Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France

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Calvados is a department located in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. The name Calvados was chosen for the department after a group of rocks off its coast, and it was part of the former province of Normandy. The department's name is thought to be derived from "calva dorsa," referring to the bare backs of two rocks off its shore.

Geographically, Calvados is bordered by the departments of Seine-Maritime, Eure, Orne, and Manche, with the Baie de la Seine to the north. It includes diverse areas like the Bessin, the Pays d'Auge, and the "Suisse normande" (Norman Switzerland). Notable places in Calvados include Deauville and the elegant 19th-century casino resorts along the coast.

The economy of Calvados is primarily agricultural, known for producing butter, cheese, cider, and the apple spirit Calvados, which is named after the area. Politically, the department is governed by the President of the Departmental Council, with Jean-Léonce Dupont from the New Centre party holding the position.

Calvados played a significant role in history, especially during World War II, as the Allied forces landed on the beaches of the Bay of the Seine on June 6, 1944, in the Battle of Normandy. The department is also known for its cultural heritage, including the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux, the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer, and various festivals in cities like Deauville and Caen.

Tourism is a major aspect of Calvados, attracting visitors to its seaside resorts, luxurious hotels, casinos, and historical sites related to William the Conqueror and the D-Day beaches. The department is also known for its culinary specialties like cider, calvados, camembert, and Pont-l'Évêque cheeses.