Beaufour-Druval offers two distinct ways to enjoy a stay in the Pays d’Auge: church architecture and regional cider culture. A 6.5-kilometre circular route is called “Sur le chemin des églises de Beaufour-Druval”; at the same time, the village lies on the tourist Route du Cidre. When planning a trip, you can first decide whether to focus on churches and their architectural styles, the countryside along the roads or tastings of regional produce. The activities offer different perspectives on the area.

Churches and architectural details

Notre-Dame de Druval was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It has been listed as an ISMH historic monument since 13 March 1975; the entire church is protected. Its west façade features a remarkable example of a gable with a projecting roof structure. The protected status and façade thus highlight two different aspects: the preservation of the entire building and the design of its gable.

Another architectural stop is the Church of Saint-Aubin in Saint-Aubin-Lébizay (Beaufour-Druval), which dates from the 12th century. The south side has two small Romanesque windows, and a cornice with a sawtooth pattern adds to the exterior. Inside, the church preserves a gilded wooden altarpiece at the high altar, containing a 17th-century oil painting of the Holy Family. An altarpiece is the decorated structure behind or above an altar; here, it combines gilded wood with a religious painting. The details described are therefore found in different parts of the church: the windows and ornamentation outside, and the altarpiece and painting inside.

Two routes, different scales

The Route du Cidre runs through the Pays d’Auge along small, picturesque roads; Beaufour-Druval lies on this tourist route. Visitors can sample Norman regional products along the route in Beaufour-Druval. The circular route “Sur le chemin des églises de Beaufour-Druval” is 6.5 kilometres long. It follows quiet paved roads through the rolling countryside of the Pays d’Auge. The scenery includes fields with grazing cows and horses, apple orchards and half-timbered houses. The names indicate different scales: a tourist route through the Pays d’Auge and a circular route dedicated to the churches of Beaufour-Druval.

Tastings and insights into production

Tastings at Ferme cidricole Desvoye include poiré, Pays d’Auge AOP cider, extra brut cider, cider aged in Calvados barrels, Pommeau de Normandie, Calvados and apple juice. The selection may vary. During a visit, visitors can see the orchards, processing workshop, vat cellar, cider cellar, old press, ageing cellars and newer facilities. What is available to visit may vary by season.

At Aurélien Le Page’s, a producer on the outskirts of Beaufour-Druval, visitors can learn about the farm’s history, its expertise and some anecdotes. Check the visiting arrangements before your trip. The farm shop at the family farm in Saint-Aubin-Lébizay stocks jams, honey and caramel; the product selection may change.

Discover more destinations: Colleville-Sur-Mer, Géfosse-Fontenay, Port-En-Bessin-Huppain, Fontenay Le Pesnel, La Bazoque, Trévières, Magny-En-Bessin, Lisieux.

For the broader travel overview: Calvados.