Normandy Cider Route: French Heritage, Cuisine, And Travel
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Journeying Through Normandy: Discovering France's Historic Cider Route
Embarking on an exploration of French culture and history isn't just about visiting grand chateaux and sampling escargot. Sometimes, the most authentic experiences are found meandering through the rolling hills and quaint villages of the French countryside.
One such treasure is the "La Route du Cidre," an idyllic journey that offers travelers an authentic sip—quite literally—of Normandy's heritage. Join us as we explore this iconic cider route and delve into the fascinating history and art of cider-making in France.
La Route du Cidre: A Rustic Experience in Calvados
Stretching 40 km east of Caen, the Cider Route takes you through a dreamy landscape of Normandy, complete with small, picturesque roads that connect villages like Beuvron-en-Auge, Cambremer, Bonnebosq, and Beaufour-Druval.
L'expérience Rustique
A Normandy Dream
If you've ever wondered what an Augeron postcard might look like, this is it. Majestic castles, opulent manors, and quintessential half-timbered houses dot the landscape, while vast fields of apple orchards offer an ever-changing backdrop through the seasons.
But this isn't just a feast for the eyes. You'll meet around twenty local cider producers along the route, marked by the distinctive "Cru de Cambremer" signs. These artisans maintain the legacy of French cider-making, one bottle at a time.
Travel With Joy
The tale of French cider stretches back centuries. For the uninitiated, cider is made from a variety of apple types, each contributing its unique profile to the finished product. In France, apple varietals such as the bottle, the estate, the tranquil, the bedan, and the rouge-mulot are carefully mixed in ratios kept secret by cider producers. The juice, extracted from these specially chosen apples, represents cider's nascent stage.
The Apple Varietals Of France
Apples in France aren't just about snacking; they're about heritage. France grows a plethora of unique apple varietals dedicated almost exclusively to cider production. Some of the popular ones include:
Kerisac: Known for its acidic taste, perfect for a tangy cider.
Bedan: Offers a rich, complex flavor profile.
Binet Rouge: Adds color and a hint of berry flavor to ciders.
Traditional Practices
Traditionally, the juice was stored in wooden barrels and allowed to mature, its sugar fermenting into alcohol over the course of a year. The result? A range of ciders, from sweet to dry, boasting alcohol levels between 3.5 and 5 degrees. Authentic French ciders aren't about standardized flavors; they're about individual personality, a narrative of the land and the artisan who crafted it.
Cider's Role In French Cuisine And History
Cider has been more than a drink; it's a culinary tradition and historical cornerstone. In Normandy and Brittany, for instance, cider has often replaced wine on the dinner table. It has been a drink for the peasants and the nobility alike, a unifying thread in the French cultural tapestry.
Cuisine
Recommended Cider Route Restaurants
L'Endroit – Fine Dining
3 Rue P et Charles Bréard, 14600 HonfleurVilla Gypsy Honfleur – Coffee Shop
2 Rue Notre Dame, 14600 HonfleurRestaurant L'escale – Seafood
3 Rue de la ville, 14600 HonfleurL'art Du Bistrot – Terrace With A View
14 Pl. Sainte-Catherine, 14600 HonfleurMaison Blondel – Cakes And Tea
En haut des marches, 4 Rue des Logettes, 14600 HonfleurBar A Huîtres Bateau – Floating Oyster Bar
Jetée de la lieutenace, 14600 Honfleur
Must Visit
Beauvron-En-Auge
When it comes to finding hidden gems in Normandy, it would be remiss not to mention the enchanting village of Beuvron-en-Auge. Tucked away amid the verdant hills and apple orchards that define this region of France, Beuvron-en-Auge is the epitome of timeless beauty and charm. As someone who has been fortunate enough to visit this magical place twice, I can attest to its allure and the profound sense of history that permeates its cobblestone streets.
A Brief History
Founded in the 17th century, Beuvron-en-Auge has been a witness to various chapters of French history. However, what truly sets this village apart is its remarkable preservation. A stroll through the village is akin to stepping into a bygone era, where each corner and facade tells a story. Classified as one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), Beuvron-en-Auge takes you on a journey back in time, all while offering the modern comforts and luxuries one expects from France's premier tourist destinations.
Architectural Elegance
The village is a visual feast of Normandy's traditional half-timbered houses, antique shops, and picturesque courtyards. The architecture alone is a reason to visit.
The "Colombage" houses, characterized by their wooden framework and infilled with a material made of mud and straw, represent an age-old tradition in Normandy architecture. The delicate patterns and designs that you see on these houses aren't just decorative; they often signify the status and occupation of the original owners, providing a unique peek into the village's social history.
Beauvron-En-Auge
Being in the heart of cider country, it's no surprise that the village offers a gastronomic experience steeped in the local flavors of Normandy. Expect to find quaint cafes and gourmet restaurants serving a variety of local dishes, including creamy Camembert and freshly baked tarte aux pommes. And, of course, a meal in Beuvron-en-Auge wouldn't be complete without a glass of artisanal cider or Calvados to toast your culinary adventure.
Where To Eat
La Pavé De Auge
I have eaten here twice and it remains one of my top culinary experiences in France.
Reservations highly recommended.
Other Options
Boogie Blues (quick meal)
La Colomb-auge (crepes)
La Piazza (pizza)
Café Forges (French)
Additional Tips & Suggestions
The cider route in Normandy is a rather large area that can be explored by car or bike. There are also tourism companies that can take you to this area by bus.
To start your planning, I suggest exploring their official tourism website, available in English, to discover the latest news, events, openings, and hours of operation.
Please click here to discover more.
Bon Voyage!
French Cider-Braised Chicken
🍴 Servings: 4
⏰ Cooking Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
🍏 Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups French cider (or substitute with another dry cider)
2 cups chicken broth
2 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 small potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until the skin is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the French cider to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer.
Add the chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, and dried thyme to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, back into the pan, nestling them among the vegetables.
Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it back on the stovetop. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes to reduce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish. Serve the cider-braised chicken hot, ideally with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Chef's Tip
For an extra kick, you can add a splash of Calvados to the sauce before putting it in the oven. Just be mindful of the alcohol content if serving to children.
Bon Appétit! Enjoy this simple, flavorful dish that's a true ode to the culinary richness of France.
