‘Ferro et aqua‘ (By iron and by water) is the motto of this charming rural town, which has developed into a charming spa resort. People come here for the lush greenery, the lakeside walks, the atmosphere of the casino and the fine produce of the Pays de Bray.
After tasting the famous Reinette, an apple, honey and hazelnut pastry, set off to discover a trail of 20 totem poles that criss-cross the old spa town. You’ll come across the surprising Villa Richelieu, a Swiss pavilion built for the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Casino and, of course, the magnificent lake where the sculpture of the Three Graces symbolises the town’s springs. You can also make an informative stop at the Museum of Resistance and Deportation or the Museum of Faience, with its magnificent 19th century collection.
Go back to the source
Forges-les-Eaux is famous for its spa past, which is still very much alive in its narrow streets. The waters of its three springs (the Reinette, the Royale and the Cardinale) really took off in 1633 when the King of France and his court came to take a cure. Their aim? To give the kingdom of France an heir. Their quest was crowned with success when, after a few visits, the queen gave birth to Louis XIV!
In the 19th century, a spa and a grand casino were built in Forges. Today, the town has retained its ideal setting for wellness breaks. Take a 9km walk through the Bois d’Epinay to one of the springs before enjoying the Domaine de Forges Spa, a place of total relaxation.
Cheese: a love story!
Say Pays de Bray and you say gourmet! Enjoy the creamy pastries and famous cheeses. Try Gournay, Graval and of course the heart-shaped Neufchâtel. It was created during the Hundred Years’ War by young Norman women who offered it to the English as a token of their love. A trip to the market or the dairy farms is therefore a godsend. A few kilometres away, La Vache de Louvicamp offers tastings and educational activities for children.
Nature on the horizon
There are almost 40 footpaths in and around the town. A natural destination, Forges-les-Eaux is also a stop on the Avenue Verte London – Paris. Built on a former railway line, the 55km route between Forges and Dieppe is ideal for families walking or cycling. Forges is also home to the Horse Festival, the largest event of its kind in Normandy, which takes place every summer. The Musée des maquettes J. Guillot (J. Guillot Model Museum) also houses some fine examples of horse-drawn models. The town is also the 3rd French destination to be awarded the Green Destinations label in March 2024, in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development!
Forges-les-Eaux, a town that has been awarded the Green Destinations label
Forges-les-Eaux has been awarded the worldwide Green Destinations label. It rewards tourist destinations based on environmental, socio-economic and cultural criteria. Other towns in Normandy have also been awarded the label: Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, Caen and Granville.