Calvados offers all the sensual pleasures of Normandy life. Sea breezes, golden sand between your toes, scented orchards and wonderful cooking. Also imbued in its spirit of place is the sense of true grit - in the reminders of history ancient and recent, of sometimes world-shaking events.

Above all, there is the Calvados welcome, as heart-warming as its delicious apple brandy. A spirit - and a place - to be shared and savoured.

Fun on the Flower Coast
Pick the chic of Deauville or the charms of family resorts like Trouville sur Mer and Houlgate and you can't go wrong. The dunes, cliffs and golden beaches of La Côte Fleurie are a reviver any time of the year - in winter for bracing walks, in summer for sun, sea and sandcastle-building. From Villerville to Cabourg, it's a smile a mile. The old port of Honfleur on the Seine estuary, with its timber -and slate-faced houses- is the most picturesque harbour in France.

Drama of the western beaches
Where once the spearhead of Anglo-French commandos landed in the early hours of D-Day 1944, today's armies of beach-lovers revel in the soft blond sands that stretch along the Côte de Nacre and the Bessin. Bright parasols shade café tables at a string of pretty resorts, and there are many fascinating and moving reminders of the Normandy Landings to explore. Must sees: the charming city of Bayeux and the town of Caen, William the Conqueror's castle and twin Romanesque abbeys. Le Mémorial de Caen, whose unique perspective on war and peace in the 20th century makes a visit here an unforgettable experience.

The charms of cider country
The Pays d'Auge has an idyllic, fairy-tale quality, filled as it is with undulating green hills and apple orchards, fluffy brown-and-white cows and whimsical timbered farmhouses. This is where not only cider is made but also some of France's most famous cheeses and the fiery apple brandy that carries the name of Calvados around the world.

Discoveries in the deep south
The term Normandy's 'Switzerland' (Suisse-Normande) is proof of the Norman sense of humour, for its giddy heights are unlikely to cause vertigo. Even so, this is lovely unspoiled terrain with wooded hills, broad pastures, snaking rivers and airy ridges. Take the Route des Crêtes and stand on the Roche d'Oêtre for exhilarating views of the lush surrounding landscape.

The peace of the Bocage
In the south-west of Calvados, in the Bocage and Pré-Bocage, lies an intensely rural patch of countryside where time ceases to matter. Here are woods and meadows, meandering rivers and less-trodden pathways - sheer heaven for ramblers on foot or bicycle, or anyone who loves to happen upon intriguing curiosities tucked away in sleepy villages.

Ready for action?
Or inaction! Whether you've got energy to burn or just want to chill out, Calvados offers exceptional opportunities for sport and relaxation. With big lakes like La Dathée and rivers running in all directions, there's water to play in everywhere, and our lovely countryside affords infinite possibilities for outdoorsy types to enjoy getting close to nature.

Entertainment unlimited
Hardly a week goes by in summer when there isn't something happening to pull a crowd in Calvados. Wherever you are, check out the programme of sporting and cultural events at the local tourist office. In autumn, winter and spring too, there are food fairs, art festivals, concerts and exhibitions.

Normandy flavours
You only have to look at the scenery to guess the ingredients and variety of Calvados cooking. Rolling acres of farmland. Dairy cows munching lush grass in apple orchards. The sea, and a plethora of rivers. Result? Creamy sauces often laced with cider or calvados, the freshest fish and shellfish prepared with skill and imagination, superb cheeses and delectable apple desserts. Here you'll enjoy one of the most delicious cuisines of France.

Or visit www.calvados-tourisme.com the official Calvados Tourist Board website for more information. You can contact the Calvados Tourist Board as per the details below:

CALVADOS TOURIST BOARD 8 Rue Renoir 14054 Caen Cedex 4 Phone: +332 31 27 90 30 Fax: +332 31 27 90 35 E-mail: cdt@cg14.fr