Nicolas Beaurepaire statue

You are now crossing the oldest bridge on the Maine. It was first mentioned in the 6th century, but it is believed to have been there since Gallo-Roman times, although there is no evidence to support this claim. At that time, it was made out of wood. It was rebuilt in 1028 by the Count of Anjou, Foulque Nerra, who named it the Grand Bridge. In the Middle Ages, it had several dwellings on each side, as well as water mills, fisheries and goldsmiths. In 1848, it was called the Centre Bridge, then in 1916 it took on its current name, known as the Verdun Bridge, which is not in honour of the Battle of Verdun during World War II, but rather a tribute to General Nicolas Beaurepaire, a French officer and hero of the Revolution who was sent to Verdun in 1792. This is the man you see depicted in the statue on your left, standing proudly in the middle of the bridge. Behind it, you have a lovely view of the Doutre district, on your right, and the centre of Angers, on your left.