The Town

Life at Isigny sur mer and its surrounding area

Located at the mouth of the bay des Veys, the confluence of the Aure and of the Vire, Isigny sur mer, chief canton town of the dynamic department of Calvados, is within equal distance of the two large regional cities which are Caen and Cherbourg.
Connected by motorway and express railway, Paris is only three hours drive away.
Recognized internationally for the quality of its gastronomical products, its privileged geographical position at the heart of the D-Day beaches, allows the visitor to combine tourism and gourmet pleasure.

The richness of its inheritance

In the region of Isigny the economy related to farming and fishing shows the influence of man on his environment.
Isigny initially owes the quality of its produce to a generous Mother nature, with its rich and moist soil, as well as to its mild climate.
A variety of specialities await you here!

At Isigny sur mer, A.O.C (label of origin and quality) products are legion:
the Co-operative Isigny-Ste mère , (the French dairy company which has received the most medals of any in France) will help you appreciate its products, which are simply the best: (4 A.O.C. and 3 red labels).
Butter, Crème, Camembert moulded with the ladle, Pont-l'Evêque cheese, Mimolette, are the most famous examples.

The famous Isigny toffees and fudges (caramels)

Made in the purest tradition,the famous caramels of Isigny, loved by old and young alike are proof of our know-how.

Oysters, cider and other sea food

-At the town gates, in the enchanting surroundings of the Regional Park of the Marshlands of Cotentin and Bessin, traditional cider production lives on. Here one can taste cider, pommeau and A.O.C., Calvados (apple-brandy) while visiting cellars and orchards.
- the visit of the oyster beds, will let you experience the roughness of the sailors, whilst at the same time, their kindness, and especially their pleasure to communicate the passion of their trade.
But Isigny is also a kalaidescope of small shops, enclosed between The Church St George (11th century original building), the Castle of the Lords of Bricqueville, current town hall, and the port.
Formerly a fishing and commercial port, Isigny sur mer was only a short time ago an important commercial centre.
Its flotilla of fishing boats called '' Picoteux '' brought back cockles and mussels caught in the bay.
Nowadays, the fishermen’s houses in '’Hogues'' have kept all their authenticity and it would be surprising, while you are there walking, if you do not meet a former fisherman, very happy to relive past times with you.
Hotels, restaurants, guest houses, a four star camp-site and leisure parks, add to the attractions of our town.
But in the Bessin there are also the pleasures of the beach and of all forms of hiking and trekking.
You will also be able to discover the fauna and the flora of the Regional Natural Park of the Marshlands of Cotentin and Bessin by river-boat, all in a picturesque setting.
Our hostesses at the tourist Office will be able to help you organize your stay.

William the Conqueror

History has left an enduring stamp on Isigny and the surrounding area:
There is William the Conqueror, with his comrade in arms Hugues Suhart, Lord of Isigny, but especially ancestor of all the Disney families throughout the world, and of course Walt Disney. Then there are traces of religious wars and more recently the allied D-Day landings of June 1944. You can visit many museums, castles, commemorative sites and places of memory.