The oldest tree in France - There are still 100 years to go before you can visit the Allouville oak, the oldest tree in France. This 18-metre oak is said to be over 1,200 years old, and legend has it that it was planted on the day Normandy was born. Inside the trunk, you'll find a small chapel.
The Normandy vineyard - The Normandy vineyard is an ancient French wine-growing region that was important in the 11th and 12th centuries. With the First World War and phylloxera (a type of aphid that ravages vines), the vineyards disappeared completely and are now being revived around Grisy, south-east of Caen. Today, this vineyard called ‘Les arpents du soleil’ is the largest in Normandy. It produces tens of thousands of bottles a year and has a protected geographical indication. Its wine is labelled Calvados.
Horses and Normandy - Horses are deeply rooted in Normandy. There are places dedicated to breeding them: stud farms, farms; running them: riding schools, racecourses; breeding them: Le Pin or Saint-Lô stud farms, or selling them at Deauville. Deauville is the leading venue for the sale of yearlings (thoroughbred horses under the age of 2) in France and the second largest in Europe. Arqana, France's leading thoroughbred sales agency, organizes horse sales throughout the year. At Deauville, the August sale is the most prestigious of the ten or so sales, attracting professionals from all over the world. In 2020, a yearling considered to be one of the best in the world was offered for €2.5 million, an exceptional sale! In short, the role of the horse in Normandy is economic, social and above all cultural. The importance of the horse goes back a long way and is part of the region's history.
The Far West in Normandy - Discover the largest Canadian bison farm in Europe, in the heart of the green hills of Normandy, at Muchedent. You'll also find wolf packs and a canoe trail.
The adorable residents of Alligator Bay - There's an unusual zoo in Normandy, at the foot of Mont Saint Michel, where alligators, crocodiles, caimans, lizards, snakes and tortoises roam all year round. In all, you'll find 650 animals from 5 continents.
Winding roads - Once you've left the main roads, some country roads can be quite narrow. So be sure to plan ahead if you have time constraints!