Discover the rich and diverse cuisine of Normandy, France. From creamy Camembert cheese to fresh seafood, cider, and traditional dishes like Tarte Normande, explore the flavors that define this gastronomic region.
If there’s one thing Normandy excels at, it’s food. This region of northern France is a food lover’s dream, with its rich, creamy dishes, fresh seafood, and an abundance of apples. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur, a seafood enthusiast, or have a sweet tooth, Normandy’s culinary scene has something for everyone. In this blog post, let’s dive into the must-try dishes and drinks you simply can't miss when visiting Normandy.
Normandy’s Famous Cheeses
Normandy is a cheese lover's paradise. Thanks to its lush green pastures and high-quality dairy production, the region boasts some of France’s most iconic cheeses. Here are the top picks:
Camembert
If there’s one cheese Normandy is famous for, it's Camembert. This soft, creamy cheese is loved for its rich flavor and slightly earthy aroma. Enjoy it on a slice of crusty baguette, or get adventurous and try it baked with honey and nuts.
Where to Try It: Head to the village of Camembert in the Orne department, where you can visit traditional farms, such as Ferme de la Héronnière, to see how this iconic cheese is made and sample it fresh.
Pont-l'Évêque
Pont-l'Évêque is another regional favorite. This square-shaped cheese has a creamy texture and a strong aroma, making it a must-try for cheese enthusiasts. Despite its bold scent, the taste is surprisingly mild, with a buttery richness that’s perfect for pairing with local cider.
Where to Try It: Most local markets and cheese shops in Normandy will have Pont-l’Évêque on display. Try it in a cheese platter at a traditional Normandy restaurant.
Neufchâtel
Neufchâtel is the romantic cheese of Normandy. Known for its heart shape, this cheese is crumbly, creamy, and has a slightly salty flavor. It’s delightful when paired with fresh bread or enjoyed with a touch of local honey.
Where to Try It: You’ll find Neufchâtel in the Pays de Bray area. Many farms offer tastings and you can find it in most local food markets.
Seafood Galore: Normandy’s Coastal Bounty
With its extensive coastline along the English Channel, it’s no surprise that Normandy is brimming with seafood. Here’s what you should be looking out for:
Moules à la Normande
Mussels are a staple on Normandy’s coastline, and the locals love to cook them with a creamy, wine-infused sauce. This dish, often served with crispy fries (moules-frites), perfectly captures the region's combination of fresh seafood and rich dairy products.
Where to Try It: Coastal towns like Honfleur, Dieppe, and Cherbourg are the best places to enjoy a steaming pot of moules à la Normande. Many seaside bistros offer this as a specialty dish.
Oysters
If you're an oyster fan, Normandy is your place! The region is one of France’s top oyster producers, with varieties like Belon and Fine de Claire offering a taste of the sea in every bite. These oysters are often enjoyed raw with just a squeeze of lemon.
Where to Try It: Visit the oyster farms around Tatihou Island, Barfleur, or the Baie des Veys. You’ll also find fresh oysters on the menus of most seafood restaurants along the coast.
Coquilles Saint-Jacques (Scallops)
Scallops are a must-try delicacy in Normandy, especially if you visit during scallop season (October to May). They are typically sautéed in butter with garlic and herbs or served with a creamy sauce.
Where to Try It: Dieppe, known for its annual scallop festival, is the place to go for the freshest and most flavorful scallop dishes. Be sure to stop by a local seafood market or restaurant to sample this regional specialty.
Apples, Cider, and Calvados: The Core of Normandy’s Cuisine
Normandy's apple orchards are at the heart of its food culture. The region’s apples find their way into everything from desserts to drinks.
Cidre
If you’re a fan of cider, Normandy will be your paradise. The region produces a variety of apple ciders ranging from sweet (cidre doux) to dry (cidre brut). It’s a refreshing drink to accompany cheese, seafood, or just to enjoy on its own.
