Visit the distilleries and breweries
Normandy is the emblematic region of the apple, it is found in all its forms including a variety of golden spirits that the whole world envies. These beverages hide a know-how of several generations, several centuries or even almost a millennium. Cider, Calvados and Pommeau are all linked in their manufacturing process but all have their own secrets that you can discover by visiting the domains and distilleries of the territory.
At the origin of the three Norman alcohols
Castle of Breuil
The Cider
From the ripe apples fallen from the tree is made a juice which, after fermentation of several months, gives birth to cider whose bubbles roll along the palate, letting explode in mouth the flavors of apples of
Normandy apples. In the Pays d'Auge, ciders are slightly sweet and acidic, which makes them thirst-quenching and gives them an alcohol content of between 3.5% and 4.5%.
Note! Only semi-dry ciders that meet very precise specifications can obtain the Pays d'Auge Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Calvados
Calvados is born from cider, an aromatic nectar with a beautiful vermilion color. After a long fermentation of the cider, it is then distilled twice for many months before being put in oak barrels where it is peacefully left to age and mature. However, two years are the minimum required for it to obtain the AOC Calvados Pays d'Auge appellation.
From the ripe apples fallen from the tree is made a juice which, after fermentation of several months, gives birth to cider whose bubbles roll along the palate, letting explode in mouth the flavors of apples of
Normandy apples. In the Pays d'Auge, ciders are slightly sweet and acidic, which makes them thirst-quenching and gives them an alcohol content of between 3.5% and 4.5%.
Note! Only semi-dry ciders that meet very precise specifications can obtain the Pays d'Auge Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Calvados
Calvados is born from cider, an aromatic nectar with a beautiful vermilion color. After a long fermentation of the cider, it is then distilled twice for many months before being put in oak barrels where it is peacefully left to age and mature. However, two years are the minimum required for it to obtain the AOC Calvados Pays d'Auge appellation.
The Pommeau
The cider and the calvados allowed the creation, in 1982, of the Pommeau, sweet and powerful at the same time mixing these two alcohols. The Calvados used is aged for at least 2 years and then the mixture is left to age for 18 months, its alcohol content then reaching about 18%.
Discovering the distilleries
Calvados Experience, a multi-sensory museum
In the heart of its birthplace, in Pont l'Evêque, embark on a unique historical experience by going back in time from the Vikings to our days on the tracks of Calvados, this elixir known throughout the world. This sensory journey will reveal the secrets and mysteries of the production process, from the apple to the bottle, ending your visit with a tasting of the best vintages.
Calvados Père Magloire, l'Experience
13 Route de Trouville
14130 PONT-L'EVEQUE
France02 31 64 30 31
The Calvados of the 5 senses at the Château du Breuil
See, touch, smell, listen and taste .... Here is the program of the Château du Breuil to deliver you the secrets of manufacture of Calvados Pays d'Auge and its V.I.P, its Very Important Apple! With its 22,000 apple trees it is undoubtedly the queen of the domain, if you also want to meet this guest of honour go to the Château du Breuil-en-Auge. You can enjoy a nice walk in the park and picnic in the middle of the apple trees.
At Calvados Christian Drouin
Drouin Calvados is a family-run distillery located in authentic half-timbered buildings dating from the 7th century. The orchards preserve ancestral varieties of apples from the Pays d'Auge with a unique taste that gives the products an exceptional quality. Drouin Calvados has received more than 160 gold medals and awards! You can visit the estate to discover all the stages of cider and Calvados production, then taste Calvados from special vintages.
Calvados Christian Drouin
1895 route de Trouville
14130 PONT-L'EVEQUE
France02 31 64 30 05
At the Manor of Apreval
The Manoir d'Apreval has no less than 17 varieties of apples in its orchard, which is certified organic and covers 25 hectares. These varieties allow the creation of Cidres, Calvados and apple juice typical of the Pays d'Auge. Guided tours and tastings are possible in the summer as well as a picnic area under the apple trees.
Distillerie Busnel SAS
The Busnel distillery, created in 1820 by Ernest Busnel, is the oldest of the great Calvados houses. In Cormeilles, in the heart of the Pays d'Auge, it has an ancestral know-how but is constantly innovating with new products combining tradition and modernity.
Distillerie Busnel SAS
Route de Lisieux
27260 CORMEILLES
France02 32 57 38 80
Domaine de la Pommeraie
In a typically Norman setting located in the heart of the Pays d'Auge, in Gonneville sur Honfleur, with its thatched houses, the Domaine de la Pommeraie will reveal the fabulous history of Calvados... All the buildings built in the old style benefit from the latest modern techniques for storage and distillation.
Domaine de la Pommeraie
The village
14600 GONNEVILLE-SUR-HONFLEUR
France02 31 89 20 11
Calvados Pierre Huet
A family distillery specializing in the production of Calvados since 1865, the estate, located on the Route du Cidre, extends over 30 hectares of orchards and boasts an innovative distillery, unique in Normandy, heated with wood chips.
Calvados Pierre Huet
5 Avenue des Tilleuls
14340 CAMBREMER
France02 31 63 01 09
The Cider Route
The Cider Route is a 40 km tourist itinerary that passes through the most beautiful manor houses, the most beautiful castles and the most beautiful typical villages of the Pays d'Auge. Along this route, you will find more than fifteen producers who will invite you to come and taste their best cider in their cellars. You will also be able to meet other manufacturers of artisanal products such as wool or dairy products.
