Les Fours de La Veurière

Les Fours de La Veurière is privately owned but accessible to the public. It is open to groups by reservation all year round. For individual visitors, guided tours are available. The entry price is 5 euros per adult, and children under 18 years old can enter for free. It's recommended to contact the owners directly for booking and specific tour times.

Yes, guided tours and educational tours are available, providing in-depth information about the kilns' operation and history. You can book a guided tour by contacting the owners directly at 06 72 92 20 631. The site is also open to groups by reservation throughout the year.

Yes, Les Fours de La Veurière is considered a family-friendly activity, with free admission for children under 18. The site offers an engaging historical experience. Regarding dogs, while the site is privately owned, it's advisable to contact the owners directly to confirm their policy on pets before your visit.

A visit to Les Fours de La Veurière, especially with a guided tour, can typically last between 1 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to explore the impressive kilns, learn about the lime production process, and appreciate the surrounding historical and natural features, including the adjacent quarry and nearby trails.

Beyond the kilns, there's a hiking trail that connects to the nearby Saint-Pierre kiln, approximately 700-800 meters away. This trail also leads to old flooded quarries that have transformed into picturesque bodies of water, offering easy walks. The surrounding area also provides various routes for walking or cycling, blending historical exploration with outdoor activity.

While the site is accessible, specific details about dedicated parking are not extensively provided. It's generally recommended to look for local parking options in the hamlet of La Veuvrière along route D 183. Public transport options to this rural location may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the site.

The site features three substantial 19th-century kiln units. The main structure is about 15 meters high and extends over 150 meters, including its access ramp. Look for the construction from granite and red schist, reinforced with numerous buttresses and arched bays. Internally, the kilns have a unique star shape, designed for efficient unloading, which is a fascinating architectural detail.

Les Fours de La Veurière is located in a rural area between Angrie and Vern-d'Anjou. While there are no immediate cafes or restaurants directly on-site, you can find amenities in the nearby towns of Angrie or Segré, which is about fifteen kilometers southwest. For accommodation, exploring options in these towns or the wider Maine-et-Loire department would be advisable.

Les Fours de La Veurière represents a significant part of France's 19th-century industrial past, specifically the lime production industry in the Anjou region. Operational for about a century, these kilns, also known as "fours Sainte-Anne," were crucial for producing lime. The site, including the kilns and access ramp, was inscribed on the Monuments Historiques list in 1980, recognizing its importance to industrial heritage.

The site itself features the large industrial structures and an access ramp. The surrounding area includes a limestone-marble quarry and old flooded quarries, which are now picturesque bodies of water. The hiking trails connecting to the Saint-Pierre kiln and around the flooded quarries are generally considered easy walks, suitable for most visitors. The elevation of the site is approximately 69 meters, indicating a relatively flat area.