Today, Normandie Rando shares its pick of the most unusual places to visit in Calvados. Chosen to suit just about everyone, these outings are ideal for a bike ride with family or friends. The visits revolve around the history of Calvados, its culinary heritage and its animals. There’s something here for grandad, grandma and the parents, as well as the children!
Our pick of places to visit in Calvados
Ornavik Historical Park
Hop on your bike and pedal over to Hérouville-Saint-Clair, where the Ornavik historical park invites you to explore the story of how Normandy was born, from the year 911 to 1066. Step straight into the Middle Ages by not just studying but truly living this remarkable history across three areas: Carolingian, Viking and ducal. Grounded in both scholarship and education, around a hundred volunteers bring the project to life so that Normandy’s history comes alive for the delight of every visitor.
The D-Day Beaches | The American Cemetery
Now let’s leap a few hundred years into the future and head to the heart of the Normandy landing beaches, where the American Cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach (one of the sites of the Allied landings on 6 June 1944). An essential place of remembrance steeped in history, the cemetery is home to the memorial chapel at its centre, along with the Garden of the Missing. A footpath leads down from the cemetery to the beach. This commemorative site makes an ideal stop on a cycling or walking journey across Calvados. With a million visitors a year, it has become a must-see of Normandy tourism.
Cerza Zoological Park
Let’s set history aside for a moment and unwind in the company of animals! With more than 120 species from the four corners of the world, Cerza Zoological Park brings you closer than ever to wildlife, much to the children’s delight. See the animals as you’ve never seen them before aboard the safari train, stop for lunch in one of the restaurants, take part in a variety of events and even spend the night surrounded by wildlife in the Cerza eco-lodges. An extraordinary adventure you won’t forget in a hurry!
The Calvados Père Magloire Experience
After a rest among the monkeys and gorillas, set off to uncover the secrets of cider through an experience that will get your taste buds tingling. Calvados Père Magloire in Pont-l’Évêque opens its doors so you can learn about its history, its craft and the secrets behind making its famous spirit. This one-of-a-kind site in Normandy puts your senses to the test with sound, visual, sensory and scent effects for a truly vibrant experience. You can round off the visit at the bar with an expert guide, for a tasting in three stages: the eye, the nose and the palate. Easily done over a morning or an afternoon, it fits perfectly into a guided day out in Normandy.
The Champ Secret Farm
Haven’t tingled your taste buds enough? Still hungry? For individuals and groups alike, the Champ Secret farm and cheese dairy welcomes you to share its know-how, blending modern methods with Normandy tradition and respect for the environment. On the programme: a look at how the cheese is made, following each step from milk to Camembert, and an explanation of the farming techniques that help protect biodiversity. The farm also lets you meet Normandy dairy cows and learn a little more about how they live. And to finish: a tasting of the farm’s produce!
