The Cider Trail East of Caen in Normandy

The wonderful podcast Join Us In France by Annie Sargent did an episode with a traveler who specifically visited this trail. You might find this, and its accompanying notes, useful (along with many of her other podcasts):

https://joinusinfrance.com/episode/normandy-cider-route/

The guest who was interviewed (Ria Windcaller), also seemed to be an expert in cider in general, and hosts a cider podcast herself, although I haven't personally listened to her podcast.

Good get!

Thanks,

Chris

Hello from Wisconsin,
Have you ever been on a brewery tour? If yes, have you gone on a second brewery tour? You might ask yourself and others the same about whiskey distilleries. It might turn out that one is enough. Wineries can be a bit different because they make their living giving the tours, and spruce up the place for tastings and meals.

I have been to a couple places that made cider. After seeing one the only reason I went to another was to buy direct from a maker. They usually think I am there to buy cases and seem a bit disappointed when I tell them two means two bottles. Then again, maybe some cideries have taken their game to the level of wineries. The one's I visited in Normandy and Galicia were pretty small operations at the ends of long driveways. One and half Euros for a magnum of very good cider...what a joy.

I suggest if you are really into cider, get a map and a car and enjoy. It would help to speak French.

wayne iNWI

wayner -

What we were hoping for was a "you gotta go to this place" response. Or, "this is a total waste of time because most places are closed most of the time and the open ones do not seem happy to see you" type of comment. Cider and the related adult beverages seem to be a part of the area culture, so it makes sense to experience it in the best way possible.

Thanks,

Chris

Cider is taken seriously in this rich agricultural territory. So is Calvados, the apple brandy distilled from cider. That tipple is the choice to close a dinner of pork. It also serves nicely in "le trou normand" or Normand hole (in the stomach). A lengthy meal will pause mid courses for a sip of Calvados to burn enough room for more eats. Much tastier than I make it sound. A little apple sorbet, which takes up no room, is a nice touch.

https://fr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Trou_normand?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Calvados tasting is a regular part of my trips to Normandy. It is too easy to call it an apple brandy, but that conjures up thoughts of a sickly-sweet, cough-syrupy drink—which it is definitely not. Think of it more as Normandy's answer to fine scotch. I usually buy one bottle for use while there, and at least another to bring home. It is sometimes possible to find it in the States at large liquor stores, but not with much of a selection. Each distillery is family run, and it is great to experience a visit and tasting when driving through the countryside. Often I will just stop at a place for which I see a sign when driving country roads.

Thanks to all for the info.

Understanding the "Norman hole" will come in helpful for our visit....it is another excuse to drink Calvados since we MUST respect local traditions and customs!

Chris