Pere Magloire Calvados and Pont-l’Évêque, Normandy France

Pont L’Eveque is located in the department of Calvados in Lower Normandy in north western France 12 km from Deauville. It is known for the square shaped soft cheese or “the stinky cheese” which bears its name. This is a traditional French town. We will discuss the cheese and visit the factory in a future video.

Pont L’Eveque has always been an important trade route between Paris, Rouen and the coast of Brittany since Roman times.   The river Touques flows through the town which was also used for transporting produce to neighbouring villages. During the battle of Normandy in 1944, 65% of the town, under German occupation, was destroyed by allied bombing.  Post World War II several important buildings have been lovingly restored and reconstructed. 

Present day Pont L’Eveque is a centre for leisure and tourism. This is a beautiful little village with small side streets, a vibrant and lively town center and interesting timber framed French styled architecture which can be seen throughout Normandy.

Vibrant hydrangea flowers can be found everywhere you look and if you seek out the tourist office you can get valued information for for visit. The office is conveniently located on the main thoroughfare close to the center of the village. The church and gardens had a lovely with walking path lined with art exposition entitled “HUMAN” on display. Walk though the sculpted topiary for a nice surprise. The path leads to a lazy river lined with weeping branches. It’s was like something out of a Monet painting picturesque and peaceful. If you feel tired, sit a bit have a picnic lunch, enjoy the moment. Or visit one of the many small cafes, or bistro restaurants here.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Pont L’Eveque is a calvados apple brandy distillery. After all this is Calvados. The brandy is called calvados ….because..,.. it’s was created here in this region known as “Calvados” if it’s not from here it’s not “ real” calvados …and yes they are proud of their calvados, it dates back to the age of Vikings but the first written words of distillation was in mid 1500s. Calvados is apple cider distilled into brandy but Calvados is not just a brandy it’s is a heritage -Liquid gold

The Pere Magloire brand, comes from innkeeper Dominique Magloire who started a distillery in 1821 producing the famous Normandy tipple, Calvados, a local apple brandy.  …by 1900 it became the best selling and most important brand of calvados in France. the brand saw the need the keep the Normandy traditions alive. During the World Wars they also realized how important French heritage, the French state of mind .. the spirit and strong will of the people – depended on this idea. The rest is as they say is “history”

The distillery provides a A multi sensory experience…..for a small fee. There is a museum but this is no typical boring museum visit. Your journey is similar to a movie set …an immersive experience where you learn about the distillation process in the times of the Vikings to the distillation in the present-day. I can’t reveal all the secrets of the visit and Pictures are not allowed inside the museum however I was given limited picture taking access when I explained about my blog but only if I promised not reveal secrets of this wonderful experience . We decided to take the English tour.

From the age of the Vikings to present day the distillation process has not changed much .. except present day there are now 300 distillery producers but only in 3 certified appellations (AOC) or geographic area orchard control. The AOC has small differences In climate and-soil ideal for apple orchards but use the same methods and spirit for production and distillation . Calvados brandy can be purchased all over the world but now I can say I really know it’s history and how it’s made. I love that it was interesting and incredible interactive .

At the end of the tour there is a tasting bar. Your ticket includes a tasting of the Calvados brandy: young and old. The brand has won many awards and accolades for their excellent vintages . It’s an acquired taste but be warned it is tasty, yet very powerful. Please consider not drinking and driving if you partake in the sampling. The boutique carries a wide selection of Calvados apple brandy if you wish to purchase for home use. Free Parking is available on site across from the entrance and the site is handicap accessible and tours are given in French and English. The front desk person and the boutique persons speaks both French and English and other languages as well.

MEDICAL WARNING : It is an immersive experience and throughout the tour you will be immersed in dim and possible flashing lights. If your medical history like mine suggest a  sensitive sensory condition, loss of balance due to a brain injury or other condition  which may be affected by low light or rapid flashing lights, problems with vertigo, please be aware and prepare accordingly.

If you wish to learn more about the brand Pere Magloire or about Calvados brandy
Visit Calvados-Pere-Magloire.com and Drinkcalvados.com for more information and remember to please drink legally and responsibly.