Forges les Eaux

Description:

Main Description
Forges les Eaux is a pleasant market and spa town in the centre of the Pays de Bray in Seine Maritime , Upper Normandy.

Introduction
The town is centred on is market square with typical boulangeries, butchers and fruit and vegetable shops. There are a number of small restaurants and bars as well as a creperie.

Geography
Forges les Eaux is a farming and spa town but has some light industry. It is located by the banks of the rivers Andelle and Epte, in the Pays de Bray, some 34 miles (55 km) south east of Dieppe and some 20m (35km) from Rouen.

Economy
The town's economy is based on tourism and light industry. The surrounding area is agricultural, both dairy and arable. The local casino attracts many visitors and stages classical and popular music concerts and other events.

Culture
Forges is known for its distinctive china/porcelain which was once formed an important industry for the town. You can find examples in the local antique shops and in the town's museums.  Cultural events such as concerts are staged throughout the year at the Casino.

Tourism
Forges has a number of attractions for tourists especially of course the Casino but it is also a spa town with restorative waters and massages and hydrotherapy may be enjoyed there. The town stages a horse festival in July and a cider festival in autumn. The region is well known for its apples, and consequently its cider and Calvados.

Worth a Visit

The Casino, the 16th century church of Saint-Jean-Batiste.

Sport and other activities
Forges is close to the 'avenue verte', a 40km track for cyclists and walkers following the former railway line to Dieppe. This passes through the pastoral landscape of the Pays de Bray. There are many other way marked bridleways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Other activities include fishing in the nearby rivers Andelle (chalk stream for trout) and Epte as well as lakes and ponds.
There is an 18 hole golf course at St Saens (25km, 15m) and pitch and putt green at the Forges casino; there is a very modern hippodrome for trotting races at nearby Mauquenchy.  The Casino has facilities for blackjack and roulette as well as one-armed bandits.