TELED, the Normandy method to adapt companies to energy variability
A solar-powered bakery and roaster in Normandy? Arnaud Cretot proved it could be done! The engineer used his experience to create the TELED method to help companies adapt their business to work with intermittent energy and fulfil their energy transition. Does baking bread or roasting beans using solar power in Normandy sound mad? Not really.…
Jérémie Morizet and Clément Schapman set a deep-sea exploration record
Jérémie Morizet from Manche reached a depth of 10,803m on October 13th 2024, setting a new deep-sea diving record in France. Clément Schapman, a hydrographic surveyor from Rouen, provided support from the surface vessel as part of the project by Deep Ocean Search and InkFish. The pair shared the experience with Normandie Attractivité and discussed…
Normandy’s manufacturing industry is committed to the future
Manufacturing plays a key role in Normandy's economy, in a land with real industrial history and its sights set on the future. With eco-friendly positive impact manufacturing projects, strong energy mix, meaningful future careers and an exciting ecosystem, it does more than just support economic growth; it's also helping to build a more sustainable world.…
Campus Normandie Eolien: a unique training venue
Campus Normandie Eolien in Fécamp has set a benchmark among students and employees specialising in wind energy. The unique facility on the Descartes-Maupassant college campus has helped make the region's name as a land of excellence in terms of renewable marine energy training. What better way to learn than in the field? Students and apprentices…
Safran Nacelles clears decarbonisation for take-off near Le Havre
Safran Nacelles in Gonfreville-l’Orcher, Seine-Maritime (76), is a world leader in aircraft nacelles and is cutting its carbon footprint throughout its business. https://youtu.be/878-wAJ8Nqc It's the group's biggest production facility in France. Safran Nacelles has 1550 permanent employees at its 80,000m2 site near Le Havre. One of the world's leading aircraft engine nacelle manufacturers has three…
Fécamp, OLVEA’s home port
OLVEA is now a world leader in its industry, specialising in fish oil high in Omega 3 and vegetable oil for the food and cosmetics sectors. The company was founded in Fécamp in Seine-Maritime and has made its location a key asset.. https://youtu.be/zqd_WmQIejc Every generation of the Daudruy family has had a hand in building…
Palais Bénédictine, entrepreneurial spirit
It's three things in one: a historical landmark, architectural oddity and factory. The Palais Bénédictine is an institution in Fécamp. A tour of the distillery (which makes a million litres of the famous liqueur every year) and its museum is top of the list for any visitor to the area. https://youtu.be/aw1EfGHMCZ4 Appearances can be deceiving.…
How the general public supports bioplastics research in Normandy
The "Des Générations Plastiques" participatory research project launched by the Université de Caen ABTE and Le Dôme science centre is now being rolled out. Up to 2000 kits will be distributed among the general public to test a new generation of bioplastic and explore its potential uses. https://youtu.be/F4Rd1FwqSaI Bioplastics are a real alternative given the…
Normandy, sustainable tourism trailblazer
Several Normandy communities have earned their eco stripes and were named Green Destinations in 2023 and 2024. The international award celebrates sustainable tourism practices in towns and villages around the world. Let's find out more about a label supporting tourism that's better for people, nature and the environment! A community movement It all began with the…
GLLU: sustainable furniture made in Normandy
GLLU designs and makes 100% Norman, sleek and sustainable furniture in Malaunay, near Rouen. The Normandy Economy Awards, organised by AD Normandie, put the business in the spotlight for its "Made in Normandie" category. Let's find out more. Explore Gllu’s lovingly-made wooden furniture 9 people put their experience and craftsmanship into the Malaunay workshop to…
Genexpath helps detect cancer
The Normandy start-up sells tests to classify lymphomas and sarcomas. The technique developed at the cancer research unit at Centre Henri Becquerel in Rouen is intended to help improve treatment and care. Juliette Renauld isn't a researcher or a scientist. The 46 year old is the director of Genexpath, a Rouen start-up specialising in tests to detect…
Exploring Nuclear Training and Risk Prevention in Normandy
19 year old Lisa Guilbert has a nuclear maintenance vocational diploma from Lycée Emulation Dieppoise is now in the final year of her nuclear environment HND. Under the watchful eye of her mentor, Guillaume Robin, she's continuing her apprenticeship at EDF as part of the risk prevention team at Penly nuclear power plant near Dieppe. Let's…
