SAINT-ANDRÉ DE VERRIE CHURCH
Towns and Villages

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The name of the town is associated with the Saumur-Verrie racecourse where world-class horse races and equestrian competitions take place such as the Saumur International Complete Competition or the International Driving Competition. The village church, built in the Carolingian period, is one of the oldest in Saumur.

History & Heritage

The discovery of a polished ax and a tumulus testify to a very ancient settlement of the territory. In the XNUMXth century, archaeological debris and construction remains were unearthed on the site of the dry pond of Mortemé. This site, which is now on the Hippodrome de Verrie, has never been excavated scientifically but it could be a small Gallo-Roman settlement. At a place called Montésy, the hill conceals cavities used as underground refuges since the earliest times.

The village of Verrie was formed in the High Middle Ages around a small priory founded by the monks of the Saint-Florent de Saumur abbey. The church is first of all a simple chapel belonging to the neighboring parish of Chênehutte. In the XNUMXth century, Verrie became an independent parish and the church dedicated to Saint-André was partly rebuilt. However, the building retains some very old architectural elements, traditionally dating from the Carolingian period (XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries). It is a section of rubble wall laid out “in fish bone” and a remarkable bay with a trellis. This type of opening, made up of an openwork stone slab, was used before the appearance of stained glass.

At the end of the 1877th century, the site of the desiccated pond of Mortemé was chosen to house the new Saumur racecourse. The first horse races took place in June 1881. Additional arrangements were made from 32. The Verrie racecourse then specialized in obstacle races while the flat events generally took place on the Varrains racetrack. . The Verrie cross-country course is particularly feared for its difficulty. Rare are the riders who manage to cross its XNUMX obstacles without damage! Spectators watch spectacular falls from the top of the metal stand perched on the central hill. Verrie also became the usual training ground for the students of the Ecole de Cavalerie de Saumur and the competitions often included events reserved for the military.

Activities and skills

Verrie is an atypical village, since the habitat is spread over 9 hamlets: Le Bourg, Clermont, Grollé, Beaucheron, Orfausse, Fougerolles, Le Vigno, Villemolle l'Abbé and La Boinarderie. The wooded environment and the proximity of the town of Saumur make it an essentially residential commune. Farms and a few craft businesses are located on the municipal territory.

Verrie is best known for its racetrack which hosts horse races five times a year, in the spring and fall. Each meeting offers flat, trot and gallop events.

The racecourse site is also a benchmark in the world of sport riding. In May, the Concours Complet International (CCI) organized by the Comité Equestre de Saumur sees the world's best riders in the discipline compete. The dressage, show jumping and impressive cross country competitions always offer a high quality spectacle. In June, the International Driving Competition also brings together top-level competitors. Spectators, enthusiasts or neophytes, can admire the beauty of the teams and the precision of the leaders.

SAINT-ANDRÉ DE VERRIE CHURCH

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