Cambremer
Cambremer is an authentic village in the Pays d’Auge, home to around 1,300 inhabitants. It serves as the starting point of the Cider Route, although travelers can start their journey from any village along the route.
Known as the cider capital of the Pays d’Auge, Cambremer boasts the renowned “Cru de Cambremer” a quality label for which producers along the Cider Route compete annually.
Upon arrival, I recommend visiting the Tourist Office where you can obtain a village map and receive information about pleasant and easily accessible hiking routes to explore the surrounding areas.
CAMBREMER TOURIST OFFICE
2 place de la mairie, 14340 Cambremer.
information@office-tourisme-cambremer.fr
Opening hours:
– Monday : 9:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-5:30pm
– Tuesday to Friday : 9am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-5:30pm
– Saturday : 9am-12:30pm
Closed on Sunday.
Where to park in Cambremer ?
The option that I recommend (but there are 3 other parkings) : Parking des Tilleuls (or Parking de l’Europe : you will find both names for the same place…).
The 3 other car parks are located :
- 3 impasse du lavoir / place de l’Europe, 14340 Cambremer
- At the entrance (or exit, depending from where you arrive) of the village.
- Close to the Pierre Huet Calvados Estate.
How to visit Cambremer ?
You can stop in the village at least for 1 hour (more if you visit the Pierre Huet cellars and/or the Pays d’Auge Gardens).
What to see ?
1- TWO PRETTY WASH HOUSES : the Grand Lavoir & The Little Lavoir : legend has it that the water from the Saint Clair spring which originates at the Grand Lavoir, possesses the healing power to cure the lame and the blind.
2- SAINT-DENIS CHURCH which dominates the centre of the village features a central tower in Romanesque style dating back to the 12th century, although a portion of it was added in the 17th century.
In 1831, the northern part (the left-hand side) of the church was demolished to create a market square. Consequently, the church underwent modifications and was extended in length. Additionally, the adjacent cemetery was relocated further into the town.
3- LA GRANGE AUX DIMES
The Tithe Barn now serves as an exhibition hall. Inside, you’ll find some exquisite carpentry work. It’s definitely worth a visit if it’s open.
4- THE GARDENS OF PAYS D’AUGE
– Avenue des tilleuls, 14340 Cambremer
Website HERE.
– Open May 1- September 30 : 7/7 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm
– October 1-20 : Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 5pm
A delightful stroll awaits you in this garden, a vivid canvas of colors reminiscent of bucolic paintings. Definitely worth a visit.
– Explore a magnificent 4-hectare themed garden that beautifully showcases Normandy’s traditional half-timbered architecture.
– Immerse yourself in the past at the eco-museum, where you’ll discover ancient tools and crafts.
– Experience tranquility and serenity; if you’re a nature enthusiast, this is a must-see destination in the area.
– Tour booklet are available in French, English, German and Dutch.
– Duration of the visit : allow ample time for your visit to fully appreciate the diverse atmospheres of this enchanting place; I recommend at least 1 hour and 30 minutes.
6- LE CADRAN (the dial) : 1,5 km from Cambremer town center.
– Located on the D50 road, at the intersection of the D85.
Formerly a coaching inn along the road, it’s worth a quick visit.
This beautiful building, dating back to the 17th century, served as a coaching inn where the dial hands didn’t indicate the time but rather the arrival or departure of stagecoaches.
You can also explore this dial on the hikes I suggested above from Cambremer.
WANT TO BUY LOCAL GOAT CHEESE ?
From Le Cadran :
Go to the organic farm La Ferme de la Mimarnel on D50 road (Mimarnel farm) in Cambremer : a slight detour of only 750 meters.
– Open Monday-Friday 9am-12pm
– Better to call or send an email before you go :
06 30 35 96 95 / erwingaudin@yahoo.fr
– From spring, they organize at the farm an organic market with only local producers every Tuesday from 4:30pm to 7pm :
You can buy vegetables, plants, cider, cheese, bread, honey… only good Norman products !
Local Events
Not to be missed if you are in Cambremer at those times :
– Every year on the first weekend of May : The AOC (controlled designation of origin) and AOP (protected designation of origin) Festival.
Website of this Festival with all the info HERE.
– Weekly food-market : every Friday morning all year round.
– The Traditional Market : on Sunday morning : in July & August and also on Easter & Pentecost weekends.
