Visite guidée des Forges de Varenne

Guided tour of the Varenne ironworks led by an enthusiastic guide, Fabien Labaisse.

Explore this former pre-industrial site, designated a Historic Monument, where iron was produced from local ore using charcoal and river power between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Tour the various workshops: blast furnace, refining forges, fenderie (the only one in Europe), and the other
buildings on the site: workers’ quarters, iron hall, chapel, and garden, to discover the work and
daily life of the blacksmiths.

You can combine this visit with a tour of La Butte Rouge on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and a tour of Le Carreau de la Mine in Saint-Clair-de-Halouze on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Mining pass available for €12 to combine guided tours.

Reservations required at the Domfront and Bagnoles de l’Orne Tourist Offices
Or: Forges de Varenne in Champsecret (outdoors). Picnic area; refreshment stand and restrooms
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
When: Monday through Thursday from May 4 to August 28 at 2:30 PM
Audience: all ages

Purchase of undated tickets—valid from May 4 to August 28, 2026—through the Domfront en Poiraie and Bagnoles de l'Orne Tourist Offices. Contact the Maison du Fer to schedule a date of your choice.

No guided tours from August 17 through 21, inclusive, or on holidays

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