Normandy

Sitting at the heart of the Pays d’Auge, this traditional cheese producer specialises in producing Normandy’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses: melt-in-the-mouth Livarot, nutty Pont-l’Evêque, creamy Camembert de Normandie and delicate, heart-shaped Neufchâtel. A guided tour of this family-run fromagerie is followed by an indulgent tasting.

These remarkable gardens lie in the pretty village of Cambremer, and cover three hectares of ancient farmland. Discover traditional Norman architecture, unique to the region, within the verdant surroundings of the themed jardins.

This stunning historic château has housed nobility for centuries, and is also home to a distillery producing one the most prestigious brands of Calvados in the Pays d’Auge. The production of Calvados, Normandy’s punchy eau-de-vie, is perhaps the most famous use of the region’s ubiquitous apples. Often enjoyed as a digestiv, Calvados is the basis of le trou Normand – a small drink taken between the courses of a large meal. Try this yourself after visiting the imposing and atmospheric Orangery which is stacked with oak barrels of the apple brandy, patiently passing the years until it reaches maturity.

The quaint town of Honfleur was a favourite of Claude Monet and the Impressionists, and is known for its enchanting harbour. Explore the cobbled streets, admire the Norman architecture, revel in its rich heritage and visit the Eugène Boudin Museum – but don’t forget to sit back and simply enjoy the fresh cuisine of this maritime gem.