Touring France’s most iconic casino destinations

Garance Limouzy October 19, 2024

France is home to some of the most elegant casinos in Europe, where history, opulence, and top-tier gaming facilities converge. Here’s a glimpse into a few of the country’s most stunning casinos.

Casino Barrière Deauville, a jewel of Normandy

Since its inauguration in 1912, the Casino Barrière Deauville has been a cornerstone of luxury in Normandy. Designed by George Wybo, the same architect who brought Paris the iconic Printemps Haussmann, this casino offers 35 gaming tables, 350 slot machines, and an array of restaurants and bars. Its baroque-style restoration in 1988 by renowned designer Jacques Garcia adds to its regal ambiance, where crystal chandeliers, marble finishes, and velvet accents transport visitors to a palatial world. Notably, the Theatre within the casino, modelled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles, regularly hosts shows and cinema events, including screenings for the American Film Festival in Deauville.

Beyond its luxury, the casino also holds a notorious place in French history. On May 26, 1978, it became the site of an audacious armed robbery led by the infamous French criminal Jacques Mesrine and his accomplice Fran?ois Besse.

Casino d’Enghien-les-Bains, a lakeside casino near Paris

Nestled beside the scenic lake of Enghien, just a short distance from Paris, the Casino Barrière d’Enghien-les-Bains (main image) is one of the country’s most frequented gaming destinations. As the only casino in ?le-de-France with an entry fee, it offers over 600 slot machines and numerous roulette tables. Opened in 1901, the building underwent its last major renovation in 2005, which included a glass facade to create a grand entrance atrium. This reimagining of the space reflects the architectural style of the seaside, a theme further accentuated by interior designer Jacques Garcia. The casino also features an initiation area, perfect for newcomers wanting to explore traditional table games.

Casino d’Arcachon, a castle by the sea

Housed in the elegant Chateau Deganne, the Casino d’Arcachon offers a royal experience in the heart of this seaside resort. The neo-Renaissance chateau, built in 1853, provides a stunning backdrop for this lively casino, which is just steps from the waterfront and Arcachon’s bustling city centre. Beyond the gaming tables and slot machines, the casino boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with regular events and a fine-dining restaurant.

Casino d’Annecy, Belle époque grandeur amidst the Alps

The Imperial Palace Casino in Annecy, set against the backdrop of the Alpine mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Annecy, stands out for its Belle époque architecture. Inaugurated in 1913, this casino complex offers an immersive experience, complete with 141 slot machines and various table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette. In addition to gaming, visitors can indulge in the on-site restaurants or relax at the spa.