La Ferté-Gaucher is a city of Seine-et-Marne, in the region of Ile-de-France, 40 km south-east of Meaux and 80 km from Paris, on the borders of the Aisne and Marne.
Located in the valley of Grand-Morin, sub-tributary of the Seine via the Marne, in the heart of Brie said champenoise, the territory of the current town was inhabited since the Gallo-Roman era. It was in the eleventh century, however, that a nobleman named Gaucher took possession of a vast estate in an already fertile plain and founded his city, first called Fort Gaucher.
Neighbor and then son-in-law of the Count of Champagne, Gaucher sees his son become also lord of Montmirail.
Carrefour commercial and communication between Île-de-France, Picardy and Champagne, in the heart of a rich agricultural region, La Ferté-Gaucher today has more than 4,800 inhabitants, the town has become a city whose demographics continue to grow and develop. to offer a quality living environment at the margins of the Greater Paris area.
Its heritage, its environment and its leisure offer make it a step of quality.
In terms of built and historical heritage, a visit to the city can begin with the town hall, noble residence acquired in 1857 by the municipality to an heiress of a former seigniorial bailiff whose PG initials, wrought iron, are visible above of the side door. In 1814, Napoleon I spent the night in this opulent house.
More surprising, the old "hall with calves" built in 1882, to accommodate the livestock market which was one of the flagship activities of the city. The construction uses a metallic structure, light but strong, in phase with the new architectural canons of the time, as advocated by Baltard. Cast iron columns support the roof. At the beginning of the 20th century, the hall became a village hall, which was carefully restored in 1996.
To see again, the former home of the priory Saint-Martin, which dates from the seventeenth century, a home of noble appearance with a stucco pediment and roofs reminiscent of Mansart. After the Revolution, the building is occupied by the administration and then transformed into a private residence.
As for the remains of the church of the former priory of the twelfth century, a time transformed into barn, now classified, they present a Romanesque style having been reworked in the sixteenth.
There remains always, with regard to the priory, the old flour mill known as Maison Dieu, which was confiscated during the Revolution. It was then transformed into a factory before being decommissioned today.
We will not forget the fountains called Grand Bassin and that near the church, dated late 14th and early 15th century, richly restored in the eighteenth. Powered by springs, they were until the 20th century water distribution points appreciated by the inhabitants.
We will conclude this visit discovered heritage by the church of Saint-Romain, whose bases date back to the twelfth century but was restored and remodeled several times (Gothic additions in the fifteenth century including new work before the Revolution, with restoration of the nave and extension of the side chapels in particular). The church houses many works of sacred art, such as a fresco of Saint-Jacques, an oil on canvas depicting Jesus in Marthe and Mary (eighteenth), polychrome statues of the sixteenth, not to mention a nineteenth organ.
In terms of the environment, many hiking and mountain biking trails have been designed, with the most remarkable sites (forest, river banks, etc.). Information at +33 1 64 75 87 87. Other routes include the territory and may include the surrounding area of the city. Documentation and information on +33 1 60 39 60 03.
But one can choose a more original way to discover the surrounding countryside with Ferra Botanica, via bike and rail routes (on the route of an old railway line). The route crosses a natural area classified to the rich biodiversity that has been the subject of a landscape staging. Distance 13 km round trip. Transfer from the city center via a small tourist train. The activity is suitable for adults and children alike. Open from the beginning of March to the end of September, Wednesdays and weekends and every day during school holidays. Possibility to continue the adventure independently by renting electric bikes. Pass family from 64 euros. Information on +33 1 64 04 06 68.
On another level, La Ferté-Gaucher hosts a vast pole dedicated to mechanical recreation on a hundred hectares, the Aerosphalte. In addition to an aerodrome, it is possible to take advantage of a bitumen track to practice the kart, to learn to speed aboard single-seater or motorcycle handlebars (information at +33 1 64 65 92 12) and a track dedicated to the cross which is the happiness of the drivers of quads, buggies, motorcycles and even cross bikes (contact +33 1 64 65 64 88).
Finally, still for the sportsmen, the municipal complex Gerard Petitfrère offers in particular on about twenty hectares of football fields and streetball, a bowling ground and tennis courts. Information on +33 1 64 20 12 99.
As for fishing enthusiasts who wish to take advantage of the banks of Grand Morin or the surrounding ponds, they can contact the local association at +33 1 64 20 58 39.
The last weekend of March, the women's salon at the Halle aux veaux.
On the 4th Sunday of April, a large flea market also offers funfair and musical entertainment.
At the beginning of May, the Paroles de Plantes festival at Forgeard park offers exhibitions, workshops, market or even animations (tales, music) on the theme of nature and plants.
In mid-August, the dog festival (which means harvest festival in local patois) flea market program, musical entertainment, local market, exhibits of agricultural machinery and fireworks.
Finally, every week, the markets of Thursday and Sunday morning in the city center can taste the products of the rich local soil, and especially its cheeses...
