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Picture this: the scent of ripe apples in the orchards, rolling hills dotted with grazing “vaches normandes”, and the gentle autumn sun inviting you to explore. Autumn is the perfect time to discover Normandy. Ideal for walking, cycling or visiting a charming town. But above all, it’s the season to savour the culinary treasures this region has to offer. And there are plenty! Ready for a culinary voyage of discovery? Then be sure to experience an Indian summer in Normandy!
Indian Summer in Normandy means enjoying gastronomy
Normandy is renowned for its gastronomy. From seafood to cheese and from sweet delicacies to the finest beverages; here you can enjoy everything the region has to offer. The fishing industry is leading, especially when it comes to scallops. Along the southern coast, top-quality oysters and mussels are cultivated. Not far from Mont Saint-Michel, sheep graze on salt marshes. This results in the refined salted lamb meat, the Pré-salé. And don’t forget the Norman specialities: andouille from Vire, tripes (tripe) from Caen and boudin noir (black pudding) from Mortagne.
In restaurants, you’ll often encounter the ‘trou normand’, a delightful interlude between courses. Apple sorbet with a splash of Calvados that reawakens your taste buds. Bring on the next course!
Indian Summer in Normandy is feasting on cheese
In Normandy, you’ll find four famous AOC cheeses, each with a unique flavour and character. For instance, the Neufchâtel from Pays du Bray is recognisable by its heart shape and soft, creamy texture. Next, the Pont-l’Évêque, a firm square cheese, has a rich, full flavour. Livarot, also known as “the colonel”, is wrapped in straw and has a strong, tangy taste. And of course, Camembert, perhaps the most famous cheese from the region. With its soft, creamy interior and rich aroma, it’s a delicious cheese that pleases everyone. Together they form the heart of the Norman cheese tradition.
And then the desserts! A true Norman tart, with apples as the base, usually in a creamy filling with a hint of Calvados. Or the traditional Teurgoule, a slowly cooked rice pudding with cinnamon. But don’t forget the biscuits and caramel from Isigny, deliciously perfumed with vanilla, coffee or Calvados.
Norman Beverages
The drinks in Normandy are not to be missed either. Everything starts with apple juice, fresh and full of vitamins. Three delicious drinks have this juice as their base.
Cider
Normandy is famous for its cider, a sparkling drink made from a mix of carefully selected apples. Just like wine, making cider requires finding the perfect balance between sweet, sour and bitter apples. After pressing, the juice ferments naturally, giving it its sparkling character and fresh taste. Whether you choose a dry, medium-dry or sweet variety, cider is a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with Norman cuisine.
Calvados
Calvados is the famous apple brandy from Normandy, created by distilling cider. After distillation, Calvados ages for years in oak barrels, where it develops its golden colour and complex aromas. The drink is rich and full-flavoured, with notes of wood and spices. You drink Calvados normally as a digestif. But is also delicious in cocktails or as an addition to dishes.
Pommeau
Pommeau is a delicate drink created by blending fresh apple juice with Calvados. This sweet aperitif has a warm, amber glow and a fruity flavour with a hint of caramel and oak. Pommeau is versatile: you can drink it as an aperitif, use it in desserts or simply enjoy it pure on a sunny afternoon. It’s a perfect introduction to the taste of Normandy.
Benedictine liqueur
Also not to be missed is the famous Benedictine liqueur. A rich, aromatic drink from Normandy. The drink is made according to an age-old recipe with 27 different herbs and spices. This amber-coloured liqueur is produced in Fécamp in the only Benedictine distillery in the world. In the impressive Palais Bénédictine, the complex flavours of honey, herbs and citrus blend harmoniously. Whether you drink it neat, mix it in a cocktail, or use it in desserts, Bénédictine offers a refined taste experience that is typical of the Norman tradition of craftsmanship and quality.
The Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp is an impressive palace, built in a unique mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Here you’ll discover the fascinating story of the Bénédictine liqueur. In addition to admiring the beautiful architecture and art collections, you can also take a look at the distillery and, of course, taste the iconic liqueur. The Palais offers a unique combination of culture, history and flavour.
