During the month of MARCH & APRIL, Chef Pierre and his staff have the pleasure of serving you the specialties from the region of:
NORMANDY – BRITTANY – CHAMPAGNE
Normandy It was a long time ago in Normandy, around 850 ad, on the North and West coast, the Normands also called the Vikings (Norwegians and Danish) invaded what is called today the region of Normandy. "Normands which literally means " the men of the North", were warriors invading the French coast with flat boat that were 20 meters long, coming by the ocean and by the big rivers. After having pillaged cities and villages, Normands finally installed themselves on the West French territory and decided to pillage Paris in 885. Tired of pillaging and of navigating, Normands civilized and christianized. During the Hundred Years' War, the region was held at various time by both French and English forces. In 1450, French finally recovered Normandy. Normandy was the location of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France during World War II. Some geography... is a very beautiful part of France that has lots to offer to the visitor.
Normandy is famous for its apple brandy called Calvados.
Brittany is a great place to visit. A rugged coast, with small islands, great views and quiet beaches. Along the coast you find old towns with small cobbled streets. The people of Brittany are quite different from the rest of France.
In Brittany you will find spectacular nature, high cliffs and almost deserted beaches, old town with a colorful past, like Rennes, Dinan or Saint Malo, the old pirate's nest. The Morbihan is one of the most exciting parts of Brittany. The menhirs of Carnac should not be missed either. Nantes is the biggest town in the region, located in the southern most part of Brittany. The city has along history; in present days it is the most important city of western France. Both regions are extremely well suitable for a family vacation, but also cater those with a taste for excitement. Off the beaten track activities can be done in the hinterland, with great biking and hiking opportunities.
Camembert cheeses at the market Norman; Cows grazing in an apple orchard;
Brece, the nearest village, with its 15th-century church spire Evening light at Les Mezerais
Champagne
 In the early Middle Age period, Champagne France was a duchy under Merovingian rulers. By the 10th century, the Today, strict regulations are enforced to ensure that the appellation "Champagne" applies only to the wines produced according to the long-established traditions in the Champagne region of France.
The Appellation of Controlled Origin (AOC) oversees the stringent regulations and traditions developed over centuries of experience. These rules cover all stages of the wine's development, from vineyard cultivation to final bottling, and are enforced under France law.
The appellation system is key to differentiating Champagne from sparkling wines. The unique terroir of the Champagne region and the strict regulations in place ensure only wines following the exacting standards duchy of Champagne became a hereditary estate known as the county of Champagne. Then, in the 12th and 13th century, the county became well-known for commercial fairs where merchants from all Europe were present. At that period, the Capital was the city of Troyes.
Finally, in 1314, Champagne became a province of the royal domain of France when the count of Champagne , who had inherited the area, succeeded as Louis X, king of France. The successive wars of the Revolution, the Empire and the beginnings of the Republic left, until the signing of the Reims Armistice in 1945, painful scars of history on the soil of Champagne. |
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