Pyramid memorial of the Battle of Ivry, Historical obelisk in Épieds, France
The Pyramid memorial of the Battle of Ivry is a white stone obelisk standing at the end of a lime tree alley on a hilltop in Normandy. The structure has been reshaped over time and now forms a distinctive monument visible from across the countryside.
The original pyramid was built in 1758 by the Count of Eu, but was later replaced by an obelisk that Napoleon Bonaparte ordered in 1804. This transformation reflects how memorial practices changed between the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The monument marks where King Henry IV stopped to rest following his triumph at the Battle of Ivry during the French Wars of Religion. This royal moment remains connected to the place through the memorial that stands there today.
The memorial is surrounded by a lime tree alley that offers a pleasant walking approach and good views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop location. Recent restoration work ensures the site is in good condition and easy to visit.
Although the current structure is an obelisk, locals still call it a pyramid, keeping alive the name of the original 1758 monument. This popular naming tradition shows how strongly the site's history remains tied to its earlier form.
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