Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Normandy

Twelve varieties of apples are used in the production of Monique and Dominique Leroux's cider. Sweet, bitter and sour, which have matured without any pesticides, in a magnificent orchard where you will probably encounter geese. Bottling is done in the cellar, and labelling is done by hand. But this couple of apple lovers (and the electric train!) doesn't only make cider: they also make vinegar. And if you want to taste their production, nothing beats a short guided tour. You will leave with bottles whose manufacturing secret you will then know.

Listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments, here is a fabulous steam engine, presented at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, bought in 1906 by Georges Leroy. Symbol of the industrial revolution of the 19th century in Livarot, this lovingly preserved treasure is freely presented to the public. Indeed, don't leave the town without admiring this authentic steam engine which was used to produce electricity in the Leroy factory, a former flax spinning mill, reconverted in 1901 to make cheese boxes. One of the largest local industrial and labour institutions. Local entrepreneur Georges Leroy (1860-1936) is credited with the invention of small poplar boxes, nailed and stapled, to replace simple wax paper. The Leroy factory operated until 1988. It consisted of a sawmill and workshops, including one for making cheese boxes. Two buildings have been rehabilitated: the wood chip dryer, used to make the boxes, was converted into a health centre in 2015, and the boiler room was converted into a media library in 2016. "A fourth life is beginning for this place, which has gone from being a wheat mill to a flax mill and then to a cheese box factory," local historians point out. Really, don't miss these symbolic and historical places. To do so, go to the Media Library to get the keys (in exchange for an identity card).