Cambremer: Gardens, Cider and Culture

Cambremer is a rural village set among orchards and stud farms. Those looking for a hotel in Cambremer can plan their stay around gardens, church art, the Route du Cidre or recurring festivals. Cambremer is the starting point of the 40-kilometre Route du Cidre, which runs through the Pays d’Auge. Its various highlights range from landscaped gardens and producer visits to architectural history and event dates.

Route du Cidre and producers

The signposted route follows picturesque country lanes and leads to around 20 producers. It is accessible from National Roads 13 and 175. Along the route, producers welcome visitors for cellar tours and tastings and explain their expertise. Participation depends on each producer’s availability, so ask them directly before planning a visit. The ciders of Cru de Cambremer are considered lightly bitter and refreshing.

At the Caves du Manoir de Grandouet, guided tours in French and English with tastings are offered. The visitor programme may change; check the details before you arrive. The Caves produce AOP Pays d’Auge cider, Calvados Pays d’Auge, Pommeau de Normandie, apple juice and poiré. The Caves also have a cellar, a pot still and a timber-framed press dating from the 16th century.

In Cambremer, the Huet family has been producing and selling Calvados, cider and Pommeau de Normandie at the Distillerie Pierre Huet since 1865. The distillery estate covers 30 hectares of orchards.

Gardens and architectural history

The Jardins du Pays d’Auge hold the French “Jardin remarquable” label and cover three hectares. The themed planting areas include water gardens, rose gardens, perennials and collection plants; there is also a tool museum. The garden thus combines a variety of planting themes with a distinctive look at gardening tools.

The Romanesque tower of Église Saint Denis is its oldest part and dates from the late 12th century; the church’s stained-glass windows, by contrast, are from the 20th century. There is also a painting of the Presentation in the Temple, inspired by Rubens. You can take a free audio-guided tour in Cambremer on your smartphone using the Izi Travel app. This gives you a choice of different themes for planning your trip: architectural history, artworks and an audio-guided walk.

Festivals and market dates

The Festival des AOC/AOP de Cambremer takes place every year on the first weekend in May. Hurlu Belles Rues is a street arts festival held every two years on the last weekend in July. The traditional market adds to the calendar: it takes place on Sunday mornings at Easter and Pentecost, as well as in July and August. The dates therefore vary by frequency and season: two festival weekends at set times of year and several market periods in spring and summer. If an event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the exact dates before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Ryes, Audrieu, L'Oudon, Saint-Laurent-Du-Mont, La Cambe, Sainte-Marguerite-d'Elle, Saint-Vigor-Le-Grand, Le Manoir

For the main travel overview: Calvados.