Deauville is located in the Normandy region of France, in the heart of the country's main horse breeding region. Twinned with both Kildare, Ireland and Lexington, Kentucky - two other famous thoroughbred breeding hotspots - the town is home to not one, but two racecourses:

• Deauville-La Touques Racecourse, where thoroughbred flat racing has taken place since 1882.
• Deauville Clairefontaine, which is a triple discipline track showcasing flat, trotting, and obstacle courses.

Although celebrated as a summer racing venue, Deauville-La Touques has in recent years started to host races during winter months as well thanks to an all-weather track installed in 2003.

Nevertheless, the venue continues to host racing events most days in July and August - the highlights of which being no fewer than five crowd-pleasing Grade 1 events (Prix Maurice de Gheest, Prix Rothschild, Prix Jacques Le Marois-Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard, Darley Prix Morny, and Darley Prix Jean Romanet).

Deauville Clairefontaine was home to the international polo at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, which itself was the first qualifying event for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. It is well-known as a good destination for a family day out, with lots of child-friendly activities on site.

Deauville itself is renowned as one of the most popular seaside towns in France, and hosts a number of other equestrian-related events every year besides racing (such as polo tournaments and horse shows). It is also the home of the Ventes de Deauville yearling auction, which is held every August.