The normandyjug has been a popular design for centuries and was originally a copper jug made on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. Today they are widely collected as a result of their beautiful craftsmanship.
Normandy cider is famous for being one of the best in France and you can drink it in the traditional way with a savory crepe. It’s also a very popular gift idea for anyone visiting this area.
Cider
Normandy is the country’s largest apple producer, supplying most of France’s cider. The region’s rolling green hills and orchards, along with quaint half-timbered houses and farmland, make the countryside a dream destination for those looking to immerse themselves in French culture.
In addition to cider, Normandy produces many other agricultural products such as Camembert de Normandie cheese and milk, as well as fish and shellfish like scallops, oysters, mussels, and salmon. It also has some of the best vineyards in the world, including those in the Pays d’Auge, Morbihan, and Cotentin.
There are a number of different ciders available from the area, each with their own distinct flavor and method of production. They can range from sweet or bitter to highly carbonated, and have a lower alcohol percentage by volume (ABV) than domestic apples. Cider produced in Normandy is generally less harsh than American cider, as the extra steps used during the brewing process, including the keeving process, encourage long fermentation and produce a more subtle flavor profile.
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or dry, French cider can be found all over the place – at local roadside tasting rooms, in restaurants and in bottles. Some of the most famous ciders in the world come from Normandy, such as Calvados and Eaux de Vie.
It’s worth checking out a few of the cider farms in the area if you are in the area, so that you can sample their different styles. Some of the farms even offer tours where you can learn more about cider and how it is made.
Dupont, for example, is known for their artisanal ciders. They produce ciders using methods similar to those they use to make their famous wines. This allows them to produce more refined ciders that are not prone to the “manure” flavoring that often comes with traditional farmhouse ciders.
Their ciders are light, with a medium body and a moderately supple, ripe tannin that makes them approachable. They have an upfront juiciness that is quickly balanced by a savoury, earthy, leafiness.
The fruity aromas are quite robust, a little burnt caramel and plenty of big, ripe apple tones. They’re supported by baking spiced and dried orange, as well as leather and a hint of cured meat.
Crepes
A staple of French cuisine, crepes are a savory and sweet snack, or light meal. They are popular throughout France, but are most commonly found in Brittany and Normandy.
A traditional crepe is made from a mix of eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. It’s a versatile dish that can be stuffed with anything from ham and cheese to smoked salmon and creme fraiche. You can even drizzle them with Nutella or chocolate.
Crepes are also a great way to try something new without committing too much. The batter is easy to make and they’re inexpensive, so you can make a lot of them and store leftovers in the fridge for later.
During the winter, the best crepes are served with apple cider and are perfect for a relaxed brunch or lunch. You can make your own or buy them from a bakery in town.
There are plenty of ways to prepare buckwheat crepes, but the main thing is to get the right balance of ingredients and cook them properly. The best buckwheat crepes are tender and savory. They’re a good choice for a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The savory versions of buckwheat crepes are also gluten-free and are often eaten with a salad. These crepes are especially delicious when topped with cubed potatoes and a fried egg, as seen here in this recipe from the Good Food collection.
This recipe makes about 4-6 buckwheat crepes. If you’d like more, use more of the crepe mixture and add a little extra water to thin it out.
If you don’t have a buckwheat crepe pan, you can cook these on a regular frying pan with a little butter. Just be sure to turn them over often so they don’t stick.
You can also bake them, but they may need to be flipped more frequently than a griddle or panini would. Be careful not to overcook them; the buckwheat will dry out too much if cooked too long.
Crepes are a fun and simple dish to make, especially for children. You can fill them with a variety of things and serve them with fruit and whipped cream. You can also add a bit of chocolate or jam to give them a richer flavor.
Bayeux Lace
The lace industry, which was started in England in the 17th century, has long since been established in France. It was first introduced into the country by Nottingham, at Boulogne-sur-Mer, and was carried on there for a short time, but it has since been largely developed in Calais, where it now holds a considerable share of the trade.
The French have always shown a much keener appreciation of the beauty of the lace art than they do of any other, and it is not surprising that they have in many cases surpassed Belgium as far as the production of hand-made lace is concerned. They have also, as a rule, made a great effort to preserve their traditions, and this has helped to keep their lace in good repute to-day.
In the Normandy district, there are some towns which owe their fame to lace making. Among them are Alencon, Argentan, Bayeux, Caen, Courseulles, La Perriere, and Villedieu les Poeles, all of which make some kind of lace.
Lace-making in this district began with bobbin lace, which is still the principal form of hand-made lace produced here today. In the Ateliers du Centre Normand de la Dentelle aux Fuseaux (Norman Bobbin Lace-Making Center), at 5 Place aux Pommes in the old quarter, you can admire the finest pieces of lace, surrounded by the atmosphere of a lace-making workshop.
These delicate black silk laces, called “Chantilly”, and unbleached lace called “Caen blonde” with shimmering effects, are of an extraordinarily high quality. The MAHB, as the museum is known in French, aims to show these most sumptuous examples in the best light.
But it is the lace that has been produced in the mechanical mode, through the use of the embroidery machine, which is probably the most remarkable development. From about the year 1870, it was discovered that a net could be made to contain the different stitches in a very delicate manner. This enabled the machine to produce laces which were in some respects quite unlike those produced at Calais and Caudry, and it was a new and original effect which subsequently gave rise to the manufacture of various kinds of lace on the embroidery machine.
Luxury Shopping
Normandy has a thriving luxury shopping scene and offers an impressive array of high street and boutique style retailers to choose from. There is no shortage of flagship stores from the world’s top designers and fashion houses. The latest in style and technology is also on offer, with innovative retail concepts like virtual reality and 360-degree views to entice shoppers.
One of the most popular items on many a visitors wish lists is a new pair of designer shoes. Fortunately, there are a variety of shoe stores throughout the region to suit every budget and taste. You can find both low and high end designs for men, women and children.
The most exciting part of buying a new pair of shoes is choosing the right model. Most of the high end brands offer complimentary fitting rooms to help you make your decision, but if you’re on a tight schedule or want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to shop ahead and buy online.
Aside from shopping for the latest in style and technology, Normandy is also a great place to hunt for the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. There are many options for gifts from the classic bottle of wine to high-end perfumes, cosmetics and even a new pair of shoes.