It is not uncommon for the sky to be reflected in the Calvadosian meadows in recent weeks.
Many fields have taken on water, in the wake of frequent and heavy rains.
Like Pont-L'Évêque, Monday February 26, some municipalities even ended up with their feet in the water, without major damage.
“People here are tired of the rain.
But the tourists say that it’s the Norman cliché,” smiles a baker from Port-en-Bessin.
While Calvados had enjoyed beautiful seasons, without the inconvenience of the torrid heatwaves of the South, it is returned to its image of Epinal.
The summer had been largely gloomy.
The rest is faithful to seasonal norms.
These February holidays are essentially punctuated by cold, wind (a few stormy days) and rain, therefore.
“It reinforces the idea that here, the climate is less hot than elsewhere,” quips Karl Joly, the director of Calvados attractiveness.
The body does not panic in the face of these humid months: “We are in the depths of the season.
We are aiming for April.
» “People don't mind that,” assures Aurélie Patin, director of the departmental branch of Gîtes de France.
We did not have any cancellations due to bad weather.
»
Also read: Heavy rain, snow, mud… in Calvados, horse pensions took on water this winter
Customer reviews do mention rain but in this season, of course, expectations were not huge.
The last week of February also presented a good record of 38% occupancy of the lodges.
The territory has not forgotten its propensity to be wet.
“In the newsletters to customers, we highlight more cocooning places, accommodation with warm comfort,” says Aurélie Patin.
On its networks, the Caen-la-Mer agglomeration has drawn up its good tips for keeping busy when it rains.
“Normandy, due to its experience with rain
(laughs),
is well equipped with indoor activities,” confirms Karl Joly.
The good side: “the water tables are replenished”
For these observers, this very wet season can even be taken as an opportunity.
The director of Calvados attractiveness recalls the water restrictions in the department in recent summers.
“Tourism has had the image of an activity reinforcing water issues.
There, the water tables replenish.
If it can take a thorn off our side for the high season…”
This water also provides guarantees for summer activities such as canoeing.
Because all eyes are already on a summer 2024 with a sensational program, around the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
“The week of June 6 is already full in the commemoration sectors,” says Aurélie Patin of Gîtes de France.
We expect a good season from spring,” disconnected from the weather vector.
The Olympics and the sand yachting worlds will also be responsible for showering Calvados with… tourists.
But the return of the sun would beautify the picture and offer it a sparkling showcase well beyond its borders.