Normandy Cheese & Cider Tasting Tour

Located in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, the E. Graindorge cheese dairy has been a proud presence in Livarot since 1910. As part of your Normandy cheese and cider tasting tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore this historic dairy, where visitors can witness the intricate process of cheese-making. Through a corridor of glass-protected galleries, you can observe the various stages of cheese production, from the arrival of milk to the packaging of the finished product.

The tour allows you to explore the production of Pont l’Evêque and Livarot, both of which are Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses from Normandy. As you follow the glass corridor, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into creating these iconic cheeses.

The visit concludes with a delightful tasting session in the terroir boutique, where you can enjoy a selection of four Normandy PDO cheeses: Livarot, Pont l’Évêque, Normandy Camembert, and Neufchâtel, served as an assorted cheese platter.

To ensure a comprehensive experience, the E. Graindorge cheese visit is presented in French with subtitles available in English. Additionally, paper documents with translations are provided for each video, available in several languages including German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.

Trouville-sur-Mer, a picturesque seaside town in Normandy, is known for its fresh seafood and charming restaurants. Here are some excellent options for lunch in Trouville:

1. Les Vapeurs

A historic brasserie known for its seafood and lively atmosphere.

• Address: 160 Boulevard Fernand Moureaux

• Specialties: Moules marinières, oysters, seafood platters.

• Ambiance: Traditional and bustling.

2. Le Central

A popular spot with a terrace offering beautiful views of the port.

• Address: 5 Place Foch

• Specialties: Seafood dishes, including fish soup and fresh fish.

• Ambiance: Casual and welcoming.

3. Le Pavillon Augustine

A charming restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

• Address: 1 Quai Albert 1er

• Specialties: Lobster, scallops, and other seafood delicacies.

• Ambiance: Elegant and comfortable.

4. Les Affiches

A cozy and quaint bistro located close to the beach.

• Address: 1 Rue de Paris

• Specialties: Local dishes, seafood, and Normandy cuisine.

• Ambiance: Intimate and friendly.

5. La Villatara

A modern restaurant offering a variety of dishes with a creative twist.

• Address: 4 Rue des Bains

• Specialties: Innovative seafood dishes, vegetarian options.

• Ambiance: Contemporary and stylish.

6. La Petite Auberge

A delightful spot offering traditional Norman cuisine.

• Address: 7 Rue Carnot

• Specialties: Calvados-infused dishes, seafood, and regional specialties.

• Ambiance: Warm and rustic.

7. La Terrasse du Pressoir

Located near the beach, perfect for a relaxed lunch with a view.

• Address: 142 Boulevard Fernand Moureaux

• Specialties: Fresh seafood, salads, and light dishes.

• Ambiance: Casual with a lovely terrace.

8. La Regence Café

A charming café-restaurant with a historic feel.

• Address: 15 Quai Albert 1er

• Specialties: Seafood platters, traditional French dishes.

• Ambiance: Cozy and historic.

Tips for Lunch in Trouville

• Reservations: Especially during peak seasons or weekends, it’s wise to make a reservation.

• Local Specialties: Don’t miss out on trying local specialties like moules marinières (mussels), sole meunière, and the wide variety of oysters.

• Set Menus: Many restaurants offer set lunch menus (menus du jour) that provide good value and a taste of local cuisine.

Enjoy your lunch in Trouville-sur-Mer, savoring the fresh seafood and the charming ambiance of this beautiful seaside town!

Located in the heart of Normandy, France, the Christian Drouin Distillery is renowned for its exceptional Calvados, a traditional apple brandy that reflects the region’s rich heritage. As part of your Normandy cheese and cider tasting tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore the distillery and discover the process behind this iconic spirit.

• Distillery Tour: Learn about the meticulous process of making Calvados, from apple harvesting to distillation and aging. The tour typically includes a walk through the lush orchards, the distillation room, and the aging cellars, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved tradition.

• History and Heritage: Delve into the rich history of the Drouin family, who have dedicated several generations to producing high-quality Calvados that has become famous worldwide.

• Calvados Tasting: Sample a variety of Calvados during the tasting session, ranging from young, fruity varieties to aged, more complex ones. Learn about the different aging processes and how they impact the flavor profile of this exquisite spirit.

• Pommeau and Cider: In addition to Calvados, enjoy other apple-based products, such as Pommeau (a blend of apple juice and Calvados) and traditional Normandy cider, offering a taste of the region’s full apple heritage.

• Distillery Shop: Visit the distillery shop to purchase a range of products, including different types of Calvados, Pommeau, cider, and other apple-based treats. The shop also offers beautifully packaged gift sets, perfect for taking a piece of Normandy home with you.

A visit to the Christian Drouin Distillery provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Calvados, experience the craftsmanship behind this iconic spirit, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Normandy. It’s the perfect complement to your Normandy cheese and cider tour.