Yohan Laurent comes from Caen but now lives in Amsterdam.
I never doubted that I would learn more about Normandy once I left home
Let me introduce myself…
I was born in Caen and grew up in the Orne countryside near Argentan. It was hard to get bored despite living in a remote place. I’ve always cycled around the region on the lookout for the local flora and fauna. I’ve scaled Normandy’s peaks with the climbing club, explored the Orne’s twists and turns by kayak and even tried a few martial arts. I took music classes at the conservatory to pad out my days too. “La Saison Culturelle” gave us lots of evening entertainment in the form of concerts, films, conferences and plays. I got my first taste of dynamic and vibrant Caen when I was 17. The people living in Caen come from all walks of life and broadened my horizons during my 5-year pharmacy course. After 22 years living in Normandy, it was time for me to spread my wings. I travelled for 4 years before settling down in Amsterdam. The Netherlands and Normandy have a long-standing bond. They’ve got a similar interest in cheese, the sea, nature and protecting the environment. Amsterdam is a European crossroads where the locals love adventure, storytelling and good produce. So I chose the city to set up my company, Storytaster, distributing artisan, traditional and sustainable drinks.
The business is fuelled by my passion for nature, people and great stories.
Yohan Laurent and Normandy
I never doubted that I would learn more about Normandy once I left home. I wanted to put Normandy centre stage by bringing people products from our land. I reconnected with my roots when I got talking to our passionate producers. I always lovingly spoke about Normandy, but now I can tell people about where the apples and pears come from, share the complex flavours of cider, perry, pommeau and Calvados. I was amazed to find I have so much still to learn about Normandy. I’ve never been so proud to be Norman.
My role as an ambassador
I hope to bring a piece of Normandy with me and share it with other expat Normans. I tell people the stories behind apple-based drinks during my tastings to take them on a journey into our land. The idea is to protect our legacy and connect Normandy to other countries and new generations. Being an ambassador is the perfect fit. I’m an enthusiastic champion of my new vision of Normandy and want to protect its biodiversity and traditions. I set the scene during my sessions and hope to inspire far more people to come and (re)visit the land.
I’ve never been so proud to be Norman.
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.
