On one side, the sea and its flower-filled coastline; on the other, the countryside is as bucolic as you could wish, with villages and orchards to die for. You’re in the heart of the Pays d’Auge. This picturesque and authentic corner of Normandy has it all!
The soul of the Pays d’Auge lies in the manor houses nestling in the valleys, the villages which are perfect to stroll around, the gourmet cider houses and of course the sea, which is never far away. The name of this little Norman paradise comes from Saltus Algie, ‘the damp forest’. This wooded region, criss-crossed by numerous watercourses where cows graze, can be discovered in all its pastoral splendour.
The art of beautiful Normandy houses
The Pays d’Auge is full of the architectural gems for which the region is famous. Stop off at Blangy-le-Château and Beuvron-en-Auge, both listed among the most beautiful villages in France. The string of colourful half-timbered houses immediately plunges you into a medieval atmosphere. As you drive along the country lanes, you’ll come across some pretty manor houses – there are around forty in the area – and charming longères. Did you know that these single-storey half-timbered houses with thatched roofs are listed in the French National Heritage Register?
The pearls of the Flowered Coast
A trip along the coast reveals the elegance of the neo-Norman villas. This Belle Epoque style developed in the 19th century. Villers-sur-Mer, Houlgate and Cabourg have preserved a rich heritage of this style. Among the most famous are the Villa du Temps Retrouvé in Cabourg, a tribute to Marcel Proust, and the Villa des Lucioles in Houlgate, which belonged to the Lumière brothers.
The land of cheese and cider
On the Cider Route, you’ll discover how this traditional Norman drink is made and will savour its fruity flavours. This 40-kilometre route takes you to around twenty Cru de Cambremer producers. You’ll also get to taste Calvados, Normandy’s world-famous apple brandy. Still made by a handful of traditional producers, it is the finest expression of the apple. And don’t forget to try Pommeau, made from apple juice and Calvados. Now let’s talk cheese! This is the birthplace of Normandy’s famous PDO cheeses: Camembert, Livarot and Pont-L’Évêque. Take a tour of the villages that bear their names and open the doors of the cheese dairies and farms that are happy to welcome visitors.
A horse’s paradise
The locals like to say that there are more horses than people in their beautiful part of Normandy! There are around 300 stud farms altogether. The Route des Haras, near Lisieux, offers a tour of this environment with 29 stops. You can also discover the stud farms from the inside, such as the Ecajeul stud farm, where the owner whispers in the ear of the thoroughbreds. For horse riders, the Chevauchée du pays d’Auge à la Seine is a green route along the River Risle. And of course, if you don’t go to the races, you’re not really a local! Head for the racecourses in Cabourg or Deauville!
Gardens galore
The region’s mild climate and landscape heritage have given birth to some remarkable gardens. At the Jardins du pays d’Auge in Cambremer, Armelle and Jacques Noppe showcase the local flora and the architecture of the Pays d’Auge. There is also an eco-museum and a crêperie. The gardens of the Château de Boutemont (Ouilly-le-Vicomte) have been voted the most beautiful in Europe and those of the Château de Canon have been awarded the ‘Jardin Remarquable’ label. For a family outing, try the gardens of Albizia in Caumont-sur-Aure, with its 15 playful landscapes, or those of the Château de Vendeuvre, with its refreshing fountains!
A different way to discover the Pays d’Auge
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
Making our own Calvados at the Chateau du Breuil
Le Breuil-en-Auge
Cheese and Cider Tasting in Normandy
Pont L’Évêque