The 3NC project: Normandy powers up nuclear training
Given the huge projects in the pipeline in Normandy, companies are looking for an equally huge amount of talent. The Region is on their side and has brought its partners together to back the 3NC campaign (which translates as "Normandy, nuclear, new skills" in English). Mission: train over 5400 people a year by 2030. The…
Visual arts in Normandy
Normandy is renowned for its art and music, but that hasn't stopped it making its mark as a creative hub with the region's RN13BIS contemporary art network. Marie Pleintel is at the helm of the network that brings together a hundred artists, curators and cultural venues from all over Normandy. What's the idea? Support the…
Rowing in Normandy
21 year old Louis Thermy hails from Montpellier and has lived in Rouen for 4 years. Every week he has a date with the Seine. Why? He's a member of the regional youth rowing academy and trains non-stop in Rouen with the goal to join the French team and compete in the 2028 Olympics. Let's…
Introducing Bioeconomy For Change (b4c)
In the space of a few years, Bioeconomy For Change (B4C) has become the flagship network for the bioeconomy in France, Europe and internationally. What do they do exactly? They help their members in their innovation and industrialisation projects surrounding biomass. The business cluster joined forces with the Region in 2021 and uses the area's…
WeeeCycling Leads Critical Metals Recycling Innovation in Normandy
The Normandy company was founded in 2019 in Tourville-les-Ifs, near Le Havre, and is the only one in the world making 100% recycled metals, including platinoids. WeeeCycling won the 2030 French Critical Metals call to tender and is now expanding to significantly increase its production capacity and meet demand. Platinum, rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, silver…
Discover Sarah Levavasseur’s journey in painting and decorating
22 year old Sarah Levavasseur is a 2nd year painting & decorating NVQ student at the Caen CFA. She also won silver in the French finals of the World Skills competition. Let's take a look at multiple perspectives of a multi-facetted trade with her mentor, Guillaume Dufour in Saint-Pierre-de-Semilly, Manche. What painting and decorating involve…
Mijuin: flying the flag for French products
What is Mijuin? It's a start-up based in Seine-Maritime that wants to provide easier access to flax through local distribution channels. The winner of the Tomorrow's Topics category at the 2023 Normandy Economy Awards is a garment factory where quality meets sustainability Why flax production is at the heart of Mijuin’s sustainable mission "It controls…
LEIZUP: improve your social life
Moving to a new place is hard, even if it is Normandy! It may be a lovely place to live but moving to a new region can mean big changes: no family close by, new routines etc. Yoann Poher and Samuel Guillot launched Leizup to help people settle in and combat loneliness. It's a 100%…
Horse riding in Normandy
Lolita is a 6th year medicine student from Caen. She's loved horse riding since she was a little girl and now indulges in her hobby in Ranville, Calvados. Let's meet her! https://youtu.be/eY8oSgSg1-Q A passion for horses "I fell in love with riding when I was 6 and attended the riding centre in Sully until I…
Climbing in Normandy
39 year old Laura Pugin from Doubs first came to Normandy 12 years ago. She fell in love with the Eure area and that's where, 3 years ago, she discovered climbing. It was an instant hit. Let's find out more. https://youtu.be/IOFYj5Xfh3Y A latecomer to climbing Laura, a school teacher in Val-de-Reuil, discovered her passion for…
Discover Golf in Normandy: Scenic Courses and Rich History
An "albatross", "birdie" and "eagle" are just a few terms to "fly the green" in golf, a popular sport in Normandy. Golf in Normandy offers breathtaking scenery, top-tier technical challenges and a warm welcome, making it a favourite destination for golf lovers. Augustin agrees. Whether you're a fellow golfer or want to find out more…
Trail running in Normandy
If you love trails and running, then lace up and come to Normandy! Gaylord agrees. The 43 year old is leaving Seine-Maritime and Orne behind for Eure this summer: he runs every weekend and this is his chance to explore new playgrounds. Let's find out more. https://youtu.be/WKOKFwkWS_U How trail running in Normandy enhances community and…
Land sailing in Normandy
20 year old Mathilde Larose was born and bred in Cherbourg and recently found a new hobby: land sailing. The accomplished athlete is a youth and sports education apprentice and found out about the well-known Normandy sport at the Office des Sports de Sciotot in the Manche. https://youtu.be/qLwhsYzxxiU Love at first sail "I was introduced…
Normandy beer: a taste of reality!
