Forfait was an unarmored screw corvette[1] built for the French Navy in the late 1850s that entered service in 1860.

Classified as a "wing scout," she was intended to conduct reconnaissance for the French fleet's larger ships, as well as to undertake independent operations.

Later in the 1860s she operated in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean and conducted hydrographic surveys off the northwest coast of Borneo.

By 1872 she was based at Toulon, France, and operating with the French Navy's Mediterranean Squadron.

Attempting to place his ship in the column between Magenta and Jeanne d′Arc, the commanding officer of Forfait misjudged his turn, and Jeanne d′Arc collided with Forfait, her ram bow tearing into Forfait′s side.