Help Us Map Flers’ Manhole Covers

Participate in the Great Flers Manhole Cover Hunt !

To coincide with Éric Chevallier’s exhibition “Des Plaques, des goûts”, we’re inviting all curious minds, locals and visitors alike-to help us track down and catalogue the manhole covers made in Flers’ historic foundries. Found all over France and even abroad, these covers, stamped with names like SONOFOQUE, Chevallier, Fauvel, SAMOA, Queruel, or Lorfeuvre, proudly showcase our industrial heritage far and wide.

Why Participate ?

Each manhole cover we find is a valuable piece of Flers’ history and a testament to its metallurgical expertise. By taking part, you help to :

  • Preserve the memory of our local foundries
  • Enrich the archives of Flers Agglo
  • Lay the groundwork for a future exhibition at the historic SONOFOQUE site
  • Share your perspective and stories

How to Participate

 The process is simple and open to everyone :

  1. Spot a manhole cover with one of the names of Flers’ historic foundries (SONOFOQUE, Chevallier, Fauvel, SAMOA, Queruel, Lorfeuvre).
  2. Take a photo of the cover in its setting: show the street, a nearby building, or the surrounding environment.
    Tip: Aim for a good-quality photo, at least 800×600 px !
  3. OPTIONAL Note down the exact GPS coordinates of the cover (see the tutorial below).
  4. Share a story or anecdote about how you found the cover, may it be a travel memory, a walk, or while picking up the kids from school.
  5. Send us your photo, the GPS coordinates, your story, and the signed release form to: accueil@flerstourisme.fr

To have your photo archived and displayed, you’ll need to complete the photographic rights release form.

Download the Release Form

Tutorial: How to Find GPS Coordinates with Google Maps

MontagnesDeNormandie_TutoGoogleMaps

Step 1:
Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone and press and hold on the location of the manhole cover. A red pin will appear.

MontagnesDeNormandie_TutoGoogleMaps2

Step 2:
Swipe up on the panel at the bottom of the screen to view the details. The GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap them to copy and paste.