Food and Drink In Normandy
Introduction
Think of France and you immediately think of food and drink. It’s famous for wine, cheese, crispy baguettes, thin crêpes, pâtisserie, fôie gras, and crème brûlée amongst others. There are Normandy specialities to be enjoyed thanks, in part, to its proximity to the sea and its agricultural heritage.
Dairy
The black and white Normandy cows provide a rich array of products. Four cheeses are produced in Normandy. Camembert, Neufchâtel, Livarot and Pont l’Evêque have very distinct taste. Rich, creamy butter and full-flavoured cream are also made from the milk.
Seafood
The nearby coastline ensures a plentiful supply of fish, seafood and shellfish. While moules frites (mussels and chips) are not a regional speciality, they are certainly very popular. At low tide you can see the mussel and oyster beds along the Cotentin coast.
Apples
Normandy is renowned for its apple orchards. The main products are cider and Calvados which is an apple brandy. However you will also find beautiful apple tarts, apple jelly, apple juice and apple pastries.
Sweet Treats
For those with a particularly sweet tooth, a thick caramel sauce known as confiture de lait is also produced in Normandy. It can be drizzled over pancakes, ice cream or yoghurt or spread on bread and pastries. The buttery caramels produced in Isigny are delicious and their ice cream is amazing.
Meat Products
A spicy smoked sausage called andouille is made throughout France with each region making it’s own version. In Normandy, it is called Andouille de Vire and the shop can be found in Gavray. For meat lovers, lamb known as pré salé gets its name because the sheep graze on the salt marshes surrounding Mont St Michel.
Other Normandy favourites include , a creamy and milky rice pudding called Teurgoule and a liqueur called Bénédictine. With so many tasty treats to choose from, you’re sure to find some firm favourites during your stay
Search for the Normandy Food and Drink posts in the Normandy Insider’s Guide section for information about where to shop for food, where to find specific types of food such as vegetarian or organic as well as restaurant recommendations.