Thomas Le Floc'H
In the Calvados department, the 40-kilometre Cider Route winds through picturesque villages such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Cambremer, Bonnebosq and Beaufour-Druval. This route offers insight into the iconic Norman drink whilst providing opportunities to meet local cider producers. All of this unfolds amidst the idyllic landscape of Calvados. Shall we embark on this journey together?
Let’s begin with an introduction to cider. What exactly is this iconic Norman drink? Cider production is a traditional craft, comparable to winemaking. Various apple varieties, sourced from local orchards, lend their unique flavours to the cider. The apples are ground and pressed, with the pure juice stored in wooden barrels or tanks for natural fermentation. The alcohol content varies between 3.5% and 5%, depending on how long the must remains in the barrels. After several months of fermentation, the cider is ready for consumption. Local producers’ ciders from the Pays d’Auge have a slightly bitter taste and are wonderfully thirst-quenching.
Besides cider, Normandy is renowned for two other drinks: Calvados (yes, like the region) and Pommeau. Unlike cider, with Calvados, the older, the better. Calvados is made from distilled cider, using either a single or double distillation process. In the Pays d’Auge, cider is traditionally double-distilled. It’s then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Depending on the ageing time, you get a young or old Calvados.
Pommeau is a typical Norman aperitif made from a mixture of apple must and Calvados. Ageing in oak barrels gives it its beautiful amber colour. Pommeau has a smooth taste and is served chilled.
Now that we know what we’re looking for, it’s time to set off. The 40-kilometre Cider Route runs through the heart of the AOP Pays d’Auge (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in the Calvados department. The route is easily followed by bicycle, motorcycle or car.
If you follow the complete route, you’ll pass about twenty cider producers. They welcome visitors to their cellars, organise tastings and explain their traditional craft. The cider farms are recognisable by the roadside signs with the text ‘Cru de Cambremer’.
The Cider Route is a loop through the Pays d’Auge, so you can choose where to start or which part to explore. For convenience, we’ll start at Beaufour-Druval. Only 450 people live here, yet this small village boasts three churches! If you want to enjoy the view before diving into the cider, you can take a 6.5-kilometre loop. This leads over rolling hills and past the churches and the old town hall. In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find three cider producers affiliated with the Cider Route, such as the Desvoye cider producer where you can admire a cider press from 1828.
This second part is unmissable: Beuvron-en-Auge is a delightful typical Norman village, crowned with the “Plus Beau Village de France” label. At Place Michel Vermughen, you’ll be immersed in the regional atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful 17th and 18th-century half-timbered houses. Also worth seeing are the three manor houses (Manoir du Lieu Hocquart, the manor house on Avenue de la Gare, and the Manoir de la Hogue). For a beautiful view of the Pays d’Auge, climb to the Saint-Michel de Clermont chapel and prepare to be amazed. If you wish to stay in a historical setting, you’re welcome at the Manoir Haras de Sens.
The village may be small, but it’s certainly dynamic! Once a year in autumn, they organise the Fête du cidre (cider festival). This cider festival is the perfect opportunity to taste different types of cider in the village square and to observe how apples are pressed into cider. Antique lovers will also have a field day in Beuvron-en-Auge: you’ll find several beautiful shops in the village centre, and on the second Sunday of the month, there’s the Beuvr’Antiques.
In the vicinity of Beuvron-en-Auge, we recommend:
The name might remind you of Camembert, but it’s slightly different (although that’s also a Norman speciality). The picturesque Cambremer is a historic centre in the midst of a green oasis. Walk past the various churches in the village, such as the Église Saint-Denis de Cambremer and the Église Saint-Germain-et-Saint-Sébastien de Grandouet. And stroll past the manor houses Manoir du Montargis, Manoir du Bais and Manoir de Cantepie. The highlight is the Jardins du Pays d’Auge, a three-hectare garden located at a 17th-century farm. Stroll leisurely through the themed gardens and enjoy nature.
If you want to delve deeper into history, you’ll find the Crèvecoeur-en-Auge castle in the vicinity. From April to October, this medieval castle offers medieval animations and activities. Think of living history events, thematic exhibitions, jousting tournaments and festivals.
Late April/early May is festive here: for two days, the Festival des produits d’AOC de Normandie is held. The ideal opportunity to taste local specialities in style and atmosphere. Prefer to take your time? Around Cambremer, you’re welcome at the following producers of cider, Pommeau and Calvados:
After Cambremer, the route leads you further along St-Ouen-le-Pin, and then on to Bonnebosq. Enjoy a view of the rolling hills around Montreuil-en-Auge here. Then dive back into the Norman atmosphere thanks to the typical houses in Bonnebosq. On this part of the route, you can visit Thierry Rungette and Les Vergers d’Auvillars for a cider tasting.
In four parts, we’ve taken you along the largest towns and villages on the Cider Route. But make no mistake: throughout the entire route, you travel through beautiful nature and feel the authentic atmosphere of the region. Therefore, take plenty of time to enjoy the landscape and sights. In about five days, you can leisurely admire, taste and experience everything.
Do you have some time left? Venturing deeper into the region, we can also recommend the following experiences:
Fancy more? Click here for more information about the Cider Route. And find all addresses of the cider farms along the Cider Route here.
Of course, you can bring your own bike to Normandy. If you prefer to rent a bike on the spot, that’s possible too. You can find more information about bike rental on these websites: