Just 2 hours from Paris, you can take on an enchanted tourist itinerary! The Route du Cidre winds its way through the villages of Normandy and, as its name suggests, follows in the footsteps of the producers of the region’s flagship beverage. Perfect for an escapade blending scenery and terroir.
A 40 km road trip to discover the flavours and villages of the Pays d’Auge
The 40 km Route du Cidre is one of the best ways to discover authentic Normandy. Created in the 1970s by the Calvados department to promote local producers, this loop links the emblematic villages of the Pays d’Auge: Beuvron-en-Auge, Bonnebosq, Cambremer, Beaufour-Druval and other hamlets of timeless charm. Specific “Route du Cidre” signs line the itinerary and will guide you on your way. By car, motorcycle or even bike for the bravest, this is an itinerary that invites you to take your time and make plenty of stops.
Beuvron-en-Auge, classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, is the star of the tour, with its central square decorated with flowers and its perfectly restored half-timbered houses. In Cambremer, you can visit the old covered market and the Romanesque church, while Bonnebosq seduces with its peaceful atmosphere and narrow streets.
Along the way, you’ll be able to meet numerous producers. You can sample a variety of ciders, as well as discover pommeau and calvados. Visits often include a stroll through the orchards, an explanation of pressing and fermentation, and end with a convivial tasting. Some farms also offer direct sales.
The itinerary is accessible all year round, but autumn, when the apples are harvested, is a particularly pleasant time to visit. The orchards are full of fruit, the wineries are in full operation, and the golden light sublimates the landscape. From Paris, it takes around 2h15 by car on the A13 to reach Beuvron-en-Auge, the ideal starting point. It’s best to plan a full day, or even a weekend, to enjoy the sights, lunch at a local inn and stroll through the villages.
📍Location: Route du Cidre – 40 km loop around Cambremer
đź“… Dates: can be done all year round, but autumn is recommended.
