Calvados & Pays d’Auge

Pont-l’Évêque

7 minutes

Our nearby city, and much more than just a stop. Pont-l’Évêque is known for its cheese, but it is mainly a small Norman town living and pleasant daily, its shops, its half-timbered houses. This is where we do a good part of our shopping: bakery, butchery, cheeses, early ones... On Monday morning, the market runs the entire city with local producers and Norman specialities. Don't miss the Legrand Drug Store, a real local institution, where you always end up finding something that you didn't necessarily want.

Our tip. Traditional market on Monday morning until 1pm. In summer, some country market Sundays with local crafts and folk dances - to check on the website of the tourist office.

Beaumont-en-Auge

20 minutes

A small village perched on its hill, with one of the most beautiful views of the Pays d’Auge. In clear weather, we even see the sea far behind Deauville and Trouville. The village itself is tiny, perfectly Norman, and very pleasant for a quiet walk between half-timbered houses, pretty shops and views of the surrounding valleys. In autumn, the hills take on beautiful red and orange hues.

Our tip. To be combined with the Cider Route for a beautiful half-day, or on the way to the coast by small paths.

Beuvron-en-Auge

30 minutes

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Beuvron-en-Auge almost resembles the ideal image of the Pays d’Auge: half-timbered houses, small shops, brocante, perfectly preserved central square and peaceful atmosphere out of season. Do not leave again without stopping at the creperie for a good traditional cake, or in one of the tea salons and shops that offer very good local products to taste on site.

Our tip. Perfect combo: Cabourg + Dives-sur-Mer (village of Guillaume) + Beuvron-en-Auge (Cider Route). An ideal day between coast and Pays d’Auge.

Cambremer

25 min

Cambremer is considered one of the hearts of the Cider Route. The village is pleasant in itself, but we come mainly to explore the surroundings between orchards, producers and small hilly roads. Don't miss the Jardins du Pays d’Auge - remarkable gardens!

Our tip. The Jardins du Pays d’Auge are open from April to November. Check the schedules before you leave.

Blangy-le-Château

7 minutes

A quiet and authentic little Norman village, with a preserved atmosphere of large crowds. A small bookshop, a glass of wine at the café of the square, the remains of the castle that discreetly recall a medieval past - Blangy is a peaceful and charming stop, which is well worth stopping on the road of Le Clos du Haut.

Our tip. To be combined with the antiques trail for brocante lovers.

Cormeilles

15 minutes

A beautiful Norman village often forgotten tourist guides - and that's so much better. A river crosses the village between half-timbered houses, and some small boutiques of charm deserve a stop. The local market takes place on Friday morning. Not to be missed: Le Mascaret, the fish shop of the village, with oysters and catering specialties to eat on site, on the sidewalk, with the right franquette. A real local address.

Our tip. The Mascaret - see our page Our favourites for details.

Château de Boutemont & L'Orangerie

15 minutes

A Norman castle of beautiful elegance, surrounded by remarkable gardens that change over the seasons. The nail of the visit: the Orangerie, the tea room of the castle, which offers teas, pancakes and sweets in an absolutely enchanting setting.

Our tip. Ideal on weekdays to avoid the crowd of the weekend in high season.

The Cider Route

20 - 30 minutes

Don't always take the direct road. Lose yourself voluntarily on the small roads between Cambremer, Beuvron-en-Auge and the surrounding villages. Apple trees in bloom in the spring, orchards charged in autumn, artisanal signs indicating the farms... it is Normandy in what it has most authentic. The best way to discover this part of the Pays d’Auge often remains to drive without a precise program, stopping where something attracts the eye: a distillery, an old press or simply a nice view of the hills. Several producers welcome visitors for tastings of cider, pear and calvados. Feel free to ask us our favorite places.

Our tip. The map of Norman producers is available on calvados-tourisme.com Some farms are only open in season or by appointment - check before leaving.

Calvados Père Magloire Experience

7 min (Pont-l’Évêque)

Château du Breuil

10 min (Breuil en Auge)

Calvados in a Norman castle A beautiful property surrounded by orchards, known for its 17th century cellars and its old calvado vintages. The visit is original, very well made and allows you to discover the various stages of making calvados in a particularly pleasant setting.

Christian Drouin

15 min (Pont-l’Évêque)

Family distillery & tasting A family distillery located in a beautiful half-timbered Norman property. The visit goes through orchards, stills and aging cellars, with a more artisanal approach to calvados. The small creperie on site is also a very good excuse to extend the visit.

Lake Pont-l’Évêque

5-7 min

A few minutes from Le Clos du Haut, a quiet and refreshing area for a walk by the water or a break. In summer, swimming is possible and very pleasant. Our tip: choose the morning or the end of the day in July-August to avoid crowding.

Our tip. Go from the city centre, behind the grocery store Le Coccinelle, to make the full tour of the lake - about 7 km, ideal for running, cycling or walking.

Lisieux & the Basilica of St. Theresa

20 minutes

Lisieux is the great city of the Pays d’Auge, and an international pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The basilica dominates the entire city. The Saturday morning market is one of the largest in the Pays d’Auge.

Our tip. Traditional march every Saturday morning.

The studs of the Pays d’Auge

1 hour

The Pays d’Auge is also a land of horses. Behind many hedges and aisles lined with trees hide some of the most beautiful studs in France. The Haras du Pin, for example, nicknamed the Versailles du Cheval, deserves a visit. Several equestrian centres also offer walks in the Normandy countryside, a very nice way to discover landscapes otherwise.