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Les Forges de Paimpont: Echoes of Brittany's Industrial Past

Explore Brittany's industrial heritage at Les Forges de Paimpont, a historic ironworking site in the heart of the legendary Brocéliande forest.

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Les Forges de Paimpont, nestled in the Brocéliande forest, is a former industrial site showcasing Brittany's ironworking history from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The site features blast furnaces, workshops, and workers' cottages, offering a glimpse into the region's economic and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Site historique des Forges de Paimpont

  • Tuesday 1:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 1:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 1:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Friday 1:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the large industrial site.
  • Check the opening hours before you go, as they vary depending on the season and day of the week.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the forges.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or grab a bite at a local restaurant in Paimpont.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rennes, take the BreizhGo bus line 1A directly to Paimpont. The bus station in Rennes is located next to the train station. From the Paimpont bus stop, it's approximately a 20-minute walk (1.6km) to Les Forges de Paimpont. A single bus ticket costs around €2-4. Check the BreizhGo website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Taxi

    From Paimpont town center, a taxi to Les Forges de Paimpont is a short ride. Taxis are available in Paimpont, including AD Taxi. Expect to pay around €15-€20 for the trip, depending on traffic and time of day. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    Les Forges de Paimpont are located a short drive from Paimpont. From Paimpont, follow the D77 towards Les Forges. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season. From Rennes, take the N24 towards Lorient/Vannes, then exit towards Plélan-le-Grand or Guer/Paimpont, following signs to Paimpont and Les Forges.

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Discover more about Site historique des Forges de Paimpont

Les Forges de Paimpont, located in the heart of the Brocéliande forest, stands as a remarkable testament to Brittany's industrial past. Established in 1653, the forges thrived for centuries, utilizing local iron ore, a network of waterways, and the surrounding forest for charcoal production. The site showcases the evolution of iron production, from its early reliance on charcoal-fired furnaces to later innovations. By the 18th century, Les Forges de Paimpont had become one of the most important industrial sites in Brittany. The forges produced a variety of iron goods, including nails, plowshares, cannons and rails. The industry flourished until the late 19th century when foreign competition led to the closure of the blast furnaces. However, foundry operations continued until 1954. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved industrial village, including the two blast furnaces, the foreman's house, the canteen, and workers' cottages. The highlight is the 600 m² rolling mill, a unique structure that reflects the site's historical significance. The site is a classified Historic Monument, benefiting from conservation measures and restoration programs.

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