On vacation in Picardy? Visit the Aisne and discover the department’s many highlights
Situated in the east of France, the Aisne isn’t usually the first department you think of when planning a vacation. And yet, if you go and visit the Aisne, you’ll see that this region is full of little treasures.
On the one hand, nature is the main ingredient of this department, with waterfalls, vineyards and forests for wild walks. On the other hand, the history of the Aisne is extremely enriching, whether through its centuries-old cathedrals and abbeys or its many monuments relating to the Great Wars.
If you’d like to discover this little-known département, take a look at our guide to the must-sees in the Aisne.
1. Coast 204 American Monument
Visit the Aisne and take a dip back in time to the First World War at the American monument on hill 204.
At the end of May 1918, German armies seized many towns in the region. To prevent them from crossing the Marne, the Americans joined forces with French troops. During the fighting, losses were immense. This monument commemorates all the Americans and French who sacrificed their lives during the Second Battle of the Marne.
Situated on a hill to the west of Château-Thierry, this monument was designed by Paul Cret. It is a long terrace from which rises an impressive double colonnade. To the west, you can admire sculptures representing the heroes of the United States and France. The facade features a map of military operations in the region.
From the top of the hill, enjoy an impressive view of the Marne valley.
2. Parc d’Isle
What’s there to do in Aisne for family fun? Parc d’Isle remains the best option. Every year, almost half a million visitors come to enjoy all these leisure activities.
The park covers some 100 hectares near Saint-Quentin. The aim of this green space is to help preserve biodiversity while promoting tourism through educational and sporting activities.
Within the park, a wildlife center is home to numerous animals, including the blue-mirrored throat, Ouessants sheep and goats. Nature lovers can also take a walk in the Marais d’Isle nature reserve. For the more adventurous, there’s accrobranche, canoeing, bike racing, rowing and much more.
In summer, cool off on the beach at Etang d’Isle.
3. Notre-Dame de Laon Cathedral
Located in Laon, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic art. During your visit to Aisne, you’ll be impressed by its five mighty towers. Despite its imposing structure, the building took less than 50 years to complete in the 12th century.
Built at the same time as Paris Cathedral, Notre-Dame de Laon strongly influenced the architecture of other buildings in the Champagne region, such as Rheims Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral.
In 1840, the cathedral became a protected historical monument.
4. Champagne tasting
It’s impossible to visit the Aisne without sampling the region’s specialities. With just under 500 winemakers, the département produces 10% of the country’s champagne. The region offers many advantages for champagne production in terms of soil, sunshine and exposure. Three of the grape varieties grown in Aix-en-Provence bear the Champagne appellation: Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay.
On a Champagne tour, visit the most beautiful winegrowing villages in the Aisne. Discover the local cellars and taste the delicious champagne.
To learn more about the winemaking process, visit the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin. You’ll learn how to marry grape varieties and master the aging process for sparkling wines.
Finally, head to the top of Mont de Bonneil for a breathtaking view over the vineyards of the Marne Valley.
5. Saint-Jean des Vignes Abbey
Saint-Jean-des-Vignes Abbey, near Soissons, was founded in 1076. Shortly after its construction, it received the protection of Pope Urban II. From the 12th century onwards, a church was built here. To cope with the dangers of the Hundred Years’ War, defenses were added to the monument in the 14th century.
Throughout the Middle Ages, this abbey was one of the most prosperous in France. It has been a listed monument since 1875.
During your visit to Aisne, you can admire the elegant facade, the monks’ refectory, the outbuildings and the cloister. A scale model is also available to help you understand the town’s heritage.
6. Franco-American Museum
The Franco-American Museum is located in the Château de Blérancourt. The château was built in 1612 by the architect Salomon de Brosse. It was intended as a residence for the Potier de Gesvres family. The château bears witness to the follies of the 18th century, with the main building and separate pavilions. During the French Revolution, the château suffered its first damage. Declared a national asset, the main building was destroyed by the revolutionaries.
Some of the building and decorative materials were salvaged for auction. All that remained of this impressive château were the pavilions and the great portal.
World War I further damaged the building. The few remaining buildings served as headquarters for American troops. A German offensive in 1918 completely destroyed the building.
Between the wars, the château was rebuilt to house a museum. The American Museum commemorates the volunteer soldiers who fought in the Great War. It is organized around three main themes: ideals, hardships and artistic exchanges between France and the United States.
7. A trip to La Hotté du Diable
Want to explore nature during your visit to the Aisne? Head for Hotté du Diable. The name comes from a sandstone chaos that takes on strange shapes reminiscent of fantastic animals. According to legend, the Devil made animals fall from his hood when he became frightened by the crowing of the rooster. Find out more about the story on one of the site’s panels.
La hotté du Diable is the ideal place for a family walk or for climbing enthusiasts. During your walk, you may come across species such as the sifter, the muscardin, the green lizard or the pine cricket.
La hotte du Diable is also an enchanting place full of mystery. It has inspired artists Camille and Paul Claude in their sculpture and writing.
8. Cascade de Blangy
Come and visit the Aisne and discover the enchanting walks in the Hirson forest. The walk takes you around a pond. Along the way, you’ll find information on the forest’s wildlife.
It’s the perfect place for a Sunday family hike. At the end of your walk, the impressive Blangy waterfall rises up before you. The Hirson forest offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Thiérarchie, so don’t forget your camera.
9. Axo’plage
Visiting the Aisne region with family or friends? Axo’plage is the ideal place for a moment of relaxation and leisure.
