Normandy Food Photos

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

The pungent Livarot is considered one of the great cheeses of Normandy; it is nicknamed "colonel" as the bands of raffia evoke a colonel's uniform.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

Honfleur's L'Auberge de Vieux Clocher restaurant is known for local mussels and seafood dishes.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

A family enjoys a birthday dinner at Rouen's upscale Les Nymphéas, known for its pressed duck, a Norman specialty.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

The beloved pâtisserie Charlotte Corday in Trouville-sur-Mer names its pastries after regular patrons; the "Montebello" is made of pistachio dessert cake, pistachio cream, and raspberries.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

In the tiny hamlet of St. Philbert-les-Champs, Igor Rosen leads a horse through the farm of cheesemaker Jérôme Spruytte, famous for his Pont-l'Évêque.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

A farmer holds multi-colored eggs from free-range chickens at the Saturday market in Lisieux.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

"The oysters at Le Chasse Marée restaurant in St. Vaaste-la-Hougue were amazing: delicious, briny and super-fresh," says photographer Catherine Karnow.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

At Trouville's daily fish market, David le Brun arranges crabs while setting up his stand for the day. "The abundance of fresh seafood was extraordinary: from lobsters to shrimp to many kinds of fish," says photographer Catherine Karnow.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

"My favorite experience in Normandy was an evening at Le Central in Trouville," says photographer Catherine Karnow. "It is the perfect French brasserie: timeless, warm, lively, with those classic French dishes like sole meunière, mussels, floating islands. Every night feels like a celebration."

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

A group of friends celebrates joint birthdays at Le Central. The restaurant is famous for its fruits de mer platter: langoustines, crab, shrimp, razor clams, and other local seafood delicacies.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

At Le Lieu Chéri, producers of cider and Calvados, trees bulge with apples just before harvest. "This farm is also a bed and breakfast," says photographer Catherine Karnow. "How wonderful it is to be able to wake up to see the apple-filled orchards."

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

Bottles of aged Calvados grace the bar at Château Les Bruyères, in Cambremer.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

The strategic harbor of Honfleur dates as early as the 11th century, and later became a mecca for the artists in the 19th century. It retains its charm despite being a beacon to tourists.

For more, read "A Normandy Invasion" from the March 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler.