Nicolas Beaurepaire statue

The statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire

The Angers audio-guided tour takes you across the Pont de Verdun, the oldest crossing of the Maine, where the statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire stands. This monument and this bridge concentrate a large part of the history of Angers and its links with the river.

A thousand-year-old bridge

The bridge is mentioned as early as the 6th century, and it is thought that a crossing already existed in Gallo-Roman times. First of wood, it was rebuilt in 1028 by the count of Anjou Foulque Nerra, who named it the Grand Pont. In the Middle Ages, it was lined with dwellings, water mills, fisheries and goldsmiths' workshops. Rebuilt several times, it today bears the name of Pont de Verdun. The bronze statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire was inaugurated there in 1889.

What there is to see

From the Pont de Verdun, the view opens onto the Maine, the castle and the historic centre. The statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire, an officer who died during the Revolution and became a figure of patriotism, recalls the military history of the city. The bridge, one of the oldest crossing points of the river, is a place charged with memory and a fine viewpoint over Angers.

Practical information

The statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire can be seen freely, in the open air, on the Pont de Verdun, which crosses the Maine in the heart of Angers. The bridge is accessible at any time, on foot or by transport. It is a quick stop, offering fine views over the river and the historic centre.

What is the oldest bridge in Angers ?

The Pont de Verdun, mentioned as early as the 6th century and rebuilt in 1028 by Foulque Nerra under the name Grand Pont.

Where is the statue of Nicolas Beaurepaire ?

On the Pont de Verdun, which crosses the Maine in the heart of Angers; the bronze statue was inaugurated there in 1889.