Normandy, famous for its lush orchards, is home to apples of exceptional quality, used in the production of cider, Calvados and other delicacies. Apple orchard tours offer an immersive experience where you discover the life cycle of this iconic fruit. Explore these picturesque orchards and immerse yourself in the history of the Norman apple.
Le Domaine de la Percée: Tradition and Excellence
La Cidrerie Lebrec, located in Englesville-la-Percée, embodies the perfect blend of tradition and excellence. Visitors are invited to wander through the picturesque orchards, where the apple trees bear witness to a rich history. The owners share their passion for cider, from growing the apples to the delicate art of fermentation, but also personal stories, the fate of a family turned upside down by war. Cider tastings offer a variety of flavours, from sweet to dry, each telling the story of the Cidrerie de la Percée.
The Cider Route: A Gourmet Itinerary
The Route du Cidre in Normandy is a picturesque route that takes you through verdant orchards, charming villages and traditional cider houses. In the heart of the Pays d’Auge, visit family-run farms such as Ferme de la Rançonnière in Crépon. Discover the cider-making process, from harvesting the apples to tasting the different varieties of cider and visiting the orchards.
Cambremer’s Orchard: A Treasure Trove of Flavours
Cambremer, a village in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, is renowned for its high-quality orchards. Les Vergers de la Belle Étoile, for example, offers guided tours of the seasonal work, growing methods and apple harvest. End the tour with a tasting of the farm’s cider, apple juice and local produce.
Durdent’s Orchards: Nature and Authenticity
Les Vergers de la Durdent, located in Héricourt-en-Caux, offers an authentic immersion into the life of a Norman orchard. Explore the vast orchards overlooking the Durdent Valley, discover the different varieties of apples grown and learn the secrets of cider-making. The tour usually ends with a tasting session where you can savour the result of the passionate work of the producers.
The Ostin Apple Orchard: A Hidden Jewel
Nestled in the Normandy countryside, the Pommeraie d’Ostin is a hidden gem where a passion for apples comes to life. Take a tour of the orchards, home to a variety of old and new apples. Take part in apple-pressing workshops and learn the secrets of cider-making. The owners are happy to share their know-how and their love for this emblematic fruit.
Saint-Ouen-le-Pin’s Orchards: Between Tradition and Modernity
The Vergers de Saint-Ouen-le-Pin orchards in the Pays de Bray combine tradition and modernity. Explore the orchards, where fruit trees stand alongside contemporary sculptures, creating a unique atmosphere. Take advantage of guided tours to discover the different stages of production, from pollination to the transformation of apples into finished products. Transformation of apples into finished products.
La Ferme de Billy: A haven of nature and authentic flavours
Nestling in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, Billy’s Farm is a haven of nature and authentic flavours. The farm’s orchards, teeming with carefully selected apple varieties, provide a picturesque backdrop for a memorable experience. Visitors can take part in apple-pressing demonstrations, understand the fermentation process and explore the production facilities. A tasting of cider and local products rounds off this immersion in Normandy’s terroir.
Conclusion:
Visits to apple orchards in Normandy offer much more than a simple discovery of growing and production methods. It’s a sensory adventure where you explore the nuances of apple varieties, understands the cider-making process and taste local products rich in flavour. Whether you’re passionate about gastronomy, nature or history, these Normandy orchards invite you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of apples, a symbol of the cultural richness of this beautiful region.
Cécile BELLAND
