Normandy for Foodies

4 Days

Normandy has been described as ‘the larder of Paris’ which is not surprising considering the gastronomic delights of the area and its proximity to the capital. Normandy is a foodie’s dream!

This area of Northern France has a fantastic variety of produce. There are apple orchards a-plenty from which such delights as apple juice, cider, pommeau and that delicious tipple Calvados are produced.

Then there are those cheeses which include the deliciously smelly, soft, creamy Camembert and also the less known Livarot and Pont l’Eveque soft cheeses.

Dairy produce in Normandy is generally superb with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ‘beurre d’Isigny’ butter having a reputation as one of the finest butters in the world. It, along with the rich cream from the area, is used in the production of the very moreish ‘caramels d’Isigny’.

Let’s not forget the salt marsh lamb bred on the salt flats near Mont Saint Michel which has a flavour like no other.

Our tailor made Normandy for foodies itinerary will introduce you to these delights and more. We’ll arrange a guided visit for you to producers of the finest apple juice and Calvados and give you detailed information on the ‘Route du Cidre’ through the picturesque Pays ‘Auge.

Discover the history of Camembert cheese in the village of that name and enjoy tastings there too. Genuine cheese lovers will love the ‘Route du Camembert’ on which they’ll travel through beautiful Normandy countryside and meet producers of this fine cheese.

Overview

This single centre, fully flexible itinerary is based in the Caen area of Normandy and will form the basis from which your own personal itinerary will be created.

We suggest you fly into Paris which is only 2 hours from Caen by car. Alternatively, take a cross-Channel ferry from the UK into Caen or even Cherbourg or Le Havre from where you can hire a car.

The price for this Normandy for foodie’s trip will depend on your accommodation choice, the number of people, the time of year and which elements of the itinerary you wish to include.

This itinerary can be combined with any of the others on our site to create a complete trip to France. We suggest you combine it with elements of our historic Normandy itinerary for a real insight into the area.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Cheese

Head inland and explore the petty countryside of the Pays d'Auge. We'll arrange for you to visit a producer of the creamy camembert cheese and learn about the process involved from milking the cows through to the final product. The visit will end with a cheese tasting accompanied by local bread and a glass of Normandy cider!
Visit also the fascinating museum where you'll learn how the cheese was produced in the past and see the tools of the trade of days gone by.
After your visit, why not follow the Camembert Trail by car for which we'll provide you with full details.

Day 2 :
Apples

Normandy has a multitude of apple and pear orchards from which delights such as fresh juice, cider, pommeau, and calvados are produced.
On this Normandy for foodies itinerary, we'll arrange for you to visit a producer and learn about the production of all of this deliciousness. Discover the particularities of farm-produced cider vs the unique triple fermented cider. Enjoy a tasting of cider, calvados, pommeau, calvados cream and some home-made specialities too!
After your visit, follow the Cider Trail by car for which we'll provide you with full details. The route which covers around 40kms reunites twenty producers in the area and gives you the opportunity to discover more about cider production in the area.

Day 3 :
Biscuits

A treat for all lovers of biscuits and sweet stuff today as we arrange for you to visit a traditional family-owned and run 'biscuiterie' on the 'route des Abbayes' in the heart of the beautiful Normandy countyside just to the south of Caen. Guided visits in English are available June-September
The biscuit maker uses almost entirely local ingredients in their production including the rich cream and butter from the area. The guided visit will take you through each step of their biscuit production - kneading, the shaping doughs, the cooking and the packaging. Yes, you'll have the opportunity to taste the finished product and of course buy some of the delicious biscuits too!

Day 4 :
Seafood

The Basse Normandie coastline is the third most important producer of seafood in the whole of France. In the foodie world, the area is renowned for its Red Label scallops known as 'coquilles Saint-Jacques de Normandie' and oysters in particular.
We'll recommend the most picturesque fishing ports for you to visit and also the best places at which to eat these Normandy delicacies and other seafood fresh off the boats.
If you're interested in discovering how oysters are grown and harvested, we'll arrange for you to have a guided visit of the oyster beds. You'll also learn the best way to open an oyster and of course to eat it too!

Included

  • Your own personal hand-crafted itinerary
  • Accommodation including breakfast and other meals as agreed
  • Reservations for visits and restaurants as required
  • Local tourist information to ensure you get the most out of your holiday
  • Our personal attention and a dedicated phone number throughout your stay

Not Included

  • Flights and car hire
  • Personal insurance
  • Lunches unless specified
  • Evening meals and drinks unless specified
  • Entry fees unless specified


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