Forges-les-Eaux

FORGES-LES-EAUX

Forges-les-Eaux lies in the heart of Bray country, the region bordering the Haute Normandie and Picardie. As a holiday resort and a town in bloom, Forges-les-Eaux is situated in a green and wooded landscape, surrounded by the Forest of Bray and the Epinay Wood from whence flow a configuration of rivers such as the Andelle, Epte and Béthune, rivers which slowly wind their way between the valleys of the region with vast and spectacular views.

The town takes its name from its soil, rich in iron and from which originated the iron-works in Gallo-Roman times. When iron deposits had run out, the town developed its natural source of spring water rich in iron and healing properties and hence the town of Forges-les-Eaux was transformed into a thermal spa resort, which attracted many famous people such as Louis XIII, Anne d’Autriche and Cardinal Richelieu, who stayed in 1633 in what is now the Town Hall, set in magnificent grounds.

Moreover, Forges-les-Eaux retains further evidence of this glorious era with its historical and architectural heritage, including the Oratory of Anne d’Autriche, the Richelieu Villa, the Wing of the Queen’s Guardsmen, the Madame de Maintenon Façade and the Gisors Doorway. Amongst the other attractions not to be missed: Museum of XIX Century Earthenware, Monsieur Audel’s Pottery Workshop, the Museum in honour of the Resistance (also depicting life in the Concentration Camps), the Museum of Horsedrawn Models.

As a lively tourist resort, Forges-les-Eaux has many amenities on offer such as: the Grand Casino (with over 250 slot machines), Club-Med (health spa), the Jean Bauchet Centre, Arts Centre, hiking routes and walks around the many lakes in the area.

The town plays host to many cultural events throughout the year, including: the July Festival, Forges Trips and Walks (a street show in traditional dress which takes place each summer to revive the spirit of Louis XIII, Anne d’Autriche and Cardinal Richelieu), the Horse Festival, and the Christmas Market, not forgetting the Tour de France which stops here in certain years.

A visit to a local market (Thursday and Sunday mornings) is a must, as is the farm produce market held on each Sunday in July and August on the banks of the Andelle Lake. Local specialities to fill your baskets include: cheese from Neufchâtel, cider, pommeau, calvados, honey and orchard fruits. You will find more of these delicious flavours on offer at local restaurants and farmhouses.

A very interesting street-by-street walking tour of Forges-les-Eaux, starting from the local Tourist Office, has been devised - illustrated leaflets detailing the route and its landmarks are available from the Tourist Office.