Apple and Cider Festivals in Normandy

When the leaves begin to turn golden and the air carries the crisp promise of autumn, Normandy comes alive with a celebration rooted in centuries of tradition — the Apple and Cider Festivals. From late September through early November, orchards, villages, and farms across the region open their gates to honour the fruit that has shaped Normandy’s landscape, culture, and cuisine: the apple.

A Rich Tradition in Every Glass

Normandy is synonymous with apples. For centuries, its rolling hills and temperate climate have nurtured over 800 varieties, each with unique flavours, colours, and aromas. But apples here are more than fruit — they’re part of a heritage. They are pressed into cider, distilled into Calvados, baked into tarte tatin, and transformed into artisanal jams and juices. The Apple and Cider Festivals celebrate this legacy, offering visitors a deep dive into the region’s agricultural and culinary soul.

The festivals trace their roots back to the rural harvest fairs of the 19th century, when communities gathered to mark the end of the apple-picking season. Over time, these gatherings evolved into public festivals celebrating not just the apple, but the craft of cider-making and the joy of communal life.

2025 Festival Highlights: Celebrate the Apple Across Normandy

From 28 September to 09 November 2025, Normandy’s Apple and Cider Festival season offers a vibrant schedule of events. Whether you’re a gourmet, a history buff, or simply a lover of authentic experiences, there’s something for everyone.

🍎 Fête de la Pomme, du Cidre et du Fromage – Conches-en-Ouche (12–13 October 2025)

In this charming Eure town, local producers gather to showcase the best of Normandy’s terroir — apples, cider, and cheese. Watch traditional cider pressing in action, enjoy tastings, and browse a lively farmers’ market. There’s music, dancing, and even a vintage cider-press parade.

🍏 Fête de la Pomme – Vimoutiers (20 October 2025)

Vimoutiers, in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, celebrates the apple with all the energy of a town proud of its rural heritage. Don’t miss the cider-making demonstrations and the chance to meet award-winning Calvados producers. Family-friendly activities abound, including pony rides and crafts.

🍎 Fête de la Pomme – Ducey-Les Chéris (27 October 2025)

Just a short drive from Mont Saint-Michel, Ducey celebrates apples in its château gardens. Expect artisan stalls, cider tastings, and a charming apple-themed art exhibition. It’s a peaceful setting that captures the spirit of Normandy’s countryside.

🍏 Fête du Cidre – Beuvron-en-Auge (03 November 2025)

This postcard-perfect village, ranked among the most beautiful in France, hosts one of the season’s most picturesque festivals. Wander cobblestone streets while sipping fresh cider, nibbling apple pastries, and watching live folk music and traditional Normandy dancing.

Discover Apple Culture Up Close

Many cider farms and apple orchards welcome visitors during the festival season. A few exceptional experiences include:

• Ferme de Billy (Rots, near Caen) – Join apple-picking walks through orchards, attend Calvados tastings, and enjoy farm-fresh apple treats.
• Domaine Dupont (Victot-Pontfol) – Tour the presses and cellars of one of Normandy’s most respected cider and Calvados producers.
• Les Vergers de Ducy (Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite) – A family farm offering guided tours, tastings, and insight into organic apple cultivation.

From Orchard to Glass — A Celebration of Craft and Community

What makes the Apple and Cider Festivals in Normandy so special isn’t just the food and drink — it’s the sense of place. These celebrations are grounded in tradition, but alive with the energy of modern artisans and proud producers. They offer a rare opportunity to connect with the land, the people, and the rhythm of rural life.

So whether you’re sipping a crisp cider under golden leaves, picking apples with a local farmer, or dancing to accordion tunes in a village square — the 2025 Apple and Cider Festival season is your invitation to savour the very best of Normandy.

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Here are some official and reliable web links related to Apple and Cider Festivals in Normandy:

• Normandy Tourism Official Website (Festivals & Events)
  • 🔗 https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr
    • Great for general info on cider routes, festivals, and orchard visits.
• Calvados Tourism (Cider & Apple Events)
  • 🔗 https://www.calvados-tourisme.co.uk
    • Focuses on the Pays d’Auge region, known for Calvados and cider festivals.
• Fête de la Pomme et du Cidre (Cambremer Festival)
  • 🔗 https://www.cambremer.fr
    • One of Normandy’s biggest apple & cider festivals (dates updated annually).
• Beuvron-en-Auge – “One of France’s Most Beautiful Villages” (Cider Festival Info)
  • 🔗 https://www.beuvronenauge-tourisme.com
    • Picturesque village with an annual cider fair.
• La Haye-de-Routot (Fête des Fruits Anciens – Heritage Apple Festival)
  • 🔗 https://www.lahayederoutot.fr
    • Celebrates rare apple varieties and traditional pressing methods.
• Normandy Cider Route (Official Guide)
  • 🔗 https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/discover/food-drink/cider-route/
    • Maps out cider producers, tastings, and festival dates.
• Calvados AOC (Official Production & History)
  • 🔗 https://www.calvados-aoc.com
    • Deep dive into Normandy’s apple brandy traditions.