Ussy brings together prehistoric menhirs, a 14th-century parish church and a nursery tradition dating back to the 18th century. There is also an arboretum in the village centre and the Les Pépinières walking trail. This offers a range of themes to explore during a stay: stone monuments, church architecture, tree species and a landscape shaped by human activity. You can focus on what interests you rather than treating the different places as a single experience.
Two menhirs, two locations
In the hamlet of Le Pot stands La Pierre du Pot, a Neolithic menhir. Another menhir, the Pierre de la Hoberie, stands in La Braulette. Both have been classified as historic monuments since 26 October 1945 and are privately owned. If you plan to visit the stones, please check in advance whether access is possible. The place names help distinguish the two sites. For La Pierre du Pot, “Neolithic” refers to the menhir’s date of origin; 1945, by contrast, marks its classification as a historic monument. These dates answer different questions and should not be confused.
Saint-Martin: 14th-century church
The parish church of Saint-Martin offers a different historical perspective. It dates from the 14th century and was restored in the last quarter of the 19th century. The restoration was carried out by architects Pelfresne and Lamotte. The history of the village therefore encompasses both prehistoric stone monuments and a medieval church, whose building history was extended by a later intervention. Those interested in architecture can consider the church as a separate part of the picture alongside the menhirs, without equating their respective periods.
Arboretum and nursery tradition
The arboretum was established in the village centre in 1987. Its collection comprises nearly 80 tree species, planted by nursery owners from Ussy and the surrounding area. Visitors can discover tree species from the United States and around the world. The arboretum thus offers a different way to explore local history: the focus is on a collection of trees and the work of the people who planted them.
Nursery activity in Ussy has continued since the 18th century, while cultivation methods have evolved. This long continuity and the more recent establishment of the arboretum are two distinct aspects: the local tradition predates the arboretum itself. Travellers interested in horticulture or plant diversity can thus connect the development of an activity with a specific collection in the village centre.
Les Pépinières and the landscape
Les Pépinières is a walking trail in Ussy. Its landscape diversity has been strongly shaped by human activity. This influence is central to understanding the trail: it represents not just nature, but a diversity shaped by human activity. In this way, it complements the focus on individual monuments with a landscape perspective. Check the current trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.
Discover more destinations: Ouffières, Clinchamps-Sur-Orne, Eraines, Litteau, Saint-Germain-De-Livet, Lessard-Et-Le-Chêne, Vienne-En-Bessin, Bénouville
For the overview of the wider area: Calvados.
