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Places of interest #1 in Pont-l'Évêque, Calvados

Distillerie Père Magloire

4.7 · 1,452 reviews
Polished, educational, and sensory-focused
Distillerie Père Magloire, Rte de Trouville, 14130 Pont-l'Évêque, France
Interesting facts
1

Père Magloire has been producing Calvados since 1821.

2

The distillery operates within the strict AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) standards of the Pays d'Auge region.

3

The site uses traditional copper pot stills to conduct double distillation, characteristic of the local style.

4

The 'Calvados Experience' museum uses high-tech projection mapping and immersive multisensory exhibits to illustrate the distillation process.

5

The brand is named after a legendary 19th-century innkeeper known for her hospitality and her own signature Calvados recipe.

Overview

Père Magloire is one of the oldest and most renowned producers of Calvados, the traditional apple brandy of Normandy. The site, known as Calvados Experience, functions as an immersive museum dedicated to the production process from apple harvesting to distillation and barrel aging. Visitors tour a facility that explains the historical significance of the Pays d'Auge region in cider-making. The experience includes a sensory walkthrough of the distillation methods and an exploration of the distillery's historical archives. The tour concludes with a guided tasting session featuring various expressions of the brandy. The facility is located in the heart of the Calvados production zone, utilizing local orchards for its raw materials. It serves as both a production plant and a public-facing educational space for spirits enthusiasts.

Photo spot

The impressive wall of historic, massive oak aging barrels located in the final stages of the tour.

Insider tips

Book your entry slot online in advance during peak summer months and weekends to ensure availability.

Do not wear heavy perfumes or colognes, as they will interfere with your ability to smell the apple and oak notes during the tasting.

The temperature inside the aging cellars is cooler than the outdoor temperature; bring a light layer even in summer.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to taste samples if you are driving, as local law enforcement is strict regarding alcohol limits.

Good to know

Open daily throughout the year, but may have limited operations on certain public holidays.

Etiquette

Formal tasting etiquette is encouraged; wait for the guide to lead you through the notes before sipping.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on a weekday during spring or autumn for smaller crowds and a more intimate tasting experience.
Address
Distillerie Père Magloire, Rte de Trouville, 14130 Pont-l'Évêque, France
49.293, 0.187
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsHistorical copper stills and immersive apple orchard production displays
Tasting offeringsA curated flight of Calvados expressions ranging from young to aged varieties

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on a weekday during spring or autumn for smaller crowds and a more intimate tasting experience..

The impressive wall of historic, massive oak aging barrels located in the final stages of the tour.

Close by you'll find Église Saint-Michel, Les Dominicaines, Mairie de Pont-l'Évêque.

France

About Pont-l'Évêque, Calvados