Normandy is more than just cider and calvados... there's beer too! The region is home to a hundred craft breweries who put all their imagination and creativity into delighting beer drinkers. Normandy beer: a long-standing tradition You may not know, but we've been making beer in Normandy for longer than we've been making cider! The…
Greenoco, green tech made in Normandy
The Le Havre start-up founded by Mathieu Cottard brings businesses a game-changing tool to measure and reduce their website's carbon footprint. Mathieu Cottard has run his own web design agency for 10 years and developed hundreds of shopfront websites, e-commerce and blogs for small and large companies. "There's no denying the advantage of digital in…
Music festivals in Normandy
Festivals between May and October bring Normandy to life with music and so much more! The much-anticipated events have announced their ever-thrilling line-ups. They also champion sustainable, local, community and inclusive values. Here's a snapshot of what not to miss in Normandy. They put Normandy in the spotlight Normandy's music festivals are famous and make…
Multiple Perspectives on Milling: Sacha Greneche Showcases Normandy’s Precision and Talent
He won the excellence award at the French WorldSkills event in 2023 and will represent France on the world stage at the event in September 2024: Sacha Greneche, a BTS student in Conception des processus de réalisation de produits (process design in manufacturing) in Lisieux, will champion Normandy milling expertise. Let's hear multiple perspectives about…
CPM Industries, the SME with big ideas for the environment
Low-tech, CSR, decarbonisation, distributed manufacturing… The small fine sheet metalwork company a few miles from Le Havre is proving that commitment to sustainable development isn't just for big business. Low-tech philosophy The company was founded in 1990 by Jean-Marie Panchout, a sheet metalworker, and taken over by two of his children in 2014. Benoist Panchout,…
Virtuoz Feelobject: Revolutionising Accessibility for the Visually-Impaired
The start-up based in Petit-Quevilly has designed an innovative tactile map concept for people with a visual impairment. Virtuoz is already in place at Disneyland Paris, the Assemblée Nationale and will be at the Fan Zones at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Getting your bearings in a new place is simply impossible when you have…
FLEXIKEG: Revolutionising Sustainable Kegs for a Greener Future
FLEXIKEG makes sustainable and durable kegs and won the Innovation award at the most recent Normandy Economy Awards, organised by the economic development agency AD Normandie. It's a major asset to help countless businesses embrace the challenge of sustainability transition. New Generation Kegs: Lighter, Recyclable and Versatile What's the idea? Make kegs that are lighter,…
Emploi Normandie: revolutionising recruitment in Normandy
Are you struggling to find staff? Looking for that rare gem? A place where you can say what you're looking for and why your business is a great place to work? Good news: the new platform designed by the Normandy Region and its partners meets your every need. Let's find out more. A unique tool…
Multiple perspectives: industrial maintenance, the manufacturing doctors
He's one of 4 Normans to join the French team for the international WorldSkills competition in September 2024: 20 year old Thiaifène, an apprentice at Mont-Blanc in Manche, will champion Normandy's expertise in industrial maintenance. Let's take a look at multiple perspectives of a popular trade in the area with Vincent Bettin, his HND teacher…
Showcasing IT talent in Normandy: get ready for WorldSkills 2024 with Thomas and Zakina
After winning gold at the national competition, 21 year old Thomas will showcase his skills on the international stage at WorldSkills with the French team in September 2024. What does he do? He designs business software solutions. He is learning his trade from Zakina, his application development HND teacher Lycée Jean Rostand in Caen, who…
