Verrières, a village located in the Perche region of Normandy
The village mainly comprises houses built from limestone but there are some built from flint and freestone. One house, no doubt built at a later date, stands out with its red brick façade. Most roofs use flat tiles though there are a few slate roofs.
The stone walls are rendered with lime and coloured sand, in an appealing range of colours. Houses that were originally quite small have seen outbuildings, barns and extensions added over time. These buildings were later converted into homes themselves, making a pleasing jumble of rooftops huddled together.
Verrières is mentioned in archives dating back to the 12th century. Some fragments of these ancient times can still be seen – for example a roof ridge tile marked with a cockerel dating from the 16th century, or a plaque marked 1676 on a timber-framed house.
In the 15th century, the parish of Verrières belonged to the Barony of Villeray en Condeau.
For almost a century (1850-1950), Verrières was one of the main centres for Percheron horse breeding.
The Aveline (domaine de la Crochetière) and Chouanard (domaine de la Roustière) families took their horses and the name of the village far beyond its boundaries.
Conveniently located where the roads to Rémalard, Bellême, Berd’huis, Nogent-le-Rotrou and le Theil sur Huisne meet, Verrrières lies in a fertile area, watered by several streams, such as la Chèvre, la Delmée, la Jambée.
There are two shops - a baker's and a small grocery store, next to a restaurant - supplying the bare necessities.
Verrières currently has 425 inhabitants and covers a surface area of 1819 hectares. However, the village also includes 90 other localities (or lieux-dit) dotted around the fields, prairies and copses of the surrounding countryside.
Several houses around the central square still bear marks testifying to their past as shops.
Life here is pleasant, as the village lies just off the tourist track.
Local people and the "accourus" (a local term for outsiders) have gradually learned to live together and appreciate each other. Warm, respectful relationships have developed, making it possible to mount some large-scale projects, drawing on a range of skills and expertise which complement and enhance one another.
FROM WHICH EVER DIRECTION YOU APPROACH VERRIERES, A SMALL VILLAGE NESTLED AT THE BOTTOM OF A VALLEY, THE CHURCH STEEPLE IS ALWAYS THE FIRST THING YOU’LL SPOT.
© Verrières Patrimoine 2012