Eating my way through Normandy
- Martine Bertin-Peterson
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
If you really want to get to know France, skip the tour bus and head straight to the market. On a recent trip through Normandy, I followed my appetite from rustic oyster stalls to elegant Michelin-star dining rooms — and each plate told its own story. This post is a travel guide for anyone who loves food, with local gems and must-visit restaurants across this region.
Where to Eat in Normandy: Oysters, Cider, and Coastal Surprises.
Caen and Honfleur Markets
If you're near Caen, don’t miss the Caen Market (Marché Saint-Pierre) — it’s one of Normandy’s largest open-air markets, especially lively on Sundays. I grabbed a dozen oysters straight from a vendor at a stand in the market. Served with just lemon and a glass of cider, they were perfect. In Honfleur, the market is smaller but just as charming — expect oysters, cheeses, fresh-baked galettes, buckets of moules (mussels) and I bumped into the same oyster vendors.
If you’ve never been to Honfleur, picture a postcard harbor town with half-timbered buildings, fishing boats bobbing in the water, and some seriously good food.
Honfleur’s Best Restaurants
Honfleur surprised me with how much is going on food-wise - the town really shines: it punches way above its weight when it comes to modern French cuisine.
Le Lingot– A cozy bistro offering elegant, seasonal dishes with a modern twist. At dinner, the chef offers 3 prix fixe menus: 4 courses, 5 courses or 7 courses. We chose the 4 course option, but with the amuse bouche and other little treats, it felt like 6 courses! –
L’Endroit - Situated in an old loft with an open kitchen, the chef changes the menu according to what is fresh and seasonal. You can always count on interesting fish dishes. On this visit, I ordered the duo of duck breast and duck sausage in a green peppercorn sauce. If you really want to dine like a local, try a “trou normand” (literally a Norman hole) a pause between courses consisting of a glass of Calvados or Calvados -soaked apple sorbet.
L’Huitre Brûlée –This small bistro is one of the most creative places I’ve eaten in Normandy. The menu is small and vegetarian friendly. On this visit, I opted for a lighter dinner and chose the smoked carrots with a feta cream, cumin scented sables (a type of savory cookie) in an orange reduction sauce. I couldn’t resist the roasted apricot with honey and apricot sorbet for dessert.
Le Gambetta – A few steps from the Old Port, this restaurant offers cozy indoor dining and outdoor tables for fine weather. My dinner choices, selected for the daily “menu” included oysters as a starter, prawns in a garlicky sauce as a main dish and a platter of cheese for dessert.
Travel Tip: Honfleur is a great base for food lovers. Stay in the old port area so you can walk to dinner — parking is tricky but once you're there, it’s totally walkable.
Martine Bertin-Peterson
Gout et Voyage, LLC
