Cider - Cidre

 🍏 Cider Tales from Normandy & Brittany – Two Traditions, One Love for Apples 🍎

Just a short journey from our peaceful corner of Mayenne, the regions of Normandy and Brittany are famous for their cider-making - where quiet lanes hold a delicious secret: Orchards and the many generations of traditional cider making.

From hand-harvested apples to time-honoured fermentation techniques, this is more than a drink – it’s a living piece of the heritage of rural France. While they may share a love of apples, their approach to this beloved drink tells two distinct stories.

In Normandy, cider tends to be smoother, sweeter, and a bit more refined – often paired with creamy cheeses or used in traditional dishes like pork in cider sauce. It’s made from a carefully balanced blend of apple varieties and aged slowly, with a strong emphasis on tradition. Some say it reflects the calm elegance of Normandy’s rolling countryside and rich cuisine.

Brittany, on the other hand, brings a rustic, bolder edge to its cider – drier, slightly more tannic, and often poured into ceramic cups called bolées. It’s the kind of cider that pairs perfectly with a stack of buckwheat crêpes or fresh oysters by the coast. One old Breton farmer once said, “If it doesn’t make you pucker a little, it’s not real cider!”

Take a tour of a local cidery, meet passionate producers, and of course, enjoy a refreshing glass in the garden as the sun sets over the countryside. Whether you're a cider lover or simply curious, this authentic taste of the region is not to be missed!

🧳 Visiting Mayenne puts you right in the middle of these two legendary cider cultures – with local makers here in our region adding their own twist to the mix.

J’❤️LA MAYENNE - Come for the peace. Stay for the apples 🍏🍎