Forges-les-Bains: Wetlands and Heritage

Forges-les-Bains brings together nature watching, trails and local history. The trails are described differently: one nature trail is exactly one kilometre long; the tour passes through the town centre and the municipality’s five hamlets.

Wetlands and Trails

The Étangs Baleine and Brûle-Doux are located in the Angervilliers forest and also within the municipality of Forges-les-Bains. Together, they form large bodies of water in a remarkable wetland. Six protected plant species can be found at the Brûle-Doux pond; vegetation there is classified as a priority habitat under the European Habitats Directive. On public paths in this wetland, walkers can spot marsh ferns, grey herons and kingfishers. Conditions in the forest can vary, and wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

The Prés d’Ardillières cover around 20 hectares in the Petit Muce valley. The landscape includes wet meadows and a pond. Signs of wild boar and roe deer, frogs, and plants of wetlands and forests can be observed there. During a walk, you can look out for these signs of the local flora and fauna; however, individual sightings are not guaranteed.

At the Prés d’Ardillières, a one-kilometre nature trail leads through the forest. Check the condition of the trail locally before setting out. The Tour de Forges-les-Bains offers a different route: it runs between plains and forests along roads and paths, through the town centre and the municipality’s five hamlets. No exact length is given for this tour; unlike the nature trail, it focuses on the landscape and the municipality’s localities.

A fitness trail is another of the activities described locally. It is located in the park below Avenue du docteur Babin, opposite the town hall, and runs around a pond. The trail is available year-round.

Churches, Buildings and Local History

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption has cultural, architectural and historical significance closely linked to the history of Forges-les-Bains. Its Marian chapel contains an altar and an altarpiece dating from the late 18th or early 19th century. The Church of Notre-Dame de Forges-les-Bains houses a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. These works of art reflect different periods of church furnishings, while the significance of the church itself is closely connected to the history of the municipality.

In the town centre stands the Lavoir des Richards, a washhouse built in 1861 through a public subscription. At the Château de Forges-les-Bains, the entrance gate dates from the 18th century; it has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1963. The town’s historic reputation is also part of its local history: Forges-les-Bains was long known for its healing waters.

Another possible visit is to Petruzzella Apiculture. Group visits are offered there in spring and autumn by appointment. Arrange an appointment in advance if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Quincy-Sous-Sénart, Chilly-Mazarin, Boissy La Rivière, Etampes, Montlhéry, Morangis, Villemoisson-sur-Orge, Corbeil-Essonnes.

For the wider travel overview: Essonne.