Valognes Things to Do Tips by Pavlik_NL

Musee de Cidre, Museum of Cider wine

What wine is to France, Cidre (Cider wine) is for Normandie. Cider wine is made of apples and Normandie still has enormous apple orchards that form the basis of this delicate sparkling refreshing wine. Many traditions are connected with the making and drinking of Cider wine and to be honest, during our wonderful holiday in Normandie, I daily drank a whole bottle of this delicious drink. Cider comes in two main forms: Brut (heavier, somewhat more strong) and Doux (light, around 2-3% alcohol). In Valognes the Musee de Cidre, Museum of Cider wine, explains everything you ever wanted to know of this national drink of the Normans. It shows the processes how it is made (the old fashioned way, but also how it is done today) as well as the traditions that have arisen in Normandie around this national drink.

Address: Rue du Petit-Versailles

Phone: 0033 233 40 22 73

Musee de Calvados et des vieux metiers

This combination of two museums is situated right next to the museum of Cider wine and spends all attention to 1. Calvados is a strong apple liquor or brandy and is the true Viking drink of the Normans and 2. old (agricultural) tools, equipment, crafts and machinery. In the museum everything about the production and traditions of Calvados is shown. In another section one finds an enormous collection of tools etc. that are dating back from between the 12th to the 18th century.

Address: Rue Pelouze

Phone: 0033 233 40 26 25

The church of Saint Malo

Right in the centre of Valognes rises the beautiful gothic church of Saint-Malo. This church was built between the 14th and 15th century, but had to be restaurated after it was completely destroyed during bombardment in the struggle for Normandy in 1944. The rebuilding was done partly by the use of many rich ornaments and the original stones of the destructed church. During this work one also discovered the fundaments of the Chapel of Sainte-Marie, which stood here before this church was built, until the 11th century. Especially the details in sculptures and ornaments of the exterior request your attention, while walking around the church.

Hotel de Beaumont, Petit Versailles Normand

As already told in the introduction, Valognes has been for many centuries a place where the (Normandian) nobility had there palaces and mansions. Even though during the French revolution many was lost, Valognes still has some exquisit places that will be very charming the visitor, thus giving them an impression how Valognes must have looked like in these royal days.
A perfect example is the "Hotel de Beaumont" (The Beaumont's Mansion), or as the locals like to call it "Le Petit Versailles Normand" (the small Normandian Versailles). This beautiful house with even more beautiful gardens is situated across the street of the Musee de Cidre and is definately worth a visit.

Address: Rue du Versailles Normand

Other Contact: claire.des-courtils@wanadoo.fr

Phone: 0033 233 40 12 30