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Wine Region

Normandy Wine Region Guide

Normandy in northern France is best known for cider, Pommeau and Calvados apple brandy. A handful of pioneering estates, such as Les Arpents du Soleil near Caen, now grow grapes for cool-climate white and red wines.

Appellations
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Wineries
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Experiences
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Explore Appellations in Normandy

About Normandy Wine

Soil
Limestone
Climate
Cool oceanic
Pioneering cool-climate vineyards in a region famed for apples, cider and Calvados
Normandy in northern France is best known for cider, Pommeau and Calvados apple brandy. A handful of pioneering estates, such as Les Arpents du Soleil near Caen, now grow grapes for cool-climate white and red wines.

Normandy wine region is famous for its cider and Calvados production, not the wines. And unlike many other parts of France, Normandy does have a long history of viticulture and winemaking. However, there is only one vineyard that produces excellent wines of Normandy that can greatly match with local gastronomy.

Travel Guide to Normandy Wine Region

The region where there is only one vineyard!

Cider production in Normandy region

Normandy Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Normandy Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Normandy Wine Region Map

Les Arpents du Soleil

Les Arpents du Soleil is the only vineyard of Normandy. They revived wine production in 1995 and totally accounting 22 vintages on few hectares. The Domaine Arpents du Soleil produces red and white wines and they are available in four colour labels: mauve, red, orange and olive green which represent four vintages.

They use the following grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Melon, Müller-Thurgau, and Sauvignon Gris.

Must visit places in Normandy

Normandy, where history and culture take place. Between renowned monuments, museums and concert halls this region is full of surprises. On sunny days, beautiful parks and gardens related to artistic movements (especially impressionism) are waiting for you. When it is raining, go to explore the huge number of churches and abbeys.

Famous Normandin Beaches

Some of the most beautiful beaches of France are in Normandy: in Etretat as well as in Deauville (where the American film festival takes place every year). Others are little secrets as Veules-Les-Roses.

Omaha beach is a must-see place. Also called « The Beach of blood » or « Bloody Omaha », it is one of the five landing beaches during the Second World War.

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy wine region, France
Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Off the coast is the rocky island of Mont-Saint-Michel a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO, at the top of which stands a Gothic abbey.
Rouen, the new capital of the region is dominated by Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, is the city in which the military leader and Catholic saint Joan of Arc were executed in 1431.

Discover Regional Specialities of Normandy Wine Region

Normandy offers a big diversity of gastronomic specialities

Started with luxury Seafood products: Oysters, Scallops, and Lobsters finished with dairy foods.

Camembert Cheese  

Normandy wine region is famous for its dairy production. Camembert de Normandie is a soft and creamy cow's milk cheese from Normandy. It is similar to Brie, which is native to the Brie region of France. The name "Camembert de Normandie" is protected under AOC rules that were granted in 1983, which means that it has to be made according to specific guidelines.

Camembert de Normandie is a soft and creamy cow's milk cheese from Normandy.

wine pair: Pair Camembert with white wine. Chardonnay is the best companion for the creamy cheese types.

Poulet À La Normande (Chicken Normandy)

This dish represents a perfect combination of local ingredients and busts sessional flavours of autumn. It combines apples, mushrooms, apple brandy, and cream together.

Poulet À La Normande nighlights the most iconic product of the region, apples and apple brandy.

It is and easy dish to prepare, would take less than one hour and will give you delicious tender chicken with strong Normandin flavours.

Wine pair: Match Poulet À La Normande with dry mineral white wine. Chenin Blanc could be one of the best options.

Best Wineries in Normandy

Best Wine Tastings in Normandy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Normandy known for?
Normandy is famous for apple-based drinks such as cider, Pommeau and Calvados brandy rather than wine. A small number of estates have revived grape growing, producing crisp cool-climate wines.
What grape varieties are grown in Normandy?
Normandy's few vineyards grow cool-climate varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Pinot Noir, suited to its fresh maritime weather.
When is the best time to visit Normandy for wine tasting?
Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather, with the grape harvest usually in late September or October. Autumn is also apple harvest season for cider and Calvados.
How do I get to Normandy?
Trains connect Paris to Caen in about two hours, and Caen-Carpiquet airport has limited flights. Ferries from England arrive at Caen-Ouistreham, Cherbourg and Le Havre.
Can I combine wine tasting with cider and Calvados in Normandy?
Yes, the Route du Cidre in the Pays d'Auge links cider farms and Calvados distilleries. Many visitors combine these with a vineyard visit and cheeses like Camembert and Livarot.
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