ENCORE NORMANDY!

Just two hours from Paris by train, Normandy is a huge draw for American visitors, not just for its D-Day beaches, but also for its lovely towns, festivals, cuisine, and museums. This year, while the Impressionist Exhibition reigns during the summer (see previous Blog), culinary perfection rules in February with a food festival that has become one of France’s most lauded gastronomic events.

Deauville: Omnivore Food Festival, Feb. 22-23
OFF is the foodie festival of the year, hosting many of the world’s top chefs, restauranteurs, winemakers, etc. The public is invited to watch the dozens of demonstrations and interviews held over the two days showcasing the savoir faire of both savory and sweet concoctions.

CAEN: Situated in the central northwest of Normandy, 11 miles from the English Channel, this ancient town is the burial place of William the Conqueror, and the scene of heavy fighting during the Battle of Normandy in 1944.

Chocolatine visited Caen last fall with our Normandy tour guides and would like to recommend these places:
To Stay: Le Clos St. Martin, in the historic center of Caen, is a charming B & B with four beautifully furnished rooms. From €115–165. Tel: 33 0 231 500 871

To Dine: A Table, reasonably priced, delightful hosts, and local fish superbly cooked. 43 rue Saint Sauveur, Tel: 02 31 865 775
La Galettoire. A wonderful, always bustling creperie in the Caen center – one of the best I’ve enjoyed. 33 Rue Saint-Sauveur, Tel: 02 31 85 45 28

TAXI TIP: We recommend the reliable company, Taxi Caen: Tel: 02 31 52 17 89