This natural area is located on the shores of Lake Monampteuil, between the towns of Laon and Soissons. A total of 40 hectares of activities to entertain young and old alike.
In summer, the 300-metre-long beach promises to refresh you. Whether you prefer to relax or get active, there’s no shortage of activities at Axo’plage, including multi-sports fields, petanque courts, a fitness trail and a waterslide. For the little ones, a wooden playground is also available.
If you’re a nature lover, this is also the time to admire your surroundings from the lookout or observatory.
And to recharge your batteries on a day out in the Aisne, picnic areas with barbecue facilities and snacks are available.
10. Village des Métiers d’Antan
Located in the former Motobécane factory, this village lets you discover the trades of yesteryear. You’ll be immersed in an era both near and far, through an impressive collection of antique objects. It’s time to put your imagination to work and discover how they were used.
The village also includes the motobécane museum, where over a hundred completely new motorcycle models are on display. You’ll also discover horse-drawn vehicles that were once used to transport people and goods.
A visit to the old-time crafts village lasts over two hours, for an unforgettable leap back in time. If you’d like to learn more, use the audio-guides, which provide enriching information.
11. Familistère de Guise
A must-see in the Aisne region, the Familistère de Guise perfectly represents the economic and social history of the 19th century. Starting in 1858, Jean-Baptiste André Godin, a wealthy industrialist in the cast-iron industry, developed a utopian idea: to create a social palace for his employees.
The workers then built five residential pavilions comprising some 500 dwellings. Alongside these homes, a nursery, school, swimming pool, theater, gardens and stores were also built. The aim was to create a community in which each inhabitant had his or her say on how the whole community should live.
The balconies and gardens were designed to encourage residents to get together.
At the time, this complex represented an unprecedented social advance: schools became co-educational and compulsory (at a time when the Jules Ferry law did not yet exist), provident funds were set up, and wages were much higher than those of other workers in France, with shorter working days.
Today, the apartments are occupied, but one of them can be visited as a show apartment. You’ll be immersed in the working-class world of yesteryear. To recharge your batteries, head to the Buvette des Economats and sample local dishes.
12. Chemin des Dames
Visiting the Aisne also means discovering the atrocities committed during the First World War. The department suffered a great deal of damage, and the Chemin des Dames reflects this perfectly. This 35-kilometer hiking trail is now part of our collective memory.
The Chemin des Dames has seen many battles over the centuries. In 57 BC, Julius Caesar fought the Belgians here during the Gallic War. In 1814, Napoleon Ie’s Battle of Craonne claimed 5,400 lives.
As early as 1914, confrontations raged with the first battle of the Aisne. It was in 1917 that this route became infamous with the Battle of the Chemin des Dames, a terrible failure for French troops.
Take a stroll and observe the commemorations at the dragon’s cavern and the casemate plateau.
13. Vauclair Abbey
Vauclair Abbey lies to the east of Lac de l’Ailette, between Picardy, Champagne and Ile de France. Today, only ruins remain. But a detour remains a must during a stay in the Aisne region, as the site is so steeped in history.
Founded in 1134, Vauclair Abbey was gradually abandoned after the French Revolution. From 1791, it was considered national property.
During the battle of the Chemin des Dames, the abbey was totally destroyed. It was rebuilt in the 1970s on the initiative of Fathers Anselme Dimier and Courtois. Today, you can visit the ruins of the abbey and its magnificent garden dedicated to medicinal plants.
14. The ramparts of Laon
Head for Laon to discover its ramparts and medieval atmosphere. You’ll discover period underground passageways, the cathedral, narrow streets, old houses and more. It’s a chance to step back in time a few centuries.
Laon’s ramparts were built in the 9th century to protect the upper town.
A must-see in the Aisne region, Euromédiévales is a festival dedicated to the Middle Ages, held every year in Laon.
15. Parfondeval
A visit to the Aisne is also an opportunity to discover one of France’s most beautiful villages, in the direction of Parfondeval. Red-brick houses, grey slate roofs and a pond in the center of the main square give this little village its charm.
The commune also has a strong agricultural base. This is reflected in its landscape of orchards, apple trees, cornfields and pastures.
16. Culinary specialties
Vacations are ideal for visiting monuments, museums and natural sites, but we mustn’t forget to satisfy our stomachs by sampling the local specialities. During your stay in Aisne, let yourself be tempted by the Dauphin. It’s a cheese made with maroilles, tarragon and chives.
Try the Sires de Coucy’s rissoles, a fish or meat-based pâté. And for those with a sweet tooth, treat yourself to Picardy milk jam.
How do I get to Aisne?
If you want to visit the Aisne region, you’ll probably pass through Laon, the prefecture. You can get there by train or by car.
As far as trains are concerned, no TGVs stop here, so you’ll have to rely on TERs to reach your destination.
By car, from Paris, the A4 freeway takes you to Laon in just under 2 hours. This is the same freeway you’ll need to take from Strasbourg. However, the journey time is estimated at 4 hours. To Lyon, take the A6 freeway, then theA26 from Reims. The journey takes 5 hours. Don’t hesitate to carpool!
Where to sleep in Aisne?
Between a night in a luxury hotel for two, an Airbnb stay with your family or a weekend in a youth hostel with your friends, the choices are endless. One thing’s for sure: you’ll easily find a place to stay in Aisne to suit all budgets. Laon – the capital -, Soissons and Saint-Quentin are the three towns where you’ll find the most offers.
To find the best deal, don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator.
Now that you know what to visit in the Aisne, all you have to do is pack your suitcase and set off on your adventure!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Hauts de France