Located just south of the Normandy region and aside from the apple brandy perhaps most famous for its landing beaches during the Second World War, with a spectacular memorial on Omaha beach including the statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising From the Waves” and a landing museum. The town of Bayeux is renowned for its medieval tapestry, honouring William the Conqueror’s victory over the English. Caen is the capital city, with its medieval castles and buildings, abbeys, churches, museums and monuments. Here you can visit Chateau de Caen, built on top of the ruins of a previous William the Conqueror fortress. Abbey of Saint Ettiene was built by William the Conqueror in 1063 and just across the street you will find the Eglise saint Ettiene, where William the Conqueror’s tomb is laid.
The overall landscape is picturesque, with vast countryside, apple orchards, forests and farmland just further inland. Deauville and Trouville are the most popular resorts, drawing in visitors from all over the world, particularly during Deauville’s international film festival and annual horseracing events. Leisure activities include horse-riding, hiking, water sports, fishing as well as parachuting, hot air ballooning and micro lighting.
Calvados is proud of its gastronomy and local cuisine focuses on foie gras, Camembert cheese, seafood, cider and of course, Calvados brandy. You could visit Livarot, a town in the countryside where you can tour the Fromagerie Graindorge and see how the cheeses are made. You can even sample the different varieties and purchase your favourites. If you enjoy Calvados brandy then you must take La Route du Cidre, a 40 km long route where you can visit the distilleries, see how the cider and brandy is made and even taste for yourself.
Deauville-Normandy Airport is located just 7 km from the city of Deauville and most towns and cities have a good network of TGV trains.
