Matteo Dell’Orto was born forty years ago between Milan and Como. He lived in Italy for twenty years before setting out to explore the rest of the world on his travels and life experiences. London (where he met his wife), Madrid, Southern France then Paris in 2006, where he worked as sales director for an independent hotel group. He left the capital in 2017 and moved to Caen. He stayed in his job to commute between Paris, Normandy and Europe. Let’s find out more from a joyful Italian conquered by proximity.
Rush hour without the rush
Why Matteo Dell’Orto chose the Normandy lifestyle for a better life
“My wife comes from Normandy, but that’s only one bit of the story! We feel at home here. It’s close to Paris without being a gloomy suburb. Plus it’s near the sea, which I adore. Then Caen is the perfect-sized city for us.”
My first surprise
“I wasn’t used to such green scenery. The very first time I visited, about fifteen years ago when I could barely speak French, I was struck by how green the landscapes and countryside are and how close to the sea it is. It’s so different to the Mediterranean which I know so well.”
The best bit
“Easy, for me it’s the quality of life. We have access to every kind of service, the roads are in good condition and Caen is a walkable city. Basically, it has everything you need and is a great place to live.”
Let’s break down stereotypes
“I was pleasantly surprised by the climate: unlike what most French people say, it doesn’t rain non-stop in Normandy! To compare, Paris is often grey and cloudy. There’s a lot of light in Caen and the Normandy coast. The weather may be very changeable, but you don’t get endless days of rain. Another surprise… 9 out of 10 people in France think that scallops come from Brittany: they don’t! Lots of them are caught around Port-en-Bessin actually.”
The little niggle
“I’ve been hybrid working for 4 years, three days a week at home and two days in Paris, which means I’ve done a lot of commuting. Transport can be challenging and train services can be delayed.”
Key differences with Paris
“I called Paris home for 10 years so it’s a bit mean, but you just can’t compare. I don’t miss a thing: the crowds, dirt, noise, mess, traffic jams… I love the city but just for a weekend. Everything’s more complicated… It takes at least an hour to go and visit a friend 10km away. 10km takes 10 minutes in Normandy! You can’t compare in terms of rental costs either. You can have a nice outdoor space in Caen but there’s no chance in Paris.
People often say that there are more cultural things to do in Paris, which there are, but it’s nicer to go there for a weekend: I definitely prefer rush hour without the rush! In terms of sport such as running, tennis, swimming, you have to queue, plan ahead and book your spot in Paris. On the other hand, it’s easier in Normandy and you can do it more or less when you like.
Hidden gems and favourite haunts
“Normandy is famous for cider and cheese but not oysters and scallops – it’s a shame! Me and my wife love hiking. Sometimes we walk from Ouistreham to Grandcamp-Maisy along the GR footpath. Pays d’Auge is one of our favourites. We also love the AOC/AOP Festival in Cambremer… the perfect event if you like local produce. It’s a real treasure trove! The Manche area is also a pleasant surprise: 1 hr 10 from Caen, the variety of landscapes is extraordinary, with unexpected and unbelievable places like Hague or the little coves near Gouville-sur-Mer. Apparently there’s a lot of lobster there, but we haven’t had the chance to try yet.”
Become a Normandy ambassador abroad
At heart, by adoption, by birth… You’re from Normandy.
More than anything else, you love Normandy: its diversity, its lifestyle, its dynamism.
The network of ambassadors brings together all those who, like you, share the values, the spirit and the desire to bring the region to life.
Together, let’s make Normandy shine.
