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Hitting the Sweet Spot at Caramels de Isigny
Welcome to the artisanal caramels of Isigny Sur Mer where the first stage involves producing the paste by masterfully combining the ingredients in the copper pots then cooking to 120C/ 248F. The final stage involves collecting the liquid caramel and spreading it out on a cold table in order to work it. The caramel is cut and then constantly turned over, before finally going through the rolling machine for shaping then wrappingIt seems like a simple process but if patience and articulate skill is not used well … it would not be artisanal. You can try some samples as you see the process take shape on your visit to the…
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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…
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La Mais on Bleue (Blue House) of Euclideas Da Costa, Dives Sur Mer, France
On an obscure side street in the small village of Dives Sur Mer, Normandy, France is an inspired oddity. A reminent of an era long since gone, a passionate reminder of one’s home land carved into the small space of new surroundings. Euclides da Costa Ferreira made his home away from home in Dives Sur Mer during World War II. Da Costa , a mason by trade, made his way to France from his home land in Portugal looking for work. Born in 1902 in Porto, Portugal, he traveled to France at the age of 22. He was 57 years old when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and now…
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Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg (Castle Koenigsbourg), Alsace, France
The Alsace region of France borders Germany , France , Switzerland. With the major city of Strasbourg being a focal point. there are many castles in the area but not like The medieval castle of Koenigsbourg or Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg is a marvel of the Alsace region of France. If you are In northeastern France and looking to explore a proper castle, look no further. According to their website the Chateau welcomes up to half a million visitors per year. You can purchase tickets on site, but summer time can be a high attendance time so online ticketing is recommended if you wish to explore the upper ramparts. My…
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Neolithic Monolith Stone Formations of Erdeven and Carnac in Brittany, France
Not to be missed the monoliths are a reminder of our prehistoric past. if you are into history this is a good place to explore. Many tourist see Stonehenge as the premier site to visit for stone formations and although I have not been to that location as yet I will venture to say these sites might give it a run for the money. I went in the off season on a particular rainy day in Brittany ..which is not saying a lot because there a lot of rainy days in Brittany however, with less tourist I felt free to roam about unencumbered by lots of people and unavailable parking.…