Geology, landscape and the history of the Battle of Formigny give Aignerville different points of interest for a stay. Part of the village lies within the “Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin – Baie des Veys” Natura 2000 site; there is also a fossil-rich geological outcrop and historic lime kilns. Depending on whether you would rather focus on the landscape and the history of the Earth or on the village’s history, you will encounter different facets of the place.
Landscape and geographical setting
Aignerville belongs to a local area between the sea and wetlands that also includes Écrammeville, Formigny and Louvières. Two geographical scales therefore come together: Natura 2000 designation applies to part of Aignerville, while the description of the area between sea and wetlands situates it within the wider local landscape. This distinction helps you consider the village’s landscape setting alongside its individual historical themes.
Geology and historic structures
Aignerville’s small quarry contains lime kilns dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The natural Sinemurian outcrop in Aignerville is rich in fossils. These two features represent different areas of interest: the lime kilns are historic structures, while the outcrop draws attention to Earth’s history and fossils. If you are specifically looking for a geological feature, the outcrop is the precise point of interest; the kilns, by contrast, highlight the area’s architectural past.
The Battle of Formigny
The Colonne d’Aignerville was erected in 1834 at the site of the Battle of Formigny. Its inscription refers to the battle of 15 April 1450, during the reign of Charles VII. The two dates serve different purposes: 1450 dates the event, while 1834 marks the erection of the monument. The historical context also includes 14 pits between Formigny and Aignerville, where the bodies of soldiers killed in the battle were laid to rest. The historical connection thus extends beyond the Colonne to the area between the two villages.
Visiting times and access
The official 2025 programme listed a guided tour at Église Saint-Pierre, on Route des trois moulins, on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:30 pm. These times applied to that programme item and are not general opening hours. If you are planning a guided tour, check the dates for your visit in advance. The lime kilns can be accessed; please check local access conditions before visiting. For the church, the current tour schedule is what matters; for the lime kilns, check access on the day of your visit.
Getting there via the RN13
Aignerville shares its RN13 access points with Formigny. The RN13 is the main road link between Caen and Cherbourg. It also provides direct access to Saint-LĂ´.
Discover more destinations: Tracy-Bocage, Saint-Jean-De-Livet, Canchy, Mesnil-Clinchamps, Canapville, Saonnet, Basseneville, Grangues.
See the wider travel overview: Calvados.
