Mushroom foraging weekends in the Orne

In the Orne département, we love the good life, reaping the fruits of the earth and enjoying them! Discover the autumn tradition of foraging for mushrooms in this part of Normandy, which goes back many generations.

If you go down in the woods today…

All booted up with baskets and ready to go, head off into the forest on the hunt for mushrooms! Either opt for a briefing beforehand where you’ll be advised on what to look (and smell) for, or opt to go mushroom foraging with an expert known as a mycologist (mushroom expert).

One of the best places to spend a weekend mushroom foraging is at four-star forest retreat the Manoir du Lys, near the spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne. After an afternoon’s mushroom foraging, return to the hotel with your findings, sort out the different species with the help of a mycologist, and learn about them over a refreshing glass of poiré (pear cider). The next day, Michelin-starred Chef Franck Quinton of the Manoir du Lys will give you a masterclass in how to make delicious mushroom-based dishes.