The 16 things to do in the Aisne

On holiday in Picardy? Visit the Aisne to discover the many must-sees of this department

Located in the east of France, the Aisne is not a priori the department to which one thinks in priority when it comes to organizing his holidays. And yet, if you go to visit the Aisne, you will see that this region is full of small treasures.

On the one hand, nature mainly consists of this department, with waterfalls, vineyards and forests for wild hikes. On the other hand, the history of the Aisne is extremely enriching, whether by its cathedrals and abbeys of centuries old or by these many monuments relating to the Great War.

If you want to discover this unknown department, find our guide of the must-sees in the Aisne.

1. American Coast Monument 204

Come and visit the Aisne and make a small dive at the time of the First World War by discovering the American monument of the coast 204.

By the end of May 1918, the German armies seized many towns in the region. To prevent them from crossing the Marne, the Americans joined forces with the French troops. During these fighting, the losses are immense. This monument is a commemoration to all the Americans and the French who sacrificed their lives during the Second Battle of the Marne.

Located on a hill west of Château-Thierry, this monument was designed by Paul Cret. This is a long terrace from which an impressive double colonnade rises. In the West, you can admire the sculptures representing the heroes of the United States and France. On the façade, see the map of the military operations of the region.

From the top of the hill, enjoy an impressive view of the Marne valley.

2. Parc d’Isle

What to do in the Aisne to have fun with the family? Isle Park remains the best option. Every year almost half a million visitors come to enjoy all these leisure activities.

The park extends over a hundred hectares near Saint-Quentin. The aim of this green space is to participate in biodiversity conservation while promoting tourism through educational and sporting activities.

Within the park, an animal centre is home to many animals, including the blue mirrored throat, Ouessants sheep and goats. Nature enthusiasts will also be able to walk in the nature reserve of the Marais d’Isle. The most expensive ones will be able to make the hip, canoe, bike races, rowing and many other activities.

In the summer, refresh yourself on the beach of the pond of Isle.

3. Notre-Dame de Laon Cathedral

Located in Laon, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic art. During your visit to the Aisne, you will be impressed by its five powerful towers. Despite its imposing structure, the building was built in the 12th century in less than 50 years.

Built at the same time as the Cathedral of Paris, Notre-Dame de Laon strongly influenced the architecture of other buildings in Champagne, for example the Cathedral of Reims or that of Chartres.

In 1840 the cathedral became a Protected Historical Monument.

4. A Champagne tasting

It is impossible to visit the Aisne without tasting the specialities of the region. With 500 wine growers, the department produces 10% of the country's champagne. The territory has many advantages for the manufacture of champagne in terms of soil, sunshine and exposure. Three of the Axican grape varieties bear the name Champagne; Pinot Noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay.

During a tourist route of champagne, visit the most beautiful vineyard villages of the Aisne. You can discover the local cellars and taste the delicious champagne.

To learn more about the manufacturing process, go to the Wine and Wine Museum. You will learn how to marry grape varieties and how to master the aging of sparkling wines.

Finally, go to the top of the Mont de Bonneil and enjoy a breathtaking view of the vineyards of the Vallée de la Marne.

5. Abbaye Saint-Jean des Vignes

Near Soissons, the Saint-Jean-des-Vignes Abbey was founded in 1076. Shortly after her construction, she received the protection of Pope Urban II. From the 12th century, a church was built there. To deal with the dangers associated with the Hundred Years War, defences 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 classified as Historical Monument since 1875.

During your visit to the Aisne, you can admire its elegant façade, the refectory of the monks, the outbuildings and the cloister. A model is also available to help you understand the city's heritage.

6. Franco-American Museum

The Franco-American museum is located in the castle of Blérancourt. This was built from 1612 by the architect Salomon de Brosse. He was supposed to serve as a residence for the Potier de Gesvres family. The castle bears witness to the madness of the eighteenth century with the logis body and separate pavilions. During the French Revolution, the castle suffered its first degradation. Declared nationally, the body of logis was destroyed by the revolutionaries.

Some materials used for construction and decor were recovered for an auction. From this impressive castle, only the pavilions and the large gate remained.

The First World War further damaged the building. The remaining few buildings then served as a headquarters for the American troops. A German offensive of 1918 completely destroyed the building.

In the two wars, the castle was rebuilt to house a museum. The American Museum commemorates the volunteer soldiers who fought during the Great War. It is organized around three main themes: ideals, essays and artistic exchanges between France and the United States.

7. A trip to the Hotté du Diable

Want to explore nature during your visit to the Aisne? Direction la Hotté du Diable. The name comes from a sandstone chaos taking strange forms reminiscent of fantastic animals. According to legend, the devil would have caused the animals to fall from his hood after being frightened by listening to the cock's song. Discover the story in more detail on one of the site’s panels.

The hood of the Devil remains the ideal place for a family walk or for climbers. During your walk, you can meet some species such as crib, musk, green lizard or pine clay.

The hood of the Devil is also an enchanting place full of mystery. He also inspired artists Camille and Paul Claude for their work in sculpture and writing.

8. Cascade de Blangy

Visit the Aisne and discover the enchanting walks of the Hirson Forest. The walk is all around a pond. On the way, you will find various indications about the wildlife in the forest.

The place is perfect for a family Sunday hike. At the end of your walk, the impressive Blangy waterfall stands in front of you. The Hirson Forest offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Thiérarchie, so don’t forget your camera.

9. Axo’plage

Did you come to visit the Aisne with family or friends? Axo’plage is the ideal place for a relaxing and leisure time.

