Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Trouville-sur-Mer casino, inaugurated on June 29, 1912, is the work of architect Alexandre Durville. Built in just 15 months, it is inspired by the Louisian colonial style, with blades and murals (disappeared since then). Located on a central island between the wharfs and the promenade des Planches, it extends over 6,500 m2 and combines playrooms, restaurants facing the sea and an Italian theatre renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Frequent with the aristocracy (Countes Pourtales, Poniatowski) and bourgeois families (Laffitte, Vernes), he welcomed bals, operettas and plays, competing with the great Parisian scenes.

In 1927, architect Georges Wybo enlarged the casino with two playrooms (Boule and Baccara) and a central porch on the maritime facade. However, as early as the 1930s, it was overshadowed by the Deauville casino, leading to an economic decline for Trouville. In 1936, the municipality, headed by Mayor Fernand Moureaux, shifted the station towards a family and popular tourism. The casino is even converted to a municipal museum from 1936 to 1956. Between 2011 and 2013, a partial renovation, led by Jean-Philippe Nuel and Jacques Garcia, saved the historic theatre (transformed into a theatre of shows) but abolished the cinema.

Ranked Historic Monument in 2016, the casino embodies the golden age of Norman seaside resorts, blending architectural heritage, social life and contemporary adaptations. Its history reflects the social changes of the twentieth century, from aristocratic luxury to accessible tourism. Protected elements include the central body, wings, porch and theatre, highlighting its heritage importance. Today, there remains a symbol of the Flower Coast, between historical memory and cultural dynamism.

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