Fay-les-Étangs is a commune of the Oise in the Hauts-de-France region, 27 km south of Beauvais.
Its slightly hilly 8 km² territory belongs to the natural region of Vexin, a plateau rich in cereal crops that ensures the transition between Picardy and Normandy, on the right bank of the Seine.
Now drained ponds formerly punctuated the south of the locality. In this area, wells have been developed to allow the cultivation of watercress.
Former prosperous seigniory with a beautiful castle, Fay-les-Étangs is now a rural village of about 480 inhabitants with heritage and living environment preserved whose green environment will appeal to lovers of hiking.
A stage in Fay-les-Étangs can begin with the discovery of its heritage. The Saint-Vaast church, located away from the village itself, on the edge of the old ponds, is of real interest as it includes architectural and decorative elements ranging from the 11th to the 16th century! The nave is in Romanesque style, as well as the base of the bell tower, both dating from the original building. In the 13th, foothills were added to solidify the nave, and a chapel was built on the north side. The upper part of the bell tower, this time rising from Gothic, was completed in the fourteenth century. We also notice the Gothic style windows flamboyant or radiant. Finally, a new choir is made in the sixteenth century. Partly protected, the church has recently been restored.
On the civil level, the seigniorial castle was built in the 15th century, soon surrounded by a farm, a chapel and outbuildings, while the forest was cleared to boost agricultural activity.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the estate was bought and remodeled by a Parisian officer then assigned to the regiment of cuirassiers of the Queen, under the Restoration. The castle changes appearance, with a square floor and another Louis XIII style, the building is surrounded by an English garden lined with exotic trees. Other owners succeed, the 4-hectare park still rich in tulip trees, redwoods or other ginkgo. Note also that the portal and the dovecote of the sixteenth century have been preserved. From now on, the castle hosts seminars and guest rooms. Information on +33 3 44 49 06 52.
The church, the castle and some old and picturesque houses of the village, as well as some wooded areas or cultivated in a bucolic landscape serve as a setting for pleasant hiking. Several circuits include incursions to neighboring communes. Maps and information on +33 3 64 60 60 60.
For amateurs, ponies and horses allow to consider pleasant equestrian walks with experienced instructors from the Haras des Étangs. The center also regularly organizes high level competitions. All information on +33 9 65 17 74 97.
