If you’re not a big fan of casinos, there’s honestly not a whole lot to see in Forges-les-Eaux. (If you are a big fan of casinos, this city is ranked one of the top 15 in France).
However, as with most places in Europe, the area is imbued with history. Forges-les-Eaux was called “De Forgis” in the Middle Ages because it was once an important centre for the mining and manufacturing of iron for the Romans.
The “des-Eaux” part was added on a few centuries later when it was discovered that the waters contained iron and were beneficial for the health. King Louis the 8th came to drink the water, giving the city a popularity it had not previously seen. The eventual addition of the casino was to provide entertainment for those coming to drink the water in the area.
Apart from the Casino, there is the architecture, typical of Normandy. Here, in Lower Normandy, there is brick and wood.
And there is flint and wood.
I’ve noticed that people in Normandy and Brittany like to name their houses.
And many of these houses contain enclosed courtyards to protect against the elements.
Do you see the opening here in this close-up?
One of the main attractions of the city is the facade to the convent of the Carmelites de Gisors that was destroyed during WWII. It was brought over to Forges for … decoration? In any case, here it stands.
I was really curious when I saw the word Carmelites, and thought immediately of the Poulenc opera, “Dialogue of the Carmelites,” which my mother introduced me to. I did some research to see if the history of that true story was based here, but discovered that it actually happened to a different group of nuns in Campiègne.
Okay, so this group of nuns was brought to Paris as traitors under the “Reign of Terror” during the French Revolution, and they were sentenced to death for refusing to agree to the Revolutionary Government’s Civil Constitution for the Clergy.
What was remarkable was the way in which they faced the guillotine – peacefully, and singing hymns as they accepted their fate – the novice going first, and the prioress the last one to die. The French Revolution ended days later and this sight undoubtedly contributed a great deal to the desire for peace.
Back in Forges-les-Eaux, they seem to like façades, because I spotted this one through a fence.
Doesn’t it look like it was once a beautiful structure? You almost want to build the rest of the house back.
And then you could take up residency in Forges-les-Eaux.
Lovely! Thanks for taking me on that journey with you!
Laura at Mommy Miracles recently posted…The Dynamic Duel Canada vs USA Virtual 5K
I am not so much into the casinos, but I love the history and the façades. Totally unrelated: I love Love LOVE your new look on the blog. It is perfect!
Tracie recently posted…I Can’t Be Well-Rounded
Thank you!! This has been fun. Now I still have to retag all the old posts.
I love it when you take us a on a trip through beautiful places in France.
Alison recently posted…Moments – #iPPP
Thank you! 🙂 I had to search for the beauty in this town, but I do love that you can’t escape the history no matter what.
How lovely! I am not much of a casino person, but I could just soak in all that history and beauty. The architecture really is interesting with the wood designs mixed with the brick.
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted…Bringing Nice Back
I know. The brick is more in Lower Normandy, but the flint is more seen in the North. If I get enough info for a separate post, I’ll do one on Normandy architecture some day.
I love all the beautiful buildings and facades. I am curious why there are so many there though.
Jackie recently posted…Pre-Prom Prep
It’s hard to fathom just how close and personal the two world wars, but particularly the second, hit France. In the small suburb where I live, the house across the street was bombed so that there was nothing left. (It’s been rebuilt). I just think that at the beginning, right after the war, they were too devastated to do anything, but afterwards they saved them so that they could remember.
Beautiful and so interesting! I love the history of old countries like France. I don’t think I’ve ever seen preserved facades like that. It reminds me of how they filmed old westerns, but way classier.
Andrea recently posted…Halloween Visits
“but way classier” *snort* I’m on continual giggle with you.
So lovely! Brings back memories for me as well, I’ve travelled through France when I was younger (Rennes and area around it). Even though Paris is exciting, I do prefer the countryside.
It’s nice to get away from the touristy, areas, isn’t it? You know, once when I was a teenager visiting my aunt in Kaiserslautern, I took the subway several stops too far because I kept expecting it to go above ground in order for me to get off. So I found myself in some ultra quiet suburb. I walked into a small shop, “Do you speak English?” “Nein.” “Parlez-vous français?” “Nein.”
So I opened my map and said the only three words I knew, apart from please and thank-you – “Vo ist ich?” But it did the trick. I was so pleased with myself. 😉
**What was remarkable was the way in which they faced the guillotine – peacefully, and singing hymns as they accepted their fate**
Love that.
they knew without doubt they were going to see their GOD.
xx
My Inner Chick recently posted…Silence Is A Killer
Tas was just looking over my shoulder and said ooh, la, la at your new bloghome btw. You captured these so beautifully, makes me want to move …
sisters from another mister recently posted…Do not judge me by my words.
Thank you love!
That is so interesting about the water! I want to drink some. And see all these beautiful places you “take” us. Le Sigh.
Elaine A. recently posted…The State Farm* (er, I mean fair)
While I don’t like what occupies gorgeous buildings like this with so much history contained in its walls, I am thankful that they chose to keep them. I find it such a shame when cities bust down beautiful buildings to keep up with the times.
Kimberly recently posted…Being Here
Me too! I just like old stuff. I’d rather have our 1920s house than one built in the 70’s. Wait – I guess that’s old now too, isn’t it?