World Calvados Day 2024, the third of its kind!
Let's take a look at World Calvados Day 2024, celebrating Normandy's signature spirit around the world.The third World Calvados Day took place on October 17th and saw Normans put Normandy in the spotlight all over the world. What makes World Calvados Day a unique celebration? On the third Thursday in October, Normans get together over…
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.…
Interview with Frédéric Vardon, a devoted Normandy chef
Frédéric Vardon was born in Eure. His parents were butchers/caterers and came from farming stock between Orne and Calvados. He is now a famous chef at Le 39V, a restaurant in the golden triangle in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. He began his career in Paris at Au Trou Gascon, went to work for Michelin-starred…
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…
Krystale: The Crown Jewel of Normandy’s Coastline
Krystale is the name of a precious gem in a pearl setting… it's the perfect name for it! The hearty yet delicate oyster is grown and farmed in Gouville-sur-Mer in the Manche area. The K'Dual family have a passion for Normandy and have spent over 10 years working in suspended oyster culture, an innovative shellfish…
Normandy scallops: Arnaud Vanhamme’s ocean treasure
Fishmonger and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), Arnaud Vanhamme is the patron of the 2023 La Grande Débarque. The autumn event celebrates the return of the scallop, an emblem of Normandy, all over France! What does being a fishmonger involve? Fishmongers get fresh deliveries (fish, shellfish, seafood) every morning that they get the best out of…
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…
Uncover the secrets behind Normandy’s organic AOP camembert!
Patrick Mercier is a dairy farmer in Champsecret, near Domfront in Orne, who began making organic camembert with the protected designation of origin in 2010. 70% of his milk is now used to make his cheese. Patrick Mercier is a champion of Normandy's expertise and is president of the ODG (Normandy Camembert Protection and Management…
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…
Isigny-Sainte-Mère: Normandy dairy know-how recognised around the world
Since 1932, Normandy’s Isigny-Sainte-Mère Cooperative has proudly maintained its know-how and quality in making dairy products. Managed by Daniel Delahaye since 1990 until his recent retirement, the business now achieves two thirds of its turnover abroad. Milk, cheese, fromage frais, butter and cream sold under the Isigny Ste-Mère brand are to be found across the…