things to do
eating out
Normandie is haute-cuisine heaven for food lovers seeking authentic culinary experiences.
Local producers are always delighted to welcome visitors, from the Camembert or Ice Cream farms to the various local Cider and Calvados distilleries where all the stages of production are explained, plus you get to sample the goods!
You’ll be spoilt for choice when eating out in Normandie, from small pavement cafés where you can have a quick coffee and a croque-monsieur to 4-star, fine dining, so whatever your taste or budget you’ll find plenty of places where you’ll have a lunch or dinner that will remain in your heart forever… unforgettable, lingering lunches and romantic candle-lit dinners in classy, stand out restaurants or hidden away bistros.
Here are just a few of our favourites – Bon Apetit!
LA SAPINIÈRE
This is probably our all time favourite – It’s got great seafood, yummy salads, delicious ribs and brochettes and with extremely friendly service and a casual atmosphere you can’t beat La Sapinière.
Located just behind Omaha Beach it makes a great place to dine before or after a walk along the beach at St Laurent. Their Moules Frites are the best we’ve tasted!… and the cheesecake… wow!
L'EPHÉMÈRE
A new favourite for us that we highly recommend. Set in the open air under canopies and trees in the grounds of the Château Englesqueville this wonderful setting has a relaxed and very special feel. You’ll be charmed by the attentive service and the delicious food.
L’Éphémère is a summer pop up restaurant located on the family estate of the three brothers, Baptiste, Quentin and Jonathan
On arrival, you pass through the stone gates of the château that was purchased four generations ago by the great, great grandparents of the brothers. The stone towers of the old fortified farm still bear witness to the vestiges of time since the 13th century and they still make cider there.
The restaurant offers ‘world cuisine, but with local products’ – on the menu, you’ll find pulled pork burgers cooked for seven hours, Grandcamp-Maisy mussels, Thai salmon or a Lobster Brioche. The desserts are heavenly too.
Oh, and not forgetting the Champagne! Jonathan has told us how happy he was when we ordered the Mercier Champagne as it was his grandfather’s favourite and it brings back very happy memories for him. These little personal touches make this place very special and he served it with such care and charm.
Le Trot
Le Trot is just 3 kms away in our local village Trévières, it has a simple look from the outside but don’t let that fool you, the cuisine is fabulous and this cosy, family run bistro is used by the locals all year round which we think tells you all you need to know… it’s good!
From simple, delicious pizzas, local steak to specials of the day that will surprise and delight you. Arno cooks everything with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are available to him each day so the menu isn’t huge, its just very, very good!! And the presentation really is fine dining worthy.
The desserts are yummy so save some space for them.
You can dine inside the bistro which is through the bar where the locals bet on the horse racing so that’s an interesting little peep into local French culture, or you can dine out on the terrace overlooking the village square.
Le Pommier
Le Pommier in nearby Bayeux – has a classic Parisian style Brasserie atmosphere.
It’s full of understated elegance with it’s sparkling glasses and classy and cosy atmosphere. The food is traditional French cuisine and there are three types of menu to choose from – ‘discovery’ ‘a la carte’ and ‘gourmet norman’
CHÂTEAU LA CHENEVIÈRE
If you want to push the boat out, dress up and experience something special then just a 20 minute drive from Le Pressoir is Château La Chenevière. The 18th century manor house, nestled in romantic parkland, will welcome you inside, its walls brimming with history and cachet of yester-year.
You’re sure to appreciate the finesse and elegance of the dining experience as you go on a gastronomic voyage. Chef Didier Robin makes it a point of honour to cook with only Norman farm-fresh ingredients. Carefully selected from the best producers in the region, he pairs them delightfully with herbs, fruits and vegetables from the Château’s permaculture kitchen garden. Inspired by traditional and regional recipes, he adds his own creative touches and the result is truly fine dining and a menu that changes with the seasons.
HIPPODROME DE CABOURG
And for a dining experience with entertainment thrown in we highly recommend an evening at the races!
The Hippodrome de Cabourg (Cabourg Racecourse) attracts France’s best trotting horses for its famous night races.
As night falls the races can be appreciated from the stands, or from the panoramic restaurant. You can watch the races and place your bets from your table as you dine in style with superb food and fine wines.