Normandy is known for cider and lace but there’s much more to this region. It’s also one of the best places in France for festivals.
This jug is decorated with birds, masks and heraldic shields that are common to Saintonge wares of the 13th century. It’s a great piece to add to your collection!
Cider
Cider is a fermented beverage, produced and consumed worldwide. It is a product of the alcoholic fermentation of apple juice with a minimum alcohol content of 5.7% in most countries.
The word cider derives from the 12th century French term cidre, meaning “apple wine” or “acid”. It is a popular drink in the UK and around the world with a high concentration of alcohol. It is also a good alternative to beer and is popular among those following a gluten-free diet.
Normandy is one of the largest cider making areas in the world, with more than 300,000 cider apples harvested every year. The region has strict rules and controls, ensuring that only the best quality cider is made in Normandy.
It is important to maintain an oxygen free environment throughout the cider making process, from aerating the pressed apple juice to racking it into clean vessels. Racking is generally done by using a clean plastic syphon tube fixed to a rod, which rests on top of the yeast deposit in the vessel and prevents air contact with the cider.
For the cider to mature properly, it should be racked again into clean containers before bottling. This should be done at about the end of spring or early summer when the cider will have reached its optimum alcohol level, usually around 40%. It is a good idea to add some sulphur dioxide to this second racking to minimise the effect of air contact.
This is particularly important as many ciders are bottled at around this time of the year and will then be in direct contact with air for several months, which can be a problem for some types of yeast. A few sulphur dioxide additions at this stage, up to 200 ppm, are recommended for most types of cider, but it is up to the producer whether they wish to do so.
A key point to remember when producing cider is that the quality and flavour of the final product are heavily influenced by the region in which it is made. A cider from a specific region will have characteristics that are unique to that area, which can make it an excellent choice for a particular occasion or event.
Lace
Lace is a textile fabric that has been used for centuries to accent garments and homewares. It has also been used to create a variety of art pieces and crafts.
It has been made from many different types of fabrics including linen, silk, gold, and silver. It is a delicate, yet heavy material that is usually cut into a pattern and sewn together.
There are a number of different types of lace, each with its own unique characteristics and history. However, there are some common characteristics that can be found across all of them.
Bobbin lace, for example, is an embroidery technique that uses small bobbins to make patterns. It is commonly used for decorative purposes and is often paired with other types of embroidery to produce more complex designs.
Needle lace is another type of fabric that is used to create intricate patterns. It is also a popular choice for wedding dresses.
Traditionally, lace was made from cotton and silk fabrics. However, over time, other materials have been used to make lace. Some fabrics are even made out of wood and glass to create a more realistic look.
There are many different types of lace that can be found throughout the world, but one specific style is known as guipure lace. This particular style of lace is considered to be the most beautiful and elegant.
The guipure style of lace is often referred to as a “flower lace.” It has been made since the 16th century and has been widely used for wedding dresses, bridal attire, and other special occasions. This lace is often made from linen or silk and can be adorned with floral or geometric patterns.
This lace can be traced back to the Middle East and is found in ancient Egyptian burial garbs. It was also popular in Europe during the Renaissance period.
This type of lace is typically found in European countries like France and Belgium. It is a very delicate and expensive material that can be found in many museums around the world. Eventually, it became an important part of the economy in Europe.
Bayeux
Bayeux is a medieval city, untouched by the bombings of World War II. Its hulking Norman Gothic cathedral is one of the most important Romanesque monuments in France and is home to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, a UNESCO Memory of the World site.
Despite its age, the historic town center is still intact, with rows of old houses overlooking the River Aure and a waterwheel. This is a great place to wander and enjoy the atmosphere of a medieval town.
There are also many museums in Bayeux, all relating to different aspects of the region’s history. Start by visiting the Musee de la Tapisserie to see the Bayeux Tapestry, a renowned UNESCO site and an iconic piece of art in France. You can also visit the Baron Gerard Museum, which is housed in the former episcopal palace on the Place de la Liberte and traces the history of the area.
Next, head to the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about D Day and how the US, British, and Canadian troops landed on the nearby beaches. Here you can find out about the objectives and achievements of the invasion, and about why certain areas were chosen for the landings.
Finally, pay your respects at the Bayeux War Cemetery, where 4,500 graves rest, including a large number of British soldiers who fell during World War II. This cemetery is the largest of its kind in Europe and is worth a visit to pay your respects.
If you have more than two days in Bayeux, plan to spend time exploring the surrounding region. This region is rich in history and offers incredible museums for all ages, from the Caen Memorial to local ones held by passionate people.
You’ll love spending time exploring Bayeux’s architecture, from the soaring Notre-Dame Cathedral to the beautifully preserved mansions and elegant town houses. You can also take a stroll through the Botanical Garden of Bayeux, ranked as one of the most beautiful landscaped parks in Normandy.
You can also spend some time shopping at the weekly market in Saint Patrice square, which takes place every Saturday morning. Here you can find everything from local fresh vegetables to Normany terroir products like cider and calvados (apple brandy).
Normandy Events
Normandy is a great place to explore a diverse array of festivals. From food and drink to music, there is something for everyone. The best time to visit is around the harvest. Several large scale food and produce festivals occur during this period with a wide variety of local grub to choose from.
There are also several notable museums to check out. The most impressive may be the Normandy museum, which is a comprehensive collection of wartime artefacts from the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. There are also several military re-enactments, including the Daks over Normandy and the D-Day landings themselves, plus plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained.
The most important part of any visit to the region is a good accommodation plan, so make sure to book your rooms well in advance. You will not regret it!
The best thing about Normandy is that it’s a very accessible place to visit. The main thing you should do when booking your trip is to pick up the requisite information from the tourist office before you leave home, as they can help you find the best deals for hotels in Normandy.