Indian Summer in Normandy with culinary events
Normandy is just a six-hour drive from Utrecht and easily accessible by train. It’s a perfect destination for a long weekend or a week of enjoyment in the autumn. This is when many special culinary events take place. An ideal opportunity to taste local specialities, meet chefs and take a look at the production process. This is a fantastic way to experience an Indian summer in Normandy. As a gourmet, you certainly won’t want to miss these festivities:
Lessay Agricultural Fair
The Lessay Agricultural Fair is one of the oldest and largest annual fairs in Normandy. In the first weekend of September, this event attracts thousands of visitors. The fair is famous for its impressive livestock market, where you can admire herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. It’s also a celebration of local products and crafts. You can taste Norman specialities such as cheeses, cider and sausages. You can also enjoy the convivial atmosphere with music, dance and other festivities. The Lessay Agricultural Fair offers an authentic glimpse into traditional rural life and the rich agricultural traditions of Normandy.
International Mushroom Festival in Bellême
The International Mushroom Festival in Bellême is a unique celebration of autumn in the picturesque Orne region of Normandy. The festival in the first weekend of October attracts mushroom enthusiasts from all directions. You can participate in guided mushroom picking tours in the vast forests around Bellême. Meanwhile, you’ll learn all about the many species that grow in this region. The festival offers an atmospheric mix of nature, knowledge and culinary indulgence.
Fête du Ventre in Rouen
“La Fête du Ventre” in Rouen is a colourful and tasty festival that puts the culinary traditions of the region in the spotlight. This event, which literally means “The Belly Festival“, takes place annually in the third quarter of October. The festival transforms Rouen’s historic city centre into a vibrant culinary paradise. Visitors can enjoy a huge variety of local specialities, from cheese and meat to pastries and cider, with over 150 exhibitors presenting their delicacies. In addition to the many food and drink stalls, there are cooking demonstrations, tastings and workshops where you can learn the finer points of Norman cuisine. The festive atmosphere is complemented by music, entertainment and a lively market. This makes “La Fête du Ventre” a not-to-be-missed event for anyone who loves gastronomy.
Shrimp and Fishermen’s Festival in Honfleur
Honfleur is a charming port town worth visiting in any season. In mid-October, the town celebrates its maritime traditions during the Shrimp and Fishermen’s Festival. This festival brings the best of the sea to the quayside. There are tastings of the famous Honfleur shrimp and a variety of other seafood. The atmosphere is steeped in sea shanties, concerts and craft market stalls. At the market, you can get acquainted with the work of local fishermen and craftsmen. Old fishing boats are moored in the harbour, and there are guided tours where you can take a look at the town’s rich fishing history. The Shrimp and Fishermen’s Festival is a delightful weekend full of culture, music and the taste of the sea.
Apple and Cider Festivals
The apple and cider festivals in Normandy take place from mid-October to the end of November. They are a festive celebration of the region’s iconic apple culture. These events are held in various towns and villages throughout Normandy. They offer an extensive introduction to everything related to apples and cider. During the festivals, you can enjoy tastings of different types of cider and other apple products, such as apple pie and apple sauce. There are also demonstrations of the cider brewing process, from pressing apples to fermenting and bottling the cider. In addition, there are markets with local products, live music, and craft stalls. The apple and cider festivals are a great way to experience the rich tradition of apple growing and cider production in Normandy. This makes an Indian summer in Normandy a special experience!
Scallop festivals
The Scallop Festivals are a lively and tasty event. They focus on the fishing and culinary versatility of the famous scallop. These festivals take place in October and November in the region’s main fishing ports. For the best experience, go to Port-en-Bessin, Villers-sur-Mer, Trouville, Ouistreham and Grandcamp-Maisy. During the festivities, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including cooking classes, fish smoking, and workshops on preparing scallops. There are also markets and tastings where you can get acquainted with the local cuisine and the region’s delicacies. The festival offers a unique opportunity to learn more about Normandy’s fishing traditions. And to enjoy the culinary delights that the sea has to offer.
Herring Festivals in Seine-Maritime
The Herring Festivals in Seine-Maritime are a festive celebration of herring, one of the region’s most important fish species. These events primarily take place in the coastal towns of Seine-Maritime. The highlight is the herring festival in Dieppe. This annual festival, usually held in the second weekend of November, attracts many visitors to the town known for its rich fishing tradition.
Dieppe, once famous for its herring industry, offers a nostalgic atmosphere with old fishing boats and a fish market. This evokes memories of the time when herring was the main driver of the local economy. The Herring Festivals in Dieppe are a unique opportunity to experience Normandy’s rich fishing culture and enjoy the tasty fruits of the sea.
Eco-friendly Indian Summer in Normandy
Environmentally friendly travel pays off! Normandy is the first region in France where you get a discount if you travel sustainably. Travelling by train, bus or bicycle? Then you can benefit from the special CO2 discount rate at more than 70 attractions, museums and activities. Show your public transport ticket or take a photo of yourself with your bicycle and get at least 10% discount. Here’s how it works.
Plan your trip, pack your bags and come enjoy an Indian summer in Normandy. On the Normandy Tourism website, you’ll find all the details about the gastronomic festivals, special addresses and other tips for an unforgettable visit to Normandy.
FAQs about Indian Summer in Normandy
From the UK, take the Eurotunnel to Calais and drive to Normandy (about 1.5 hours to the Normandy border). By train, take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then switch stations and take a train to Caen or Bayeux (total journey around 6 hours).
Normandy has numerous culinary festivities in late summer. These are the main ones:
- The Lessay Agricultural Fair (La Manche). This grand annual event takes place during the first weekend of September. There's a large livestock market, tastings of local regional products and numerous other festivities.
- International Mushroom Festival in Bellême (Orne). During the first weekend of October, you can participate in mushroom picking and there are lectures, exhibitions, competitions. A gathering for enthusiasts and experts!
- The Shrimp and Fishermen's Festival in Honfleur (Calvados). The weekend of mid-October sees a grand festival with concerts, crafts, sea shanties, tastings, fish market and old fishing boats. Shrimp is an important speciality here, as is fishing!
- La Fête du Ventre in Rouen (Seine-Maritime). This grand event takes place on the weekend of mid-October, focusing on culinary traditions with local gastronomy and many festivities and cooking demonstrations. At least 150 exhibitors are present!
- Apple and Cider Festivals (all over Normandy). The apple is part of Norman culture. It won't surprise you that there are many festive events all over Normandy with tastings, demonstrations from pressing to brewing, sale of fruit and fruit trees and all products made, from mid-October to the end of November.
- Scallop Festivals (Calvados). Normandy is the most important region in France for scallop fishing and these are crowned here with the "red label", the quality guarantee.
- Herring Festivals (Seine-Maritime). The herring festivals with the many stalls along the coast in Seine-Maritime are a convivial affair for herring lovers! The first festival is in Le Tréport on 9 and 10 November. On 16 and 17 November, the herring festival takes place in Dieppe. The following weekends are the festivals in Saint-Valéry-en-Caux and finally in Fécamp.
Besides all the culinary specialities and gastronomic festivals, the region has much more to offer. Normandy is known for its rugged, jagged coastline with impressive chalk cliffs and beautiful beaches. But apart from the natural beauty, the region also offers many historical sights and cultural experiences. Some highlights of Normandy that you shouldn't miss during a visit to the region are:
- Mont Saint-Michel: Iconic island with a beautiful abbey and narrow streets.
- Rouen: A beautiful city on the Seine with historical architecture, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and connected with Joan of Arc.
- Honfleur and the Côte Fleurie: A picturesque seaside resort with a rich artistic history and charming houses. The Côte Fleurie offers many beautiful seaside resorts.
- Chalk cliffs at the Côte d'Albatre: Impressive cliffs and beaches, including the famous Falaise d'Aval.
- The D-Day landing beaches: Historical locations where the Allies landed during Operation Overlord in 1944, with museums and memorials honouring the event.
- Bayeux: A charming town with the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and The Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
- Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin: an exceptionally large nature park with protected coulisse landscapes, marshes and heathland and coastal areas.
- Mortain-Bocage: a region known for its rich history, picturesque valleys, breathtaking waterfalls and lush green landscapes.
Normandy offers sufficient accommodation for all types of stays in all price ranges. We have stayed several times with our camper van at small campsites directly on the coast. Even in high season, you can usually find a place to stay overnight without booking in advance. In the large cities such as Rouen, Bayeux and Caen, it can be a bit busier in high season and it's advisable to book a hotel in advance.
- the hotels in Rouen
- all hotels in Bayeux
- overview of hotels in Caen
For a complete overview, you can take a look at the Normandy Tourism website.
