Visiting Normandy in Autumn
It’s Cider season in Normandy!
There’s something wonderfully slow about autumn in Normandy.
The countryside turns golden, apples fill the countless orchards and the still warm evenings mean you can linger a little longer outdoors.
It’s the same Normandy we love, but with a golden glow and the buzz of cider season at its ‘core’!
Country walks, trips to local markets and even chateaux hopping can all then lead to cosy evenings. A crisp white wine to end your day becomes a full bodied, fruiter red, and when is it ok to light the first fire of the season?? Whenever the mood takes you is our answer.
An autumn trip to Normandy is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and indulge in the simple pleasures that this beautiful region has to offer 🍂
Why Visit Normandy in Autumn?
The summer crowds are gone so any exploring can be done at a much slower pace. With that comes a satisfying sense that this is a secret only you know, and it’s definitely one worth keeping!
Autumn at its Best!
Our countryside becomes awash with golden hedgerows, rich, russet woodlands and our surrounding lanes become wonderfully atmospheric.
The ever present spheres of mistletoe within the trees somehow have more meaning across the horizon, letting us know that their starring role is imminent!
If like me your camara roll is full of pictures from walks then free up some space because it’s about to get fuller! The contrasting yellows, oranges, burgandys and greens somehow just demand to be captured, add in the dog and it’s a photographers paradise at this time of year.
For anyone who just enjoys being outdoors, it really is a beautiful time to explore.
It’s Apple Season!
With the countless apple orchards that line the lanes, autumn really is the most quintessentially Norman time of year.
The trees are weighed down, heavy with fruit and we start to see the apples being harvested all across the countryside. Our famous local ciders and apple based specialities really come into their own at this time of year.
And if you hadn’t already heard, there’s something even more special in our little corner of Normandy…
Discover the Poiré of the Domfrontaise!
At Le Tertre, we sit in the Domfrontaise, an area famous for its traditional pear orchards and Poiré Domfrontaise. The delicious sparkling pear cider that no trip is complete without.
A visit during autumn is a lovely opportunity to visit the orchards and hear first hand from the local producers what makes it so special and why the flavours in this part of Normandy are so different.
All of the local producers offer tours including the family run Pacory - Ferme de Grimaux and Les Vergers des Martellières.
You can sample the ciders before deciding which to bring back to your cosy cottage for a lovely relaxing evening!
Normandy Tastes Even Better in Autumn!
Not unlike any other season I suppose, in that a trip to Normandy can revolve around food, but somehow in autumn it’s even more so!
Think of your fresh baked morning croissant and then crusty, warm baguettes filled with local cheeses, with a side of homemade apple chutney for lunch. A glass of Poiré of course is a given.
Pick up all you need from the local markets, then head back to Le Tertre to create your own slice of ‘cuisine Normande’ before heading out for your afternoon stroll.
The Quieter Side of Normandy
One of the biggest wins of travelling outside of the summer months is simply space.
The many popular villages, châteaux and other countryside attractions are generally much quieter during these months.
Domfront, Lassay-les-Châteaux and Bagnoles-de-l’Orne can all feel crowded during July and August and with the recent heatwaves, we can all agree that sightseeing in those temperatures isn’t all that fun.
Wander the cooler cobbled streets of Domfront and Lassay, or take the lake and forest walks in Bagnoles, all with more time to enjoy it at your own pace.
The Perfect Time to Explore Historic Normandy
Ok so there’s a chance the weather in Normandy during autumn might not be that good, it’s true, BUT, that’s the perfect time to discover the many museums and historic châteaux interiors followed by quintessential cafés.
Our favourite, Châteaux Lassay offers regular tours (also available in English) as does Château de Mayenne.
Follow your tour with coffee or lunch in the beautifully quaint Lassay or the livelier city of Mayenne.
There’s also a good chance that we’ll see another Indian Summer so…
It’s a Great Time to Get Outdoors!
You don’t need to be a serious cyclist or long distance walker to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Normandy and autumn gives you a new reason to get outdoors.
The Vélo Francette cycle path passes through Ceaucé and comprises of mainly quiet, country lanes or well maintained towpaths. It’s all clearly sign-posted and you can join the route just minutes from Le Tertre.
There’s also an abundance of walking routes that will have a completely different feel at this time of year. The sunken lanes of the Bocage with have a new golden canopy under which to shelter should the weather turn. If it doesn’t, the low autumn sun will light them up spectacularly.
Now It’s Time for the Cosy Bit…
Wherever you decide to visit on your autumn break in Normandy, there’s something just quite lovely about knowing you’re returning to quaint and cosy accommodation where you can enjoy the last of the days sunshine with an evening drink on the patio, or close the curtains, light the fire and hunker down inside whilst the Normandy weather does its worst.
We’ll be adding even more snuggli-ness to our gîtes for this season. Extra blankets for cosying up under, spiced pumpkin candles for that essential autumn glow plus just a few extra bits of ‘objet d’art’ to complete the look and feel.
The Farmhouse, Dot’s Parlour and Helen’s Stable all have log burners so you can really get into the season as soon as you arrive!
Here’s an idea of what might be in store…
We’d love to welcome you to Le Tertre this autumn. To book your stay simply complete the form above, or find us on Airbnb.
We hope to see you soon! 🍂🔥🍷