Producers share their passion – and one or two glasses - at their apple farms (english guided tours). Or trace how cider and calvados were made in times past at the Ecomuseé de la Pomme au Calvados.
Orne’s rightly proud of its delicious pear cider, and holds the only AOC or Appellation de Origin Contrôllée, the prestigious badge which is a mark of top quality. Look out for the AOC Poiré-Domfront label. See how it’s made – and tastes – at any number of local producers. Many offer guided visits.
Share in the culinary secrets of Orne – from traditional to organic.
Manoir du Lys
Norman cuisine in this Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant under expert Franck Quinton. Hotel accommodation. More info: +33 (0)233 378 069,www.manoir-du-lys.fr.
Domaine de la Louveterie
Cordon bleu in a manor farm setting (with B&B accommodation). More info: +33 (0)233 731 163, www.domainedelalouveterie.com.
La Grande Suardière, La Perrière
Natural & organic cooking – with herbs grown on the farm – and bread making with local experts Cécile and Thierry. More info: +33 (0)233 280 700, www.normandie-weekend.com.
Oui Chef!
Cooking holidays with award-winning English chef Andy Whitson at Neuville-sur-Touques. More info: +33 (0)233 365 532,www.ouichef.co.uk.
La Camembertière
At Les Champeaux en Auge. Speciality restaurant offering cooking courses using camembert and local produce. More info: +33 (0)233 393 187,lacamembertière@wanadoo.fr.
Mushroom picking
Under the careful supervision of local experts in Bellême and La Ferté Macé. Or learn how to pick and cook on a special Mushroom Week-End at le Manoir du Lys, with accommodation in the hotel. Midweek packages also available. www.normandie-weekend.com
The snail trail
Initiate yourself into the habits of these mysterious creatures (and how to eat them) at snail farms.
