Popular Norman Products

Fruits of the sea

It goes almost without saying that seafood also features prominently in Normandy's markets, particularly those held in towns and villages close to the coast. Lobsters, mussels, shrimps, crayfish, scallops and oysters are just some of the shellfish that are usually on sale at knock down prices. You should also find a good variety of mackerel, sardines, tuna, sole and bass. All will be totally fresh. In fact many fishing village markets will have the daily catch on sale within just an hour of it being landed. If you're not sure how to best cook your purchases, just ask the fishermen themselves. They are real experts at the art, and most are more than happy to pass on a few tips.

Fruit and Dairy

The superb quality of Normandy's fruit and dairy products is universally acknowledged. But these are far from being the full extent of the region's agricultural highlights. The wonderfully fertile soil also produces a wide variety of magnificent vegetables such as the monster leeks of Rouen and legendary carrots of Créances. Yes - legendary. Créances has been a major carrot growing centre for more than a thousand years, and the town is steeped in traditions and folktales based around the vegetable. Cauliflower and asparagus are also particularly abundant in Normandy, while lamb and all kinds of poultry positively thrive in its rich environment.