L'Etang des Forges in Ychoux
Immerse yourself in the history of the Landes, with the remains of the 18th century forges and discover the artificial pond, witness to a rich artisan past. The story of the workers and their heritage awaits you.
The forges were created by Mr Larreillet and operated in the 18th century until 1898. The forges had two blast furnaces and 200 workers. The forges worked with a local fuel, peat and charcoal. They produced high quality cast iron, which was sent to England for the manufacture of cannons for the navy, but also of cannonballs for the Bayonne arsenal. They also produced andirons, sinks, tomb crosses, and funeral plaques.
The artificial pond was created at the end of the 18th century and enlarged in the middle of the 19th century thanks to a diversion of the Moulasse stream. Today, we can still observe a worker's house (reception of the campsite), and the bread oven (1819) which was placed, at the time, in the center of the workers' houses.
The artificial pond was created at the end of the 18th century and enlarged in the middle of the 19th century thanks to a diversion of the Moulasse stream. Today, we can still observe a worker's house (reception of the campsite), and the bread oven (1819) which was placed, at the time, in the center of the workers' houses.