Pays d'Auge
Hedgerows, orchards and Norman cows
The Pays d’Auge begins right at the gîte’s doorstep. This landscape of bocage hedgerows, apple orchards and rolling green pastures is the heart of authentic Normandy — home to Norman cows, cider and Calvados. A few kilometres are enough to feel transported back in time, surrounded by ancient hedges and blossoming apple trees in spring.
What to visit?
Beuvron-en-Auge (10 min) — one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, with its ornate half-timbered houses and medieval market hall. Not to be missed.
The Cider Route — a 40 km signposted circuit linking the most beautiful villages of the Pays d’Auge (Cambremer, Bonnebosq, Beuvron…) and around twenty producers where you can taste cider, pear cider, Calvados, Pommeau and Camembert straight from the farm.
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives (20 min) — its 11th-century medieval hall, one of the largest in Normandy, hosts a large regional market every Monday. Perfect for putting together a Norman food hamper.
Lisieux (25 min) — the main town of the Pays d’Auge, with its impressive Basilica of Saint Thérèse, one of the largest in France. The old town around Saint-Pierre cathedral hides beautiful timber-framed houses.
Hiking trails — many waymarked circuits (GR & PR) link villages across meadows and woodland. The terrain suits all levels, with sweeping views over the Auge valley as a reward.
Spring (apple blossom in April–May) and autumn (harvest season, morning mists over the bocage) are the best times to visit. The Cider Route is at its finest by bicycle.