This natural space is located on the shore of Lake Monampteuil between the cities of Laon and Soissons. In total, it is 40 hectares of activities to entertain the little ones like the big ones.

In the summer, the 300 meters long beach promises a refreshment. Whether you are rather fierce or sporty, the activities do not miss Axo’plage; multi-sport terrains, petanque grounds, health paths, water slides, etc. For smaller children, a wooden play area remains accessible.

Nature lovers, it is also the time to admire the environment around you from the viewpoint or the observatory.

And to make the full of energy during a day in the Aisne, picnic areas are planned with barbecue and snack area.

10. Village des Métiers d’Antan

Located in the old motorcycle factory, this village makes you discover the crafts of the past. You are plunged into a time both close and far away from ours through a collection of impressive old objects. This is the time to make your imagination walk to discover their use.

The village also includes the motorcycle museum where more than a hundred models of motorcycles are exposed. You will discover hippomobile vehicles that were once used to transport people and goods.

The visit of the village of the old trades lasts more than two hours for a jump in the unforgettable time. If you want to learn more, use audio-guides that provide you with enriching information.

11. Familistère de Guise

Uncontournable in the Aisne, the Familistère de Guise perfectly represents the economic and social history of the nineteenth century. From 1858, Jean-Baptiste André Godin , a rich industrial cast iron, develops a utopian and solidarity idea: create a social palace for its employees.

The workers then built five housing pavilions, which were built not far from 500 housing units. Apart from these accommodations, a nursery, a school, a swimming pool, a theatre, gardens and shops are also built. The goal is to give life to a community where each inhabitant gives their opinion on living it together.

The place was designed to promote meetings between the occupants through balconies and gardens. At the time, this set represents an unprecedented social advance; the school becomes mixed and compulsory (when the Jules Ferry law does not yet exist), funds of foresight are put in place, wages are much higher than those of other workers in France with shorter days.

Today, the apartments are occupied, but one of them visits as a witness apartment. You will then plunge into the working world of the past. To make the full of energy, go to the Buvette des Economats and taste local dishes.

12. The path of the Ladies

Visiting the Aisne is also discovering the atrocities committed during the First World War. The department suffered many damage and the path of the Ladies reflected it perfectly. This 35-kilometre hiking route belongs today to the collective memory.

Throughout the centuries, the path of the Lady experienced many battles. In 57 before Jesus Christ, it was here that Julius Caesar fought the Belgians on the occasion of the Gaul War. In 1814, the battle of Craonne led by Napoleon I killed 5,400 people.

As early as 1914, the clashes raged with the first battle of the Aisne. It was in 1917 that this path became sadly famous with the battle of the way of the Ladies that was a terrible failure for the French troops.

During a walk, observe the commemorations present, especially in the dragon cave or in the trays of casemates.

13. Vauclair Abbey

The abbey of Vauclair is located in the east of the Lac de l’Ailette between Picardie, Champagne and Ile de France. Today, there are only ruins. But a detour remains indispensable during a stay in the Aisne both the places are responsible for History.

Founded in 1134, the Abbey of Vauclair was gradually abandoned from the French Revolution. By 1791 it was considered a national property.

During the battle of the Lady’s path, the abbey was completely destroyed. It was rebuilt in the 1970s at the initiative of Fathers Anselme Dimier and Courtois. Today you can visit the ruins of the abbey and its beautiful garden dedicated to medicinal plants.

14. The ramparts of Laon

Direction Laon to discover its ramparts and medieval atmosphere. You will discover the period undergrounds, the cathedral, alleys, old houses, etc. This is an opportunity to dive back a few centuries. The ramparts of Laon were built from the 9th century to protect the high town of Laon.

Uncontournable to do in the Aisne, Euromédiévales is a festival dedicated to the Middle Ages that takes place every year in Laon.

15. Parfondval

Visiting the Aisne is also an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful villages of France , direction Parfondeval. Red brick houses, grey slate roofs and a pond in the center of the main square give this little village a crazy charm.

The commune is also focused on agricultural activity. It feels through its landscape made of orchards, apples, corn and pasture fields.

16. Culinary specialities

The holiday is ideal for visiting monuments, museums and natural sites, but you should not forget to satisfy our stomach by tasting local specialties. During your stay in the Aisne, let yourself be tempted by the Dauphin. It is a cheese made of leather, tarragon and chives.

Also test the rissoles of the Sires de Coucy which are fish or meat-based pasta. And for lovers of sweetness, treat yourself with Picardie's milk jam.

How do I go to the Aisne?

If you want to visit the Aisne, you will probably go through Laon, the prefecture. To get there, you have a choice between the train and the car.

For the train, no TGV stops there and TERs will have to be counted to arrive at destination.

By car, from Paris , the highway A4 leads you to Laon in less than 2 hours. It’s the same highway you need to take if you leave Strasbourg . However, the journey time is estimated at 4h. For Lyon , the highway A6 then the A26 from Reims . Five hours' drive will be necessary.

Where to sleep in the Aisne?

Between a night in a luxury hotel in love, a stay in Airbnb with your family or a youth hostel weekend with your friends, the choices are endless. One thing remains safe, you will find easily where to sleep in the Aisne, for all budgets. Laon – the capital -, Soissons and Saint-Quentin are the three cities where you will find the most offers.

To find an offer at the best price, feel free to use a hotel comparison .

Now that you know what to visit in the Aisne, there is only to prepare your suitcase and go for adventure!