Fors combines a specific hiking option with local history spanning several eras. This gives you two main points to consider when planning: a walking route and historical traces ranging from evidence of an ancient settlement to a distillery from the 1890s. When choosing accommodation in Fors, you can decide whether cultural history or a hike should play a greater part in your trip.
Antiquity, a Church and Former Production
Excavations at the Champ-Royal archaeological site uncovered the remains of an ancient vicus covering three hectares. Its features include villas, baths, porticoes and a forum. Vicus refers to an ancient settlement; porticoes are colonnades. These terms make the site legible as a settlement structure and distinguish it from a single building.
The Church of Notre-Dame in Fors dates from the 12th century and was partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion. After falling into poor condition in the 19th century, it was restored. In 1930, a fresco depicting children and a bishop was discovered beneath the whitewash. These phases complement one another: the date, destruction and restoration put the building’s history in context, while the fresco discovery adds a specific subject from its wall paintings. At the same building, you can distinguish between the history of the structure and a detail of its decoration.
Only ruins of the Château de Fors remain today. A former distillery in Fors was established in the 1890s and produced a liqueur called La Cistercienne. These two examples offer different perspectives: the château is notable for its present-day ruinous state, while the distillery reflects former production and a named product. The town’s history thus encompasses both architectural remains and the history of a product being made.
Hiking and Bicycle Parking
Four hiking routes are signposted from the Champ de Foire. A walkable cultural and historical route called “Entre marais et forêt: la commune de Fors” is 2.5 kilometres long and classified as an easy hike. The route and its classification may be adjusted in future updates. Check the current markers and route information before setting off. The four signposted routes offer a choice of paths starting from the Champ de Foire; the length and classification provide more specific details about the named cultural route.
For cyclists, there is a specific piece of infrastructure: a secure bicycle shelter has been installed in the car park at Fors railway station. It provides two separate, free parking spaces with independent access for users. If you plan to use the facility, please check its current condition before your visit, as facilities can change.
Discover more destinations: Mazières-en-Gâtine, Saint-Maixent-de-Beugné, Sainte-Gemme, Chizé, Scillé, Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan, La Chapelle-Thireuil, Augé
For the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
