THE PAYS D'AUGE
What is the Pays d'Auge ?
Pays d’Auge is an area of Normandy spread over three departments (Calvados, Orne and Eure), more specifically streching from the Côte Fleurie = floral coast, (the coastline from Cabourg to Honfleur) to the lands of northern Orne and western Eure departments.
This is a natural and traditional region which was labeled « Country of Art and History » in 2000.
The most important towns of Pays d’Auge are Cabourg, Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur, Vimoutiers and Orbec. Its main city is Lisieux located in its center.
Pays d’Auge is the land of horse, cheese, cider, calvados and pommeau, the Norman alcohols. You can discover these Norman traditions through the Cider Route. It is also well known for its seaside resorts along the « Floral coast » such as Cabourg or Deauville.
The meaning of the name Pays d’Auge is quite controversal but the most accepted explanation would be that it comes from the Latin derivative « augia », coming itself from the Germanic « auwa » which would mean « wet meadow ».
What to visit ?
You absolutely need a vehicle to visit the Pays d’Auge.
Click on the photos below to access all my travel tips !
Cider route & typical villages
Discover the nice Norman villages typical of the Pays d’Auge countryside along the Cider Route. You will visit 9 sites that I find unmissable in the area.
I also recommend along this 40-km itinerary some good restaurants, accommodations and local cider/calvados producers.
Castles
Explore my selection of the four most beautiful castles in the area : unique and all different, you will be captivated by each of them.
I also have some good addresses for lunch (or dinner) to share with you and a few accommodations if you want to take your time to visit the area.
Other towns and sites of interest
There are a few towns and two sites (a cheese maker and a distillery) in Pays d’Auge outside the coast and the cider route that are really worth a visit in my opinion. For instance, the city of Lisieux, which might not seem very attractive, really needs a detour for its magnificent Saint-Thérèse Basilica ! Even if you are not religious, it is a must-see.
I recommend four towns of the Pays d’Auge to visit in addition to the coast and the cider route and also a great local cheese maker and a very beautful distillery. Not to be missed !
Seaside resorts
They are located along the Floral Coast (Côte Fleurie) between Cabourg and Honfleur. This coastline is a succession of both long sandy beaches but also a coast with cliffs in some places. Nine seaside resorts follow one another along the coast with their nice Belle Epoque villas, casinos and famous luxury hotels. A few easy walking itineraries will allow you to discover these pleasant Norman resorts and their beautiful diversified landscapes.
