Counting sheep in Normandy

As in Germany, old regional breeds are being rediscovered in Normandy. The reason: these animals are hardy and stand up to the changeable weather of the rough north-western climate. Breeding old regional varieties is a way of preserving cultural heritage. In the Manche there are three breeds.

The Cotentin sheep

The name is a little misleading: its cradle stood in the Coutançais, the historic diocese of Coutances. Over time the word Coustançais became Costentin and finally Cotentin – which today denotes the northern peninsula of the Manche département and no longer even includes the town of Coutances.

These sheep come from the bocage, the hedgerow country. They need trees and hedges to protect the pink skin of their heads from sunburn. Traditionally they are kept in small groups of 10 to 30 animals, often together with horses. The population is estimated at 2,000. The barely haired pink head is characteristic; at 90 to 100 kilograms (ewes) and 100 to 140 kilograms (rams) they are real heavyweights.

The Avranchin sheep

The Avranchin is the first recognised sheep breed of the Manche. Since the 18th century gourmets have praised the quality of its meat, and the fineness of its wool was highlighted as early as 1764. Before the war it was the most widespread breed in the region; in 1960 it was only just saved from extinction. Since 2015 it has been classed as an endangered domestic breed – there are only about 2,000 ewes.

As an old grassland breed it is now often found on the salt meadows, since it can live outdoors all year. Its temperament is gentle and the ewes look after their lambs with particular care. They do not like being housed.

The Roussin de la Hague

The Roussin is not really an old breed: it emerged around 1920 from crossing local sheep in the dunes of Biville and Vauville with the English Dishley and Southdown breeds. It was only officially recognised in 1982.

The Roussin is extremely hardy and perfectly adapted to the harsh climate in the north of the Cotentin. On the salt meadows the lambs mature into the famous agneaux de prés-salés. The breed is recognisable by its brown head and alert expression.

Seeing the sheep and buying sheep products

• Ferme de la Petite Lande, 50310 Ecausseville – organic farm with Avranchin meat, telephone +33 6 99 65 60 41
• Laines à l’Ouest – wool from Norman breeds, small shop in Lessay, 6 rue de la Sainte-Croix, Wednesdays 3 pm to 6.30 pm
• Jambon de Lessay – merguez from salt-marsh lamb, Espace Fernand Finel, Lessay
• Foire aux Moutons at Jobourg – the first Saturday in August, with sheepdog and shearing demonstrations
• Ferme-Musée du Cotentin, Sainte-Mère-Église – keeps Roussin sheep, dogs on a lead permitted