Val de Rance

Val de Rance – pure Brittany, since 1953

Some cooperatives arise out of economic necessity, others from a genuine sense of community. Val de Rance belongs to the latter category. In 1953, twelve apple growers from the Rance Valley joined forces to pool their production and distribution resources and produce cider together under the name Les Celliers Associés . Their operation was established on a five-hectare site directly on the banks of the Rance River, not far from the small town of Pleudihen-sur-Rance in the Côtes-d'Armor department. From this humble founding idea, one of France's most important cider producers has emerged – with products sold in over 70 countries and a reputation that extends far beyond Brittany.

Values ​​that carry weight

The cooperative model at Val de Rance is more than just a label. Democracy, transparency, fairness, responsibility, and solidarity are the declared core values ​​according to which the producer members elect their joint board of twelve and make their decisions. Every apple grower belonging to the cooperative bears responsibility – for their orchards, for the quality of their fruit, and for the final product in the jar.

One example of this commitment: Members consistently employ agroecological techniques such as planting hedges, sheep grazing for natural weed control, and providing nesting aids for insectivorous birds. Old Breton apple varieties are consciously preserved, and biodiversity is actively promoted. In July 2020, Les Celliers Associés became the first producers' association in the French cider sector to be awarded the "Haute Valeur Environnementale" (HVE) certificate – an accolade that demonstrates the alignment of conviction and practice.

The man behind the recipes

Maître de Chai Alain Le Page is the artisanal heart and soul of Val de Rance. He meticulously selects the apple varieties for each cuvée, oversees every step of production from the initial pressing to bottling, and intervenes until the flavor balance is perfect. Every recipe bears his signature – and you can taste it. All ciders are made with over 99% pure apple juice , without any additives or preservatives. Authenticity here isn't just a marketing slogan, it's the standard of production.

Region and terroir: The Rance Valley

The Rance River stretches for over 100 km from Dinan to Saint-Malo, traversing a landscape that has always been particularly well-suited to growing cider apples. The mild, humid Atlantic climate, the deep soils, and the long tradition of apple cultivation in the Côtes d'Armor form the basis for fruit with character. Varieties used, such as Marie Ménard (bitter, rich in polyphenols, citrus aromas), Douce Moen (bittersweet, ripe pear aromas), and Bedan (very sweet, spicy clove notes), demonstrate the diversity of the range of old Breton apple varieties. This diversity is the true raw material – and Val de Rance makes careful use of it.

Awards

Val de Rance is the most awarded cider producer at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris – France's most prestigious quality competition for food and beverages. Most recently, their Cidre de Bretagne Brut Bio was awarded a bronze medal at the 2023 Concours Général Agricole . This consistent history of awards is no accident, but the result of decades of meticulous craftsmanship.

The ciders: style and range

Val de Rance covers the entire spectrum of Breton cider – from the dry, characterful Brut to the smooth, barely alcoholic Doux:

• Brut Cider: Created from a complex blend of sweet, bittersweet, and sour cider apples. Intensely golden in color, at 6% ABV the strongest in the range – for those who like cider without compromise.
• Cidre Doux: Made with a dominant blend of 100% Breton sweet apples, only 2% alcohol by volume – fruity, mild, ideal as an aperitif or with desserts.
• Cider and Pear (semi-dry): An elegant blend of 87% apple cider (Avrolles, Guillevic, Rouge de Dol) and 13% pear cider , at 2.5% alcohol by volume – fresh and light.

The line is complemented by a rosé cider made from red-fleshed apples, as well as organically produced varieties, which Alain Le Page has developed with particular care in selecting the apple varieties. It's no wonder that Val de Rance is now the most frequently found cider brand in French crêperies.

Val de Rance at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find 11 products from Val de Rance, including the classics Cidre Brut, Cidre Doux, and Cidre et Poire (off-dry), as well as Cidre Rosé (off-dry), Cidre Bioique (off-dry), and Perle de Cidre Brut. Prices range from €2.95 to €8.99 – Brittany quality at fair prices.