Normandy in the west of France has so many things to offer – beautiful beaches, cozy coastal villages, impressive architecture, and last but not least, amazing gastronomy!
Keep on reading to find out which delicacies you need to try when visiting Normandy.
1. Oysters
Normandy is a well-known oyster paradise. The French love their huîtres, and they eat a few kilos of oysters per person each year!
Get in on the fun and try the oysters in Normandy either in a restaurant or at a market. If you are new to oysters but curious to try them, check out this guide on how to eat oysters like the French.
2. Scallops
Another seafood delight!
Normandy is the number one place for scallops in France, and it is here most of the French scallops are caught.
The scallop variety that comes from this region, the coquilles Saint-Jacques de Normandie, has been awarded the Label Rouge, which is a guarantee of quality. So keep your eyes open for this popular seafood when in Normandy. And if you want to take it to the next level, time your visit to Normandy with one of the scallop festivals that are organized in the region!
3. Tarte aux pommes
Normandy is known for its many apple orchards. As hundreds of varieties of apples are grown here, it comes as no surprise that there are many apple-based delicacies here.
With that said, don’t pass up the chance of trying some apple pie, or tarte aux pommes, when in Normandy. You can find this Norman apple tart, that also goes by the name tarte normande, in many different variations. Try a few different ones if you’d like, and you’ll be in for a treat!
4. Cider
Another apple-based treat to enjoy in Normandy is cider – this is a true regional specialty! For a sweeter taste, try the cider that’s doux, and for a drier and less sweet taste, go for brut. Or try both!
If you are keen on finding out more about the region’s famous cider, consider exploring La Route du cidre. This 25-mile long Cider Route will take you through the beautiful landscapes of Normandy to visit producers and cider cellars. There are around 20 producers on this route, and you can find out more about them and the Cider Route here.
5. Calvados
Apart from cider, the Cider Route also offers you an insight in the making (and tasting) of calvados.
Calvados is an apple brandy that is strongly connected to the Norman culture. This drink is served as a digestif after a meal, but even sometimes between the courses of a meal. The French call this a trou normand, or Norman hole, and this will help you digest and get ready for the next course.
Before moving on from the topic of regional apple-based drinks, we should not forget about pommeau. Pommeau is a mix of cider and calvados that you can have as an apéritif. Santé!
7. Crêpes
Thinking of something nice to go with your cider, or wondering what to eat before enjoying that digestive glass of calvados? How about a delicious crêpe!
Crêpes do, in fact, go very well with the drinks mentioned above. These wheat flour pancakes usually have a sweet filling such as jam, sugar, or chocolate. The buckwheat version of the pancake is often called galette, and the filling is savory. Ham, cheese and egg is a common combination for a galette, and is then called a galette complète. Beware – they can be surprisingly filling!
These delicious pancakes are often associated with Brittany, but you’ll easily find a crêperie in Normandy as well. And a regional crêpe normande does, obviously, include apples. Yum!
6. Cheese
Do you love French cheeses? Then you’ll be happy to know that you can try many wonderful ones on your trip to Normandy!
Normandy has a long tradition of making cheese, and it is the region in France that is producing most cheese.
When visiting Normandy, there are four renowned cheeses that you definitely need to try – Camambert de Normandie, Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque and Neufchâtel. And if you have the possibility, visit the villages that gave these cheeses their names!
8. Mussels
With close to 400 miles of coastline, Normandy is a region big on seafood. So, along with oysters and scallops, we are adding mussels to the list!
Mussels, or moules as the French call them, grow naturally in the sea, but they are also cultivated on marine pilings.
Eager to try some? Mussels in France are served with fries on the side (also known as moules-frites), and/or with bread. In the traditional moules marinière, the mussels have been cooked in white wine. For the Norman version, the wine is swapped for – you guessed it – cider! Bon appétit!
9. Boudin noir
If you are a fan of sausage, you should definitely give the boudin noir a go! This black pudding from the small town of Mortagne-au-Perche in southern Normandy is considered a true delicacy, and it is particularly famous in the north of France. And it has a long history – the French have enjoyed boudin noir already for 2 000 years!
The boudin noir is made of pork, pork blood, onions, and spices. It is usually served with mashed potatoes or cooked apples.
If you happen to be in southern Normandy on the third weekend of March, check out the annual festival Foire au Boudin that celebrates this French blood sausage with activities and contests. A truly authentic experience!
10. Teurgoule
Ending this Normandy to-eat list with a sweet treat!
Teurgoule is a creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon. It’s baked in the oven in an earthenware bowl at low temperature, and when it’s ready it has a beautiful brown crust on top. If you are thinking of making this Norman specialty yourself, be prepared – it needs around five hours in the oven!
If you’re not intrigued by the thought of making your own teurgoule, visit a market hall or a local market to try this creamy delight! You can enjoy teurgoule either warm or cold, but the preferred way is to eat it while it’s still warm. It’s a great dessert or snack, and you can even have it for breakfast. Enjoy!