Achères-la-Forêt is a town in Seine-et-Marne, in the Ile-de-France, 13 km southwest of Fontainebleau.
Its territory of 12 square kilometers is also located on the southern edge of the forest of Fontainebleau: nearly 30% of the land of the village are the remains forested, and 60% are cultivated.
Formed in terms of the habitat of two hamlets, Achères and Meun, between which a "green corridor" contributes to a preserved setting, the town was already occupied in ancient times: the remains of a Gallo-Roman cemetery have indeed been discovered in the nineteenth century.
Under the old regime, became Achères lordship barony in 1626 and marquis at its meeting with that of La Chapelle-la-Reine in 1680 is led by various noble houses but activity remains agriculture and are linked to the forest exploitation.
This environment remains the primary asset of the village, which has about 1170 inhabitants. Achères-la-Forêt seduced and green tourism and recreation enthusiasts.
In terms of heritage, we discover in the village the beautiful parish church dedicated to St. Fare, daughter of a Burgundian aristocrat who became blind regained his sight and entered religion in Champeaux, near Melun, in the early seventh century. Romanesque church was built in the twelfth (capped nave) and then rebuilt in the fifteenth (choir vaulted warheads). Note the bell tower built in blocks of sandstone, which is a real turn and gives the whole a massive, fortified character. Bell tower, nave and choir are not aligned and their height is uneven, this singularity adds to the picturesque church, listed on the Inventory, home moreover paintings and beautifully crafted statues. Information +33 1 64 24 40 11.
In another, we see in the village subdivision near 80 pavilions bungalow in American architecture: they date from the 1950s and originally housed the headquarters of NATO personnel stationed at Fontainebleau.
For culture and tradition, the museum of Closeau showcases rural crafts of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It captures the expertise coopers, shoemakers, woodcutters, their tools, but also household utensils of the time. Open from April to November or by appointment. Information +33 1 64 24 41 58.
For a fun time or sports, creative workshops and music appreciation are programmed and board games, ping pong and "table football" are available at Café seeds. Contact the +33 9 50 78 64 05.
In terms of "nature" entertainment, its location on the edge of the forest of Fontainebleau has made the town of Achères-la-Forêt a capital of equestrian sports. Several centers are located, which notably offer horseback rides with guides for all, in a wooded area and bucolic.
This is the case of Valérie Palermo (touch +33 9 65 14 85 37), the Castle center (join +33 1 60 71 13 39), by Diane Roche (information in +33 6 07 47 32 51) or of Horse Dreams (information +33 6 70 46 03 69).
Agricultural areas but again and again the forest can lead to pleasant hikes and bike rides. Maps and information +33 1 60 74 99 99.
Finally, the town being included in the scope of the Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais French, which offers throughout the year exhibitions, workshops, conferences on the themes of the environment and heritage, it is advisable to inquire on the calendar animations to +33 1 64 98 73 93.
