Festival of Apple, Cider and Cheese of Conches-en-Ouche

An iconic festival of Norman terroir

The Festival of Apple, Cider and Cheese of Conches-en-Ouche is one of the major gastronomic events in the Eure department. Organized every year on the last Sunday of October, it brings together several thousand visitors to celebrate the emblematic products of Normandy: apples in all their forms, artisanal cider, and local cheeses.

A market of exceptional producers and artisans

The heart of the festival is a large market bringing together over 100 exhibitors: cider, calvados, and perry producers, Norman cheesemakers (camembert, livarot, pont-l'évêque, neufchâtel), bakers, pastry chefs, jam makers, and local artisans. Visitors can taste and buy directly from local producers, discovering the richness and diversity of Normandy's gastronomic heritage.

Living know-how and traditions

Throughout the day, demonstrations of traditional know-how liven up the festival: century-old presses are operated to press apples the old-fashioned way, a traditional bread oven produces golden brioches and apple turnovers before the visitors' eyes. Artisans showcase their mastery of ancestral cider and cheese-making techniques.

The regional competitions for cider, honey, and gingerbread are a highlight of the event, pitting the best producers in the region against each other. Folk groups in traditional Norman costumes parade through the streets, accompanied by musicians playing local tunes.

Activities for the whole family

The festival also offers many family activities: traditional Norman games, farm animal exhibition, carriage rides, apple pressing workshops for children. A catering area allows visitors to enjoy a full meal of Norman flavors, washed down with farm cider. The friendly and warm atmosphere makes this event a unique moment of sharing between producers, artisans, and visitors.

An exceptional terroir in Pays d'Ouche

Conches-en-Ouche, a charming medieval town in Pays d'Ouche, offers an ideal setting for this celebration of the terroir. Its remarkable architectural heritage — Sainte-Foy church with its exceptional stained glass windows, medieval keep, half-timbered houses — blends harmoniously with the effervescence of the festival. Admission is free, making this event accessible to all audiences.