There’s a wide range of Normandy events in 2019. But it’s in July that things really get into swing with a huge festival programme from jazz to events which take inspiration from the past.
This beautifully crafted brass milk jug was hand-crafted in Normandy around 1850. The outside of the stocky container was lightly textured with a technique known as hammering.
Cider
Normandy is one of the world’s largest cider-producing regions. Cider is made from a variety of apples and often includes pear fruit as well. There are many orchards throughout the region and even some of the famous apple varieties used in cider around the world were originally grown here.
In France, there are three main types of cider: cidre doux (dry), cidre demi-sec (sweet) and cidre brut (unfiltered). These ciders can be very sweet or sour depending on how long they are aged and the type of apples used in their production.
During the past decade, Normandy cider has started to gain international popularity, especially amongst gastronomic tourists. This is due to the fact that the region has been able to keep its traditional methods and produce high quality products.
The majority of cider is made in the north and west of the country, although there are several smaller producers in the south too. In the UK, there are also many small-scale farms where a wide range of specialist cider-apples are grown, some of which may only be available to buy at the farm or in the local pubs.
This leads to a very unique and very bespoke cider, made from apples and other local fruit that are grown specifically for making cider. The result is a cider that is very fruity and has a rich taste.
It is then aged in oak barrels to enhance the flavour of the cider and give it a different character. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few years, depending on the style of cider.
When you visit a cider producer in Normandy, you will usually be given an opportunity to try several of their different types of cider and will usually get a chance to take a tour of their premises. This is a great way to experience the process first hand and to see how they turn the apples into delicious cider!
Besides cider, Normandy is also known for producing a number of other delicious beverages including Calvados and applejack. These are distilled from cider and have an alcohol content of between 28 and 40%. They are a popular drink in France and are often paired with local foods such as cheeses, seafood, and a variety of meat dishes.
Lace
Lace is a delicate hand-made fabric that has been crafted for centuries and has always been valued highly. It is made from many different materials and can be used for a variety of purposes including clothing, rugs, and pillows. The main types of lace include needle-point and Brussels lace.
The process of making lace is fairly complex and takes time. In the past, it was made by three distinct specialists: an artist who created the designs on paper; a pattern maker who translated the design onto parchment; and a lacemaker who worked directly on the patterns to make the lace.
Most lace, however, is produced by machine, which means that the fabric is made in much shorter times. There are several machines in normandyjug that are used to make lace.
One of the most interesting machines is called the “Leaves” machine. This machine is able to take a picture of the pattern and then work it into the lace.
During the 17th century, lace became popular throughout Europe as a way to decorate clothing and home furnishings. This popularity led to a rise in the number of artisans and their skills, which resulted in several different kinds of lace.
Needle point lace is usually made from silk, but can also be made from other fabrics. It is a type of lace that is often found on bridal dresses and is known for its intricate patterns.
Another type of lace is bobbin lace, or pillow lace. This is made from a large number of threads, each attached to a bobbin. The threads are twisted and plaited to create the lace’s pattern.
The lace is then pinned to an oval-shaped pillow, and the pattern is pricked into it with pins at close intervals. Once the lace is finished, it can then be washed and dried.
In the 19th century, Bayeux was a major center for bobbin lace making in Normandy. It is now home to the Atelier du Centre Normand de la Dentelle aux Fuseaux (Norman Bobbin Lace-Making Center), which is dedicated to the preservation of the town’s bobbin lace heritage.
Food & Drink
Normandy has a rich gastronomic heritage that reflects its proximity to the sea and its agricultural roots. It is famous for its cream-rich dairy products and the famous cheeses of Camembert, Pont l’Eveque, Neufchatel and Livarot.
The cows also produce butter and full-flavoured cream, which are used in the many dishes of this region. Crepes are the perfect accompaniment to cider, and of course there are many delicious apple tarts to choose from!
It is also renowned for its calvados, which has been made for centuries in the area. This apple brandy has been a part of the gastronomic life of the region and is a must-have in many kitchens.
One of the best things to do is to visit the region’s cider farms and calvados distilleries. The Pays d’Auge area, an hour east of Caen is particularly worth exploring and boasts a 40km-marked Cider Route that takes in the heart of this quaint region, adorned with apple orchards and half-timbered houses.
In addition to cider, calvados and pommeau, the region is home to some wonderful liqueurs, including Benedictine, which has been made for centuries and is a popular choice at bars. The Palais Benedictine at Fecamp, a rambling neo-Gothic palace, is a fascinating place to visit, where visitors can learn about its fascinating history before enjoying a few drinks.
Another drink that is a must for any trip to Normandy is cidre, which is a pleasing, low-alcohol beverage that marries well with certain cheeses. This is especially true of semi-soft cow’s milk cheeses, such as Pont l’Eveque and Livarot, as well as the soft-ripened Camembert de Normandie.
A classic for the French, cider is a lightly fizzy and slightly alcoholic beverage that is made in Normandy. This clear or muddled cider is produced using the fermented juice of apples and is known for its rich, fruity, floral and sweet flavors.
It is light yellow to dark orange in color with a foamy head and fine bubbles throughout its liquid body. Its flavor is intense and complex with a multitude of undertones that reflect apple, citrus fruit, peach, apricots, aniseed, lime, rose, cocoa, caramel and honey.
Festivals
Normandy is famous for its many festivals – a huge range of events are held throughout the region throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in the history of the area or just want to enjoy the fun and energy of a festival, there’s something for everyone here!
A few of the most well-known are: D-Day and the American Film Festival in July, and a plethora of seafood festivals throughout the region. If you’re planning on visiting during the autumn, there’s also a huge wine festival in Joigny that you should not miss!
Another popular event is the cider route, which takes you through apple orchards and half-timbered houses. Here you can sample cider, calvados and pommeau produced in the region, while enjoying a delicious local meal.
The region also produces a lot of dairy, which is reflected in its rich cuisine. The milk from Norman cattle provides the basis for creamy camembert, Pont l’Eveque and Neufchatel cheeses. And of course, the 400 miles of coastline produce a plethora of fish and shellfish to add to your repertoire.
It’s also home to the world-famous Monet’s Giverny garden, which is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of the artist’s work! In addition to the gardens, you can also visit the artist’s former home and find out more about his life.
One of the most iconic paintings in France is “Village Festival” by David Teniers the Younger, which depicts a village community gathering together to celebrate. It is a wonderful painting that shows what it was like living in a French village during the 17th century.
For those looking for something a little different, there’s the Carcassonne Festival in southern France, which runs from mid July to early August. It’s a large event that features plenty of music, theater and dance performances.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss a chance to check out the spectacular Chateau de Miromesnil. The home of the author Guy de Maupassant is a lovely place to visit, and there’s plenty to see inside the château as well.
Finally, Normandy is famous for its apple and pear varieties, which are used wildly in cooking. They are incredibly versatile and make for a delicious variety of dishes. The apples range from bitter to sweet, and taste incredibly good when baked into pastries or tarts, while the pear is more delicate, but just as delicious when served as a dessert.