Welcome to Calvados
Legend has it that the name of this department comes from the Spanish ship Salvador (Çalvador), which sank off its coast and only six days after its sailing, and the initial name of which was changed in the last minute for another one.
But there are many other theories that explain that the name of this department comes from some nautical charts written in Latin in which part of the coast of this department is described as calva dorsa.
It is located in the region of Normandy, whose main prefecture is Caen, and borders the departments of Seine-Maritime, Eure, Orne and the English Channel coast.
What to see in Calvados?
Green meadows, apple trees, cliffs, sandy beaches and small forests make up the landscape of Calvados. Thus we find the Valley of the Gardens of Caen, with a great quantity of flowers and plant species.
Regarding the climate, it is generally quite mild, but everything changes depending on the specific location, as in most regions. In the case of Caen, the influence of the tide is great.
In this region, you won't miss the beautiful views, such as the Mont Joli, situated on the heights of Honfleur. You can see the whole city surrounded by its typical houses of Norman architecture and the Tancarville Bridge.
What curiosities are there?
The first destination not to be missed is Caen, the most important city in the department full of castles, churches and museums. The most famous castle is the Caen Castle, a historic building located in the centre and surrounded by a wall.
The second destination can be the port of Honfleur or also known as the Vieux Bassin which some classify as a magical corner of French Normandy because it is an emblematic place in the city.
Even if you don't need its services, the Deauville Town Hall building is worth visiting, as it is also its flower garden, both in good condition. Also, around the town hall, you have at your disposal an assortment of shops with famous designers.
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Where can you sleep?
It is true that Calvados is a tourist area in general and that is why there are several accommodation options to stay during your holidays, whether it is for a weekend or a month.
If you like the outdoors or if you prefer a hotel room or even a family house, give into your desires and stay in one of the accommodations offered by this department with many services and amenities for all tastes and publics.
Hotels, holiday rentals, campsites... all the options for you in any city, whether it's the ones mentioned above or Bayeux, Colleville-sur-Mer or Cabourg.
What to do in the area?
The American Cemetery of Normandy in Colleville-sur-Mer is worth a visit. This cemetery refers to the memory of the American soldiers who died in Europe during the Second World War. Among the men buried in the cemetery are those who received the Medal of Honor during the war, such as Theodore Roosevelt II, son of US President Theodore Roosevelt.
And just below the cemetery is Omaha Beach, nicknamed “Omaha the Bloody” because of the number of people killed there, a beach full of history that has a bar with shops, health facilities and free parking.
Caen is a city where cultural and historical activities abound. This city has known many warlike conflicts until its almost total destruction, but its excellent reconstruction has given way to long and beautifully illuminated streets, as well as a great cultural offer such as concerts and theatres.
What typical foods are recommended?
It is difficult to mention only a few Normand dishes, but one of them very typical here is the Normand-style escalope: it is a recipe consisting in chicken chops cooked in cider and apples and covered liquid cream and accompanied - an explosive mixture!
The Normand fondue is a must for cheese lovers. Camembert and Pont-l'Évêque cheese are used in the traditional recipe with cider too and Calvados liqueur at the end, slowly and constantly stirring the ingredients.
For dessert, the famous apple pie with liquid cream, once again a testimony of the popularity of this product in this region. It is a really sweet delight, as well as one that you won’t get too much of.
Where are the festivities?
The American Film Festival of Deauville is one of the most famous and largest cinema festivals following that of Cannes. Every year, big Hollywood studios and independent films are presented here.
Another plan is visiting Cabourg beach, a romantic and family beach where you can find workshops for children and water sports, among many other activities. Its 4 km of fine sand, an atmosphere of yesteryear, and the villages built at the start of 20th century give this beach a magical touch.
For lovers of the history of the Second World War, there is a museum dedicated to this epic historical event: the Caen Memorial. This building is not to be missed as it is a unique site worth visiting because of the gardens built in it, each of them evoking a key part of World War II.
