Achères-la-Forêt

Achères-la-Forêt is a small commune located in the Seine-et-Marne department in the Île-de-France region of France. Nestled within the Gâtinais Français regional natural park and adjacent to the southern edge of the Fontainebleau Forest.

As of 2021, the population of Achères-la-Forêt is approximately 1,154 residents. The commune is situated about 24 kilometers from Melun, the department’s prefecture, and roughly 14 kilometers from Fontainebleau, the sub-prefecture. Its geographical location makes it part of the La Chapelle-la-Reine living area.

Sainte-Fare Church

Architecture

The Sainte-Fare Church in Achères has a unique architectural layout. It consists of two slightly shifted sections: a chancel with a semi-circular apse and a vaulted ceiling, plus an elongated nave with a wooden, arched ceiling. The nave seems designed to connect the chancel with the bell tower, known as the "Tour de Bière," which has medieval foundations. The church’s Romanesque entrance may have been repurposed. The chancel, decorated with painted bricks, stars, flowers, and heraldic symbols, is especially notable. Wood paneling in this section incorporates a traditional altar piece and side altars.

Renovations

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1926, Sainte-Fare has undergone multiple restorations. In 1989, two paintings and stained glass were restored. Later works included roof repairs, accessibility improvements, and a new heating system. The latest restoration finished in 2021, with the church inaugurated in 2022.

Donations for further works can be made here.

History

Ancient graves found in 1838 suggest the area was once a Gallo-Roman cemetery. Achères was historically linked to nearby noble families and fell under the rule of various seigniorial families over the centuries. The village endured invasions and epidemics, and during the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, faced a war levy from Prussian forces.