French operator Partouche has relocated the historic Casino de Cabourg to a sleek, ultra-modern venue, closing the curtain on its 120-year run at the Belle Époque theatre. The new complex, located at the entrance to the Normandy seaside town, replaces the Italian-style theatre on the Promenade Marcel-Proust, which was converted into a gaming hall in 1908.
100 slot machines, 34 electronic tables, and live gaming tables are now available, a lineup designed to attract a wider audience beyond the traditional seaside tourist crowd.
A seamless relocation
Moving the casino was a major operation. More than 50 staff members managed the transfer of gaming equipment under the strict supervision of France’s Ministry of the Interior, which ensured traceability and inspection of every slot machine.
In a single night, the transition was completed without uninterrupted service. The gaming space is now 2,000 square metres, with 25 new slot machines and the introduction of modern amenities in a spacious, contemporary setting. Additionally, new hires increased from 51 to 55, creating new local jobs. Partouche drew on resources from its 44 other casinos across Europe, particularly those in northwest France, to support the move.
Municipal vision and investment
Rather than renovate the historic theatre, the municipality opted to build a new casino, signalling a long-term commitment to Cabourg’s entertainment sector. Construction took two years and cost €10 million ($11.7 million), fully funded by the municipality, which owns the building.
Elected in 2023, Mayor Emmanuel Porcq emphasised that the investment is already paying off. Revenues are projected to rise from €150,000 ($176,445) to €620,000 ($729,244), while the gaming tax has increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, strengthening the municipal budget.
According to Porcq, casino profits allow the town to avoid raising property taxes. Generated funds are channelled towards public services, infrastructure, and cultural projects. Casino revenues exceeded €2 million ($2.3 million) in 2024, doubling previous figures, according to media reports.
Balancing heritage and modernity
Cabourg’s Belle Époque heritage is closely linked to its seaside identity, grand villas, and the iconic Grand Hotel. It remains the centrepiece of the town’s uniqueness.
Literary powerhouse Marcel Proust stayed at the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg, which was built in 1907, for over 500 nights, drawing inspiration for In Search of Lost Time. Additionally, painters like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin immortalised Normandy’s light and seaside resorts.
Furthermore, the town’s architecture, promenades, and museums preserve this era while blending it with modern tourism. The town developed rapidly in the mid-19th century as seaside tourism grew, with urban planning designed in a fan shape converging on the Grand Hotel and casino.
Belle Époque villas also have distinctive Anglo-Norman facades, ornate balconies, and mansard roofs that define Cabourg’s streets, adding to the town’s local charms.
Additionally, restoration of the Belle Époque theatre is scheduled for 2030, with a new restaurant expected to open by 2028. This ensures that heritage is preserved while the town continues to modernise. Partouche aims to attract more than 30 million visitors annually, positioning Casino de Cabourg as a premier hub for gaming and leisure in Normandy.
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