Cider is a popular beverage in Normandy. It is part of the history and tradition of the region. It is generally made from fermented juice of apples, sometimes from pear juice. The degree of alcohol varies from less than 4% to a lot more. The fruits are collected in September and store in a dry place. In Normandy, the double distillation process consists in raising the amount of alcohol contained in the pressed juice from 30% to 40%. It is very different from the keeving process used in Brittany, where the liquid is put in an oak vat with calcium chloride and a special enzyme for fermentation. Cider types vary in terms of colour, variety fruits, but also whether they are dry or sweet. Sweet cider generally contains less alcohol than dry cider.
In Normandy the drink “pommeau” is very famous. It is produced by mixing apple juice and apple brandy (spirit produced from distilling wine) and the high alcohol percentage stops the fermentation process of the cider. Cider was the second most popular drink after wine until the 20th century… beer now ranks second. If you missed on October 30th the cider festival in Caudebec-en-Caux (Haute Normandy, 76), you can still attend the one in Vimoutiers, in Basse Normandy (61). It takes place on October 18th to 20th, and displays a cider competition between the locals: the Most Beautiful Apple and Most Delicious Cider. This tasty weekend honours apples and cider and attracts 15,000 visitors, who come to taste local produce. Every year they build a theatre stage, entirely made of apples!
In Evreux (Haute Normandy, 27), there is also an apple festival, where you can not only taste ciders, but also discover ancient professions, the apple juice and butter production processes, Normandy typical farmhouses, carthorses, local produce and a lot more.
There are lots of such events in Normandy, so don’t hesitate if you are in the region for your Normandy property search to take part in!
Cider festivals in Normandy