The Étangs Baleine and Brûle-Doux are located in the Angervilliers Forest and within the municipality of Forges-les-Bains. Together, the two ponds form large bodies of water in a remarkable wetland. Six protected plant species grow at the Brûle-Doux pond; vegetation there is also classified as a priority habitat under the European Habitats Directive. The natural side of Forges-les-Bains is reflected not only in its waters, but also in its distinctive plant life.
Wet meadows, woodland and nature watching
The Prés d’Ardillières cover around 20 hectares in the Petit Muce valley. The area includes wet meadows and a pond. Around the Prés, you can spot signs of wild boar and roe deer, as well as grey herons, frogs and plants found in wetlands and woodland. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Walkers can also observe marsh ferns and kingfishers along the public paths through the wetland.
At the Prés d’Ardillières, a one-kilometre nature trail passes through the forest. If you plan to include it in your visit, check the condition of the path locally. The stated length helps you gauge the trail, but on its own does not indicate how long it will take to walk. Another option is the Tour de Forges-les-Bains, which follows roads and paths between open countryside and woodland, passing through the town centre and the municipality’s five hamlets. This offers two distinct choices: a short, named nature trail and a route through several parts of the municipality.
There is also a fitness trail, open year-round in the park below Avenue du docteur Babin, opposite the town hall. Its location and connection to the water set it apart thematically from wetland wildlife watching and the woodland nature trail.
Church, château gates and washhouse
The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is of cultural, architectural and historical significance, closely connected with 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 also houses a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. These landmarks offer different points of connection to the past, though they do not all date from the same period.
The town’s historical heritage can also be found outside the church: the entrance gates of the Château de Forges-les-Bains date from the 18th century and have been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1963. The Lavoir des Richards is in the town centre and was built in 1861 through a public subscription. Together, these two places reflect different facets of local history: a historic château feature and a community-funded washhouse.
More ways to discover the town
Petruzzella Apiculture offers group visits in spring and autumn by appointment. If you plan to take one, check what is currently available in advance. Historically, Forges-les-Bains was known for its healing waters for a long time; this refers to the town’s history.
When planning your stay, you can weigh up the different themes: wet meadows, ponds and woodland alongside the church and architectural landmarks that tell the story of the town. This can help you decide which aspects you would most like to explore during your time in Forges-les-Bains.
Discover more destinations: Gironville-Sur-Essonne, Lardy, Quincy-Sous-SĂ©nart, Grigny, Guillerval, Draveil, Dourdan, Saintry-sur-Seine.
For the regional travel overview: Essonne.
