For this guide to the local festivals you won’t want to miss in Normandy, Normandie Rando has tracked down the best events for every month of the year. Music, celebration, local produce, tastings, fun, culture, history… there really is something for everyone! So why not set off on a cycling trip through Normandy where every stage is a celebration?
October
Apple, Cider and Cheese Festival – Conches-en-Ouche (Eure 27)
A firm favourite in Normandy, the Apple, Cider and Cheese Festival has been delighting visitors for more than ten years. The celebration shines a light on our much-loved Norman countryside through demonstrations, tastings, exhibitions and traditional games. 
Festival Planche – Deauville (Calvados 14)
Festival Planche is a photography festival built around the idea of public commissions. Its line-up brings together established artists, emerging names and promising young talent. The festival is about more than exhibitions: guests take part in talks, meet-ups between photographers and photography lovers, and hands-on workshops. Have your portrait taken and bring home a few memories from your cycling holiday in Normandy!
November
Tree and Autumn Festival – Caudebec-en-Caux (Seine-Maritime 76)
The Tree and Autumn Festival gathers garden enthusiasts and professionals, nurserymen, plant growers, grass collectors and many more besides, all on hand to guide you, share their advice and teach you a little more about the vast and wonderful world of gardening.
December
Throughout December you’ll find dozens of Christmas markets right across Normandy.
January
Graine De Mots – Bayeux (Calvados 14)
This festival of the arts and the spoken word offers a varied programme, from one-person shows and theatre to live music.
February
Granville Carnival – Granville (Manche 50)
The most famous carnival in western France, the Granville Carnival will celebrate its 148th edition. It takes place over the five days leading up to Shrove Tuesday and was recently added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
March
Black Pudding Fair – Mortagne-au-Perche (Orne 61)
The flagship event of Mortagne-au-Perche, the capital of black pudding, the fair celebrates this local speciality with an international competition for the best black pudding, run by the brotherhood of the Chevaliers du Goûte-Boudin. With its 150 stallholders, cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops led by a chef, the fair shows no sign of losing its appeal. It’s the perfect excuse to take a break on your cycling route and stop to taste this regional speciality.
April
Student Carnival – Caen (Calvados 14)
With close to 24,000 participants, the Caen student carnival is the largest in Europe.
May
AOC/AOP Festival – Cambremer (Calvados 14)
On the festival programme: a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage through tastings and meet-the-producer events. The festival welcomes 45 professionals who come along to share and showcase their produce. You’ll find French AOP cheeses, ciders, pommeau, Calvados, olive oils, fine meats and more. You can even join a foodie ramble (up to 15 km) to combine good food with a bit of exercise.
June
Anniversary of the Normandy Landings (D-Day) – (Calvados 14)
On 6 June 1944, thousands of soldiers landed on the Normandy coast to free France from German occupation. The Landings and the Battle of Normandy are commemorated every year across the region. Between festivities and commemorations, many towns put on events on the theme of the Landings (the memorial, the American cemetery, Omaha Beach and more). It’s a wonderful chance to cycle along the landing beaches.
July
Festival Beauregard – Hérouville-Saint-Clair (Calvados 14)
An iconic Calvados festival, Festival Beauregard puts on a colourful line-up every year. Rap, electro, pop, French chanson, rock – there’s something for every taste. Beauregard is a family-friendly festival that now has its own space for children, with activities, circus acts, games and educational fun.
August
The Normandy Horse Show – Saint-Lô (Manche 50)
An equestrian highlight not to be missed in Normandy, the Normandy Horse Show! Between breeding, sport and entertainment, visitors can enjoy time with their favourite animal. There’s a pop-up pony club on site, along with an evening show.
September
Caen International Fair – (Calvados 14)
A meeting place for all, the legendary Caen International Fair brings together visitors and exhibitors every year around a range of themes: music, sport, short-supply-chain food, beauty and wellbeing, street art, social media and much more.
Honfleur Autumn Flavours Fair (Calvados 14)
A must for food lovers, the Honfleur Autumn Flavours Fair invites you to discover regional specialities and passionate producers in the heart of the town.
