If you’re looking for a classic French cider jug to add some character to your table, this one from Normandy is a great choice. Crafted in France, circa 1860, this jug is made of barrel oak and decorated with polished brass rings.
This jug is particularly interesting because it features thumbing on the bottom of the foot, which was a feature found on many medieval jugs with convex bottoms. It was thought that this helped jugs to stand more securely on a flat surface and not roll about.
Cider
Cider, a drink produced from fermented apple juice, is an important part of the Normandy culture and economy. It is also an important food product. It is used for both culinary and alcoholic purposes, as well as for its refreshing properties and low alcohol content (5%-8%).
There are many types of cider that are made all over the world, but they all have some similarities in terms of production methods. They are mainly produced from apples and can be sweet or dry, though some are not. Some other fruits can also be used to make cider-like drinks, including quince and perry.
The main advantage of cider is that it has a relatively low alcohol content, which allows people to enjoy drinking it without the risk of intoxication. It is gluten-free and high in anti-oxidants, which promote health.
A popular cider is Calvados, from Normandy, and Lambig from Brittany. They are a type of brandy that is distilled from cider, and are a traditional drink in their respective regions.
If you want to get your hands on some calvados and apple cider during your visit to Normandy, consider checking out the Route du Cidre, which is a unique well-marked route introducing travelers to the region’s calvados brandy and apple cider producers. It is a great way to experience the beautiful countryside of Normandy and enjoy some fantastic apple juice and calvados along the way!
While in the area, you should definitely stop by a few of the quaint villages that are scattered throughout the route. You can spend a few days exploring them and sampling all the delicious ciders and brandies that are available.
You can also stop at the many cheese and dairy farms that are located in the area. A trip to Ginette et Jean-Luc Cenier, a dairy producer who also makes cider from their herd of Norman cows, is a perfect way to see the local farming life and try some farmstead cider while enjoying a plate of raw milk Camembert or Pont-l’Eveque.
The other benefit of cider is that it can be served cold, making it a popular choice for summer beverages. The tang of the fruit can make it a good match for breton pancakes and other traditional dishes, while its sweet flavor is suitable for desserts such as ice cream or custard.
Lace
Lace is a type of textile product that is usually used decoratively to accentuate clothing, homewares, and other upholstery with botanical and geometric patterns. It is also often used to create jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
Lace comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, and is made from many different types of natural or synthetic fibers. Some of the more popular types include silk, linen, and cotton.
The process of making lace involves several steps. First, the pattern is drawn and pricked on parchment, then a background netting is created, then the lace is stitched with traditional stitches. It is then shaped and shaded with filling stitches, and decorated with designs and embroidery.
After the lace is complete, it is trimmed and polished. It is sometimes finished with a wolf’s fang to improve the relief of the motifs.
One of the most beautiful forms of lace is Alencon needle lace, which was originally created only in Northern France. It was hand-made by lace makers, but eventually textile makers discovered a technique to replicate the look of this lace with automated machinery.
Although this type of lace was once created only in Alencon, it has now become a popular choice among brides to be thanks to its unique beauty and meticulous design. The needle lace is so intricate that it can take hours to make and requires careful attention to detail.
Today, it is still made by hand in Alencon and other areas of Northern France. The lace is then shipped to the United States, Europe, and Canada for further manufacturing.
Lace is a complex art form, and it is a skill that must be passed on from one generation to the next. The best lace is made by people who have been trained in the craft and who have hands-on experience working on the patterns and creating lace from scratch.
It is a skill that cannot be learned from books or videos, and must be taught through practice and experience. This is why there are many lace museums and workshops across the world.
Bayeux
Bayeux is a picturesque town in Normandy, France, on the Aure River. Its history stretches back to ancient times, with Roman ramparts encircling the town. During the medieval period, the town was a vital trading centre with links to England, and it was incorporated into William the Conqueror’s dukedom in Normandy.
The town has a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore it by visiting the various museums that are on offer in the city. You can also discover the Bayeux Tapestry, which is an enchanting piece of art that traces the history of Bayeux and tells of the Hundred Years War.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to the Baron Gerard Museum, which is located in the former episcopal palace. It offers a wealth of historic porcelaine and lace, as well as art from the 18th century.
A trip to Bayeux wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bayeux Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the best examples of a French Gothic cathedral. Its spires are tall and impressive, and its interior is filled with stained glass and a gilded altarpiece.
The cathedral is home to the Bayeux Tapestry, which was commissioned by Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux and a half brother of William the Conqueror. The tapestry is a 70-meter (nearly 77-yard) long piece of art that tells the story of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.
You can see the tapestry in its entirety at a special guided tour, which costs about $9.50. You can also buy a combined ticket, which gives you access to both the tapestry and the other two museums in the Bayeux Museum complex.
There are several museums in the town, including the Bayeux Tapestry and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which is the best place to learn about the events of the D-Day landings. Both of these museums are worth a visit and can be booked at reduced rates if you book in advance.
It’s also possible to spend a lot of time just wandering through the streets and popping into shops. The town was miraculously untouched during WWII, so it still retains its charm and heartbeat, which makes it an ideal place to just relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Normandy Tourism
The Normandy region is an incredible destination for both a luxury holiday and an unforgettable business event. It has a rich and diverse history and a wide range of experiences to suit every traveler. From the famous Mont Saint-Michel to beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages and more, it offers something for everyone.
The region is also known for its impressionist paintings, so be sure to take in some of the region’s iconic art museums. These include the Musee d’art moderne Andre Malraux, in Rouen, and the Musee des Beaux Arts de Rouen.
Alternatively, you can experience the beauty of the area’s coastal scenery on a boat tour of Normandy. The waters of the Cote d’Albatre, the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and more provide an impressive backdrop for a photo opportunity that will leave you with a lasting memory.
For a more relaxed approach to exploring the region, head to one of the many enchanting, historic towns, like Honfleur or Trouville-sur-Mer, and walk along its picturesque harbour. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or a quick bite, and the area’s sandy beaches are perfect for a stroll in the sun.
Another great option is to head to the Cotentin Peninsula, where you can sample the fresh seafood found in the pristine waters. Grey shrimps from Granville, oysters from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and herring from Dieppe are just a few of the choices.
You can also visit the quaint seaside town of Etretat, a popular destination for artists since it was the inspiration behind the world-famous painting of Falaise d’Aval, where a stunning white arch creeps into the sea from the cliffs. The charming seaside resort is also home to a lovely casino, elegant villas and glitzy shops.
As a final tip, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs from the many gift shops in the area. A brass milk jug from the island of Guernsey, for example, is a must-have souvenir for any traveler who has visited this unique place in France.
A trip to Normandy is a journey through history, culture and tradition that will touch your heart and bring you closer to your own personal values. It will help you understand the world around you, and allow you to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned and how they apply to your everyday life.