The “Haute Tiges” traditional pear orchards are unique in Europe
The locals have a saying “100 years to grow, 100 years to produce and 100 years to die”. Its origins are not some long-lost legend, but a reality that takes shape with every turn of the lane : the branches of these pear trees have covered the countryside for generations.
The Domfront area is home to orchards that are unique in Europe, with more than 100,000 pear trees, close to 100 varieties, and an average annual production of 25,000 tonnes of pears that will go to produce pear cider. Some trees are able to produce up to 1 tonne of fruit!
Did you know?
In the 11th century, pear trees were already present in Normandy when cider-making apples arrived from north-west Spain.