Cider growers Côtes-D'Armor

This is a @ and unavoidable stop on the Saveurs route (or Brittany greedy), two kilometres from the Plaisance-Guirec marina on the heights of Kerambellec. The idea was most luminous for Alain and Jeanine Le Jaouen who, in 2001, sought to cultivate rocky and pentues plots difficult to exploit. The apple plantation has borne fruit and the farmer cider of the Orchard de Kernivinen has grown. The farm now counts two hectares of orchard and 650 trees. The visits to the field are very popular with visitors and tourist tourists who like to be entrusted with a few secrets of manufacturing this pure, rather crude cider cider. Sweet, bitter, bitter, bitter sweet apples are selected to make the soft beverage, which is skillfully balanced. As a result, the tour allows you to understand the different stages of manufacturing. 25 000 bottles come out of the vats each year, which will be sold half on the farm, the rest being in good place on the table of crepes, on the shelves of local shops, on the shelves of the weekly or local markets in summer. Do not hesitate to push the door and blow the caps!

We would deal here with the oldest cider of France led by the fourth generation «Johann». This is, in any case, a great family history begun in 1892, when Joseph (Johann) decided to base at the Field of Fairground near Paimpol Harbour a house of cider, wine and spirits trading in order to supply schooners to Iceland and local businesses. From the beginning, the cider is made on the spot and alongside, on the boats, the wine imported from Bordeaux. Trade lasts until the 1980 s when wine consumption begins to decline. A chance? In any case, this disaffection should give wings to young successors and, above all, the idea of devoting themselves fully to the production of cider and - as long as possible - of quality cider. A huge programme for planting orchards of varieties of Breton varieties is engaged, the cider is a team of modern and efficient equipment and we have arrived at the dawn of this st century: 1 200 tonnes of apples come from family orchards and the best varieties of apples to be transformed, in accordance with ancestral work, into stuffy cidre under the brand "Bolée de Paimpol" for pure raw juice or sweet, in farmer cider to the aromas of yesteryear, in cider of the "Ker Lann", in the brandy of cider "Fine of Brittany", pommel AOC. You will not be told any more. You can taste, taste and imagine that 120 years of history sing and dance at the bottom of your glass.

At the Benoît family, the cider-making know-how has been perpetuated from father to son for decades. Their multi-awarded production is referenced in many restaurants of the region. Their range includes a dozen kinds of ciders (organic, rosé, flavored...) and some spirits. The cuvée Prestige, aged in oak barrels, offers a cider of a beautiful golden color, which develops aromas of tarte Tatin and caramel in the mouth. The new and spacious store, located on the road between Lamballe and Pléneuf, also offers other local products.

The Val de Rance cider factory was born from the association of twelve cider apple producers from Pleudihen-sur-Rance. Its role is to transform the apple juice into cider before marketing it. Cidres bouchés bruts, sweet, organic, farm and table ciders are made by the cellar master who ensures that the products are made with respect for both the know-how and the raw material. Visits are organized, punctually, during the year or by appointment.

The reputation of this family cider factory is well established and the numerous awards received at the Concours Général Agricole and at the Salon de l'Agriculture bear witness to this. Its organic range - sweet and raw ciders, rosé ciders, apple juice, Fine de Bretagne, cider vinegar - is gaining ground. The shop in Plestan offers the house production at reasonable prices. In addition, the tasting is free. On the shelves, you can also find cider-flavoured charcuterie, honey and other regional products. We also appreciate the friendly welcome.

This is a family business where life and apples are crunched to the max. Located in the Landes du Mené, the Barbé cider factory, which has won fourteen medals at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris since 1974 and many times at the "Terralies" in Saint-Brieuc, is one of the best ambassadors of the Breton region. First, there was Jean who, in 1921, started beekeeping and making chouchen. Then there was Paul, his son, who, in order to diversify his activity, turned to the production of a cider that he named "Le P'tit Fausset". "P'tit Fausset"? It is the name of the wooden peg placed on the front of the barrel. You know, the one that is removed to taste the good cider before putting the barrel in the bore. And then, here is Gilles. He is the one who now welcomes you to the family estate. When he took over from his father in 1989, he brought his own personal touch: the range of products was expanded to include apple juice and cider vinegar, while the conversion to organic farming was carried out. Today, the AB certification has made the reputation of the house. The apples are grown in the family's four-hectare orchard or come from the tall apple trees of nearby producers. The organic pure juice cider "Le P'tit Fausset" seduces by its bottle with mechanical porcelain cap, the cider vinegar by its sweet and fruity perfume... In short, it is here the rich and intense marriage of Breton flavours as we like to share them.

An orchard of 12 hectares, 7 000 apple trees and 14 varieties of apples. A biological conduct of production (Ecocert), from apple to cider. The Cider de le Baie welcomes you for a beautiful visit in three stages: first, the visit of the orchard and its ecosystem (depending on the seasons you will meet the chickadee and its nesting boxes, the bat and its reposoirs…), then that of the cider from the press to the cellar, then the long stage of the tasting. In the summer you can come and enjoy your family or groups (the room can accommodate 60 people) and enjoy delicious Breton pancakes accompanied by a bolée of cider or apple juice. The ideal opportunity to take forces before visiting the surroundings rich in sights and landscapes or on the return of the beach. A very nice and pleasant stop that breathes nature. It is frankly difficult not to succumb to temptation: raw cider, soft cider (regularly médaillés at the regional competition of cider in Brittany), apple apple cider, perry, cider jam, apple jelly… You will leave the arms loaded with greedy memories and sweets.

The Boäl wine cellars are located on 50 hectares in the Vallée Valley halfway between Rennes and Saint-Brieuc. Planted in 1987, composed of 1997 varieties of apples, they have been in organic farming since. Cider has sunk tanks since the first production in 2000. Today, this raw and half-dry farmer cider, certified AB and organic consistency, has been rewarded several times, especially during the general agricultural contest organized in the Agricultural Salon where Michel Bougault's cider has won gold (raw cider) and silver medal (half-dry cider). Trophies that come, each time, top the quality of the product and the know-how of this passionate producer and… mordu of apple! He will talk to you about his subtle connections if you are lucky enough to meet him. You will probably find it on the summer holidays and markets in the region or directly at home. Maybe it's better to call before. In any case, his cider is always in good place on the table of crepes and on the shelves of the organic stores.

Located in Saint-Quay-Perros, in Trégor, less than two kilometres from the beaches of the Pink granite coast between Lannion and Perros-Guirec, this family cider, created from every room in March 2000, is based on an orchard of 2,5 hectares planted with 100% varieties of cider apples, local and leads to organic farming. The transformation of apples combines tradition and new techniques to deliver organic products (without added sulphites) pure juice, with natural foam taking for cider and pure juice, always, for the preparation of vinegar and apple juice. Jean-Luc Kerroux, only on his operation, takes the lead from apple to glass, thereby ensuring the whole of marketing in direct sale. You'll laugh here with raw cider, half-dry and sweet farmers or apple juice, regularly rewarded in the regional competition of Brittany. From the orchard to the cellar, the visits are free, but it is advisable to call to advertise your arrival. Organizational question, quite simply.