Calvados, the true spirit of Normandy

Character Properties

Look out for the Gîtes de France and Clévacances emblems as a guarantee of quality self-catering accommodation, and try Logis de France for family run, friendly hotels. Calvados also has many members of the elite Club des Hôtels et Restaurants de Charme de Normandie, but if you fancy something a bit different, you can sleep in an eco-lodge, a gypsy caravan, or even a tree house!

The Dukes of Normandy first left their mark on the landscape in the 11th century with the building of churches, abbeys, and important castles such as Caen, Falaise and Creully, whilst the Middle Ages saw the construction of the half-timbered cottages and manor houses that today form an iconic part of the Calvados landscape.

Beuvron en Auge is classified amongst Les Plus Beaux Villages de France for its colourful, half-timbered houses, but you’ll find pretty hamlets everywhere, each reflecting local building materials and landscape. Visit Cambremer at the heart of the Route du Cidre, Amblie on the Route des Moulins, and Clécy in the Suisse Normande.

The Renaissance movement led to stylish chateaux such as Saint Germain du Livet and Balleroy, Pontécoulant and Bénouville, whilst the 19th century saw the flourishing of Belle Epoque villas as seaside resorts developed along the Côte Fleurie. Despite the destruction of World War II, Calvados retains more than 900 historic monuments, seamlessly blending past and present in a landscape for 21st century living.