Enjoy Trouville’s beach to the fullest — safely and respectfully
Whether you're here in Trouville-sur-Mer for a dip, a sun-soak or a seaside stroll, a few simple beach rules help keep things safe, enjoyable and sustainable for all. It’s all about a little coastal courtesy — common sense and good habits that protect both people and the environment.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
- Lifeguards are on duty at the main beach: • Weekends & bank holidays in May: 11am–18pm • Daily in June: 11am–18pm • Daily in July & August: 11am–19pm • Weekends in September: 11am–18pm
- Please follow the designated swimming zones. Please avoid swimming near the wooden breakwaters at high tide or to walk on them at low tide.
- Beach flags — know what they mean:
- Green flag: Swimming allowed and supervised. Go on in, it’s lovely!
- Orange flag: Swimming possible but risky. Stay cautious.
- Red flag: No swimming allowed today, sorry!
- Windsock (offshore wind): Wind alert — hold on to your hat!
- Purple flag: Pollution alert — time to skip today’s dip.
- Black & white checkered flag: Zone for watersports — surf’s up!
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Always check the lifeguard stationfor info on tides, weather and current risks.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended — gulls have expensive taste! Call local police for thefts or incidents. Be kind, be alert, and leave only footprints.
- For assistance, the beach lifeguard station can be reached on 02 31 88 18 39.
- For sea rescue, contact the National Lifeboat Society (SNSM) on 06 83 78 95 94.
- In case of theft, call the municipal police at 02 31 14 22 50 or the main police station at 02 31 14 61 70 (open 24/24 – located on Rue Désiré le Hoc in Deauville). For all emergencies, dial 17.
No picnics on the beach
By municipal order (3 April 2014), picnicking and camping are strictly forbidden on Trouville’s beaches. Save that sandwich for the promenade.
No smoking on the beach — from 1 July 2025
In line with a national initiative to protect public health and keep beaches cleaner, smoking will be banned on the beach from XNUMX July XNUMX.
Locals and visitors alike — thank you for respecting this regulation. And if you miss the gesture, why not swap it for a waffle, an ice cream, or just a deep breath of sea air?
And if you miss the gesture, consider replacing it with an ice cream, a waffle, or simply a deep breath of sea air... it's just as soothing and much better for your health!
Bringing pets to the beach
We love four-legged visitors — but a few rules apply:
- Dogs must not foul children’s play areas or sand pits.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 19pm. Off-lead dogs must be under control at all times.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the Savignac Promenade.
Horse riding on the beach is permitted two hours before and after low tide on wet sand only. A request must be made in advance at the lifeguard station on Trouville-sur-Mer beach.
Using drones in Trouville-sur-Mer
Planning to capture those sweeping beach shots by drone? Nice idea — but know the rules!
Recreational flights must follow France’s “open category” rules. All the rules you need to know are available on the Calvados prefecture.
Drone and model aircraft use is regulated under civil aviation laws. Before every flight, check the official map of restricted areas and no-fly zones for recreational drones before take-off — because no one wants their drone spending the night in custody!
Shore fishing (a.k.a. la pêche à pied)
An age-old coastal tradition — and a fantastic excuse for a barefoot wander.
From ancient times to now, foraging for seafood along the coast has been a cherished pastime (and dinner source!). Today, it’s mostly a leisure activity for locals and curious visitors. Ready to get your boots and buckets?
New departmental decree applicable from July 1, 2026: Some opening dates and quotas have changedWe'll give you all the details below.
Fish
Fishing is permitted, within the limits of personal consumption and respecting legal sizes. Not enough to fill an aquarium, but enough for a good dinner! Some minimum sizes to know: sea bass (42 cm), pollack (42 cm), red sea bream (40 cm), mullet (30 cm), sole (25 cm), whiting (27 cm), mackerel (20 cm).
Fishing for sea bass is prohibited from February 1st to March 31st, and then limited to 3 catches per day per person for the rest of the year. Net fishing for sea bass is prohibited year-round.
Crustaceans
Fishing for crustaceans (spider crab, velvet crab, brown crab, lobster) is permitted year-round along the entire Calvados coastline, within the limits of personal consumption and compliance with size and quota regulations. Here are the new rules to follow:
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- Lobster Minimum size: 9 cm, maximum 2 individuals per fisherman
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- Cake Minimum size: 15 cm, maximum 2 individuals per fisherman
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- Curry Minimum size: 6,5 cm, maximum 20 individuals per fisherman
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- Spider crab Minimum size: 12 cm, maximum 5 individuals per fisherman
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- Bouquet : 5 cm minimum, fishing allowed August 1. As of February 28th, a maximum of 2 kg per day per person is allowed. (The season now opens a month later than before.)
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- Gray shrimp 3 cm minimum, 2 kg maximum per day per person
Important: The use of a hook to turn over boulders on the rocky platforms (particularly when searching for crabs) is now prohibited. Please leave the boulders in place to preserve the habitats!
Shellfish
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- From Honfleur to Trouville-Hennequeville Sailing Club: collecting is permanently prohibited due to sanitary reasons.
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- From the Trouville Hennequeville Sailing Club to Houlgate, shellfish gathering is allowed unless temporarily banned for sanitary reasons. Always check the latest notices at the lifeguard station before heading out with your bucket and net.
Quotas and minimum sizes to be respected:
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- Coque 5 kg max per day per person
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- Mold 5 kg max per day per person
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- Cupped oyster 5 kg max per day per person
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- Knife : 10 cm minimum, 2 kg max per day and per person
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- Whelk : 4,5 cm minimum, 2 kg max per day and per person
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- Scallop shell 11 cm minimum, fishing allowed from October 1st to May 14th inclusive30 individuals max per fisherman (Shore fishing now has its own dates, separate from those of professionals)
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- Sea urchin 4 cm minimum
Access to marine farming concessions and shellfish harvesting within 25 meters of these concessions are prohibited.
Any questions?
See the useful links:
- Shore fishing – the national reference site / Calvados prefecture
- Fishing Information Office (Halle aux Poissons): Tel. +02 (31)98 40 66 XNUMX XNUMX
- Maritime Affairs Office (Town Hall): Tel. +02 (31)88 36 21 XNUMX XNUMX
- • Departmental Directorate for Territories and Sea ( Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer): 10 Boulevard du Général Vanier – 14052 CAEN Cedex 4 Tel. +02 (31)43 15 00 02 31 / +53 (66)30 XNUMX XNUMX XNUMX XNUMX (maritime social services)
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