Cigar Heaven in Normandy (FR)

Le Cyrano

I don’t know if this applies to everyone but I feel like the older I get the more prepared I want to be when traveling. Some will say they prefer the spontaneity or the adventurous feeling of traveling with no set plans or “go to” places. But I disagree, especially when it comes to food, wine and CIGARS!

I will be posting a two part article in the next few weeks presenting to you some of these rare finds that I have made in my latest travels. I hope that if you ever travel to one of these destinations you will have a chance or moment to swing by these shops to say hi and indulge in their nice selections of cigars, accessories, etc…Enjoy the read!

In my first post, I will introduce you a family operated tobacco shop/brasserie restaurant/coffee shop named Le Cyrano. Located in Deauville, a small coastal town of Normandy just about a two hour drive from Paris. Mostly known because of the horse race business (a multitude of the Frances best stud farms are located in that area) or for the oh so delicious sea food platters, Deauville is now on the cigar aficionado’s radar.

On my recent trip in Normandy, I had a chance to swing by the shop and purchase a few beauties. I also took a few minutes with Laurent to learn more on his passion and Le Cyrano history.

Here is what came out of our little meeting…Enjoy the read!

A brief run down of his back ground and where Le Cyrano comes from.

Laurent and his wife have been tobacconists for twenty years and when they decided to move to Deauville they made the purchase of Le Cyrano. They have now been operating Le Cyrano for the past 14 years. At the moment of taking over the business, the establishment already has a little humidor with a small cigar selection. Seeing the potential to develop, Laurent and his wife start initiating themselves to the world of cigars.

They become members of cigar clubs, start reading and studying all of the information they can get their hands on leading them to their first visit to Cuba. During that trip, Laurent goes through his first experience of smoking a cigar and the love affair begins. Struck by the ambiance and the setting of Cuba, his wife and himself quickly develop a passion for cigars. As soon as they return, they make it their goal to develop the cigar market in Deauville and build a clientele of passionate smokers.

In 2014, feeling the need to freshen things up they renovate the whole space of their restaurant/tobacco shop and decide to install a walk in humidor. Soon enough all of these efforts pay off and Le Cyrano becomes a staple in the region and people come from all over to purchase some fine Cuban cigars. What makes a difference in their case, the passion, Laurent and his wife over flow of it and it shows on how things are kept and from the service they give.

Top 3 Cigars on a desert island.

Laurent mentioned he would bring a petit robusto from Hoyo de Monterrey, a Trinidad Vigia and of course any sized Behike from Cohiba. But he would still be unhappy because who would just want to have three cigars on a desert island!

His most memorable moment involving cigars?

Meeting the master Torcedores who designed the emblematic Cohiba Siglo VI. That was during his second visit to Cuba at the El Laguito factory.

So if ever you are in the area try to stop by their shop…You won’t be disappointed. Truly a passionate operated business by genuine people that will take great care of you and suggest you what they think is best!