Where to Try It: The best way to experience Normandy’s cider is to tour the Route du Cidre in the Pays d’Auge. Many cider farms, like Domaine Dupont, offer tastings and tours where you can learn about the cider-making process.
Calvados
For something a bit stronger, try Calvados, Normandy’s famous apple brandy. Made from distilled apple cider and aged in oak barrels, this spirit is smooth, aromatic, and packs a punch. It’s perfect as an after-dinner drink or used in cooking to add a rich flavor to dishes.
Where to Try It: Visit distilleries like Calvados Père Magloire. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample this regional specialty and pick up a bottle to take home.
Tarte Normande
Apple lovers will rejoice when trying Tarte Normande, a classic apple tart made with a buttery pastry crust, apples, cream, eggs, and a splash of Calvados. The result is a rich, flavorful dessert that pairs wonderfully with a cup of Normandy cider.
Where to Try It: You can find Tarte Normande in nearly every bakery and patisserie in the region. It's a delightful treat to enjoy with a coffee or as a dessert after a hearty Norman meal.
Other Normandy Specialties You Can’t Miss
Côte de Veau à la Normande (Normandy Veal Cutlets)
This dish is a classic example of Normandy's love for dairy-rich recipes. Veal cutlets are cooked in a creamy sauce made with fresh cream, mushrooms, and often a splash of Calvados or cider. The result is a rich and tender meal that showcases the region's high-quality cream and butter.
Where to Try It: Many traditional Normandy restaurants, especially those in rural areas around the Pays d'Auge, feature this dish on their menu. Look for it in classic bistros or brasseries in cities like Rouen or Honfleur.
Boudin Noir de Mortagne (Black Pudding from Mortagne-au-Perche)
Boudin Noir is a type of blood sausage and a specialty of Mortagne-au-Perche in Normandy. It is made from pork blood, onions, spices, and apples, and is known for its rich flavor. It is often pan-fried and served with caramelized apples or mashed potatoes, making it a hearty and savory treat.
Where to Try It: Visit the town of Mortagne-au-Perche, especially during the annual Foire au Boudin Noir (Black Pudding Fair), where you'll find this delicacy prepared by local butchers and chefs.
Sole à la Normande
Seafood lovers will adore this sophisticated dish. Sole à la Normande is a seafood medley of sole, mussels, shrimp, and mushrooms, all cooked in a luxurious white wine and cream sauce. It’s a beautiful representation of Normandy’s coastal bounty combined with its rich dairy products.
Where to Try It: Head to coastal towns such as Dieppe, Deauville, or Honfleur to find this dish in upscale seafood restaurants and brasseries.
Teurgoule
If you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert, try teurgoule, Normandy’s traditional rice pudding cooked slowly with milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s creamy, fragrant, and the perfect way to round off a meal.
Where to Try It: Teurgoule is commonly served in local eateries and family-run restaurants throughout the region, especially in the Pays d'Auge area.
Andouille de Vire
This one is for the adventurous eaters! Andouille de Vire is a smoked sausage made from pork intestines, seasoned with spices, and slow-cooked. It has a strong, distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with local cider.
Where to Try It: Visit traditional butchers or local markets in the town of Vire to sample this unique Norman sausage.
Tripes à la Mode de Caen
For a true taste of rustic Normandy, try tripes à la mode de Caen. This dish consists of tripe (the stomach lining of cattle) cooked slowly with onions, carrots, leeks, cider, and Calvados. It's a hearty meal that reflects Normandy’s agricultural roots.
Where to Try It: You'll find this dish on the menu of traditional bistros, especially in the city of Caen.
Eat Like a Local in Normandy
Normandy's food scene is all about embracing fresh, local ingredients and age-old culinary traditions. From creamy cheeses and fresh seafood to apple-infused delicacies, the region offers a delicious journey for your taste buds. When in Normandy, take time to explore local markets, visit cheese farms, and enjoy meals at traditional bistros to truly experience the region's flavors. Bon appétit!
