander in a world unknown to me, but a fascinating one.  Surrounded by these wonderful people, I don’t use my expert eye of a traveller, but my untrained ears, so the words come and go like fluttering butterflies. The charm of those hours of rain…how many pages could be filled with such a beautiful story!

 Travel with my Books in English

Barbara Athanassiadis