Multiple perspectives: welding in Normandy
20 year old Jayson and 25 year old Maël both come from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in Manche. There's only a few years between them but they have the same passion and experience: welding and WorldSkills. The former won gold at the last trade competition in Lyon and joined the French team to compete at the international contest. The…
NEOLITIK, pioneering innovative and sustainable construction
The industrial start-up NEOLITIK won the design award at the Normandy Economy Awards and is revolutionising the world of construction. What sets it apart? An innovative alternative to concrete and stone called EcoLithe designed for eco-friendly building sites. From Paris to Fécamp Thirty-something Marc Dib left Île-de-France for Seine-Maritime in 2022. Why? To set up…
Jean-Louis Louvel, eco-friendly entrepreneurship
Jean-Louis Louvel is president of the PGS Group near Rouen in Seine-Maritime and was named "Entrepreneur of 2023" by EY. It's a first for a managing director in the region. Let's meet a Norman with inspiring values and his sights set on a more sustainable world. What does PGS stand for? Palettes, Gestion, Services (Pallets,…
Cider in Normandy: the apple of the region’s eye!
The profession is attracting more women and young people, business is booming and sustainability is a key ingredient. A cider from Normandy was named the best cider in the world in 2023 and Normandy has never shone so brightly in the cider world. Let's introduce you to 5 Normandy producers, flying the flag for their…
La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg: an iconic maritime adventure
La Cité de la Mer opened in the former Gare Maritime Transatlantique in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin on April 29th 2002. 20 years later, La Cité de la Mer and its Le Redoutable submarine won the 2022 season of "Le Monument préféré des Français" (France's favourite monument TV show) presented by Stéphane Bern. Let's answer all your questions…
Nuclear, a future industry in Normandy
Careers in the nuclear industry have been in the shadows for a long time… but there's some exciting energy around them in Normandy. Two major projects have seen a rise in vacancies for anyone who wants to be part of expanding an independent and decarbonised energy sector! Let's find out more. Normandy, a hotbed for…
Ireland & Normandy: the links that tie them together forever
Ireland? Guinness, greenery and the Troubles. But that's not all. The country has had a close bond with Normandy that lives on today, after 850 years and one invasion. Read on for our Top 5 bonds! Act I : Invasion After the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, conquered England in 1066, the Normans turned…
The history of the Irish Hospital in Saint-Lô
Catherine Gagneux from Orne is a member of our Normandy Ambassadors network. Back in 2020, the Honorary Consul of France in Ireland stumbled upon the moving history of the Irish Red Cross that came to Saint-Lô, in Manche, after D-Day. Let's turn back the clock and dive into the show of solidarity! The discovery Catherine…
Calvados, Normandy’s signature spirit
What is calvados? If you know your French geography then you'll know it's a "département" in France. It's also a world-renowned spirit made using Norman expertise. Let's find out more about an iconic apple brandy as we introduce you to four Normandy distilleries. https://youtu.be/CrwnE7s54Ns DOMAINE DE LA FLAGUERIE Domaine de la Flaguerie has been cultivating…
In Normandy: training that’s unique in France !
Outside Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, a town in the county of Calvados, the Etablissement Public Local Agricole Le Robillard is a local public agricultural college that offers a rather special year’s course that’s unique in France, leading to a Certificate in ‘‘specialisation in cider’’. This is aimed at people looking for a career change retraining to produce and…