New Covered Archery Range Opens in Vernon for Improved Training Conditions

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Compagnie d’arc de Vernon inaugurated its new covered archery range at the Stade de Vernonnet in Vernon, France. The facility, located in the Eure department of Normandy, allows archers to train regardless of weather conditions, addressing a long-standing challenge for the sport in the region.

The inauguration was attended by Catherine Delalande, departmental and municipal councilor, and Pascal Lehongre, vice-president of Seine Normandie Agglomération. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between the archery club and local authorities that brought the project to fruition after five years of planning and development.

According to club officials, the covered range provides essential benefits for archers aiming for podium finishes in departmental, regional, and national championships. The ability to train consistently during rainy periods and extend practice sessions into later seasons or commence earlier in the year represents a significant advancement for athlete development.

Jean Luc Bucaille, the reigning French national champion in archery, attended the inauguration and affirmed the value of the new facility. His presence highlighted the practical benefits for elite athletes preparing for high-level competition.

The project emerged as a solution following the relocation of the club’s previous installations due to the construction of a skate park in the area. The archery range was repositioned near the jardin d’arc, adjacent to the football honor field at Stade de Vernonnet, as part of a broader facility reorganization.

Financing for the covered range involved multiple sources, reflecting a collaborative approach between the municipality, regional authorities, and the archery club itself. This multi-party funding model ensured the project’s completion despite the logistical challenges posed by the skate park development.

The new covered archery range at Stade de Vernonnet represents a significant investment in the sport’s infrastructure in Vernon. By providing weather-protected training conditions, the facility supports the club’s mission to develop archers capable of competing at the highest levels whereas promoting broader participation in the sport throughout the year.

As the 2026 archery season progresses, the Compagnie d’arc de Vernon will utilize the new covered range to maintain consistent training schedules. The facility’s opening marks a milestone in the club’s history and demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting athletic development in Normandy.

What’s next for the Compagnie d’arc de Vernon? The club will focus on integrating the new facility into its regular training programs, with the covered range expected to play a key role in preparing athletes for upcoming departmental, regional, and national competitions throughout the 2026 season.

Share your thoughts on this development in Vernon’s archery community. How might covered training facilities impact the sport’s growth in regions with variable weather conditions?