Fours à chaux de la Veurière

19th-century lime kilns in Angrie, near Candé. A fine example of 19th-century industrial heritage to discover in the heart of Anjou Bleu.

Built in the early 19th century, the lime kilns at La Veurière (known as the "Sainte-Anne" kilns) were in operation for around a hundred years, until just before the outbreak of the First World War.
The monumental complex was completely restored after it was listed as a Historic Monument in 1980. It comprises three large furnaces, each 12 metres high and over 5 metres in diameter, which occupy the entire height of the vast building, which rises 15 metres from the ground and extends over 150 metres with its access ramp.
The structure is built of granite and red schist, with numerous buttresses. The bays are round-headed.
The complex also includes outbuildings and working lean-tos, as well as boiler-keeper accommodation on the first floor of the two large central arches, and the main dwelling, which was recently restored and awarded the Fondation du Patrimoine label.
The guided tour includes a complete exploration of these buildings, access to the upper terrace via the ramp or staircase, and the limestone and marble quarry. A video report completes the presentation of the quarrying activity.
You can also visit St Joseph's chapel and St Pierre's ovens (listed as ISMH in 2006), 700 m away, along the footpath that runs alongside the 3 large former quarries, which are now flooded (lovely pools of water).