Isigny-sur-Mer is a village of Calvados department, in Normandy region. It is located in the bay of Veys, at the junction of Aure and Vire rivers. Isigny is equidistant from Cherbourg and Caen, the two major cities of the region. Isigny is famous for the quality of its local products, and its location in the historical site of the D-day beaches.
Access
By car, Isigny can be reached from Paris within 3 hours via the motorway and the speedway.
History
Isigny could come from the words “Isis” and “Ignis” which means the « Fire of Isis » ; the goddess was worshipped in the area. Another hypothesis states that Isigny would be the place where Ys, the mythical city, was immersed by the Vire, Aure, Douve and Taute rivers. A thousand years ago, Guillaume le Conquérant (William the Conquerer) crossed the Bay of Veys to avoid Isigny then controlled by Grimoult. Guillaume defeated Grimoult, seized his land and property which he gave to his comrade, Hugues Suhart.
Activities
The traveller can discover the city hall which is located in an 18th century castle and visit places of interest such as the dairy cooperative Isigny Sainte Mère, the Caramel factory, the oysters parks or the D-Day beaches.
Isigny sur Mer offers numerous activities related to the sea (kayaking, sailing…) but also horse riding, hiking or fishing at the lakes of Petit Feu.
The market takes place every Wednesday morning. The town also organises Normandy-Day every 6 June with a giant outdoor meal, concerts and outdoor movie screening, and a fair every third week end of June with exhibitions, shows and concerts.
Food and Drink
Isigny is famous for its dairy products since the 16th century. The cooperative Isigny Sainte Mère produces butter and cream (labelled AOC which testifies to its origin and quality), and cheese such as Mimolette, Pont l’Evêque, Camembert or Trésor d’Isigny.
Caramels d’Isigny was created in 1994 and produces about 300 tons of caramels a year. The factory uses traditional methods and local products.
Finally, oysters are an important part of the local products in Isigny. The oysters in the Bay of Veys benefit at all time from the 4 rivers that flow across the Normandy hedged farmland. It was granted the label “Huitre special d’Isigny”.
Restaurants
- LA FLAMBEE, cuisine normande. 2 rue Emile Demagny, 14230, Isigny sur Mer. Tel : 02.31.51.70.96
- LA P’TITE NORMANDE, crêperie. 74 rue du Docteur Boutrois, 14230, Isigny sur Mer. Tel : 02.31.92.78.25
Sextant properties will be able to put you in touch with a local bi-lingual estate agent who will know the area well and is aware of all the properties that will fit your particular requirements, budget and area whether a courtyard house in Normandy, a smart town house in Isigny sur Mer itself or a sea view apartment overlooking La Manche and the beach.