Explore Soissons from Best Western Plus Hotel des Francs Relais des

Nestling in the hollow of a valley, this short circuit allows you to discover a strange device: at this point the Oise to Aisne canal runs into a 2,365 m long tunnel, linking the Aisne valley to the Ailette valley. To understand how it works, do not hesitate to consult the interpretation panel at Braye-en-Laonnois.

It only appears briefly during the year (from late August to early October), so don't miss it! This is the Saint Michael's daisy, also known as Aster amelle, which you can see* on this particularly well-exposed limestone plateau. You'll recognise it easily: it's a daisy that isn't white but colourful (bright yellow in the centre with purple petals) and it covers this limestone grassland typical of the Laonnois region. Oh, I almost forgot: if you can tear yourself away from admiring it for a moment, turn around and enjoy the view of the valley and the foothills of the Chemin des Dames, surely one of the most beautiful panoramas in the area! *And not to pick it, of course, as this flower is protected in France (you are on a site managed by the Conservatoire des ESpaces Naturels des Hauts-de-France) and is classified as ‘endangered’ in our region... 

This forest walk makes a wide loop through the forest of Saint-Gobain, revealing some curiosities such as old underground quarries or the source of the Barberousse fountain near the old buildings of the Trou-Forcy. Ideal for discovering and observing the fauna and flora of the forest, this hike is for the whole family.

The hillsides here are home to flora and fauna typical of calcicolous lawns. Stroll between Mont Bossu, Mont des Vaches and Mont Ecoué, and fall under the charm of the Laonnais country!

This is one of the most surprising and endearing places in the Laonnois region, combining dry moorland and wet peat bogs in the same area, ‘one of the richest peat complexes in terms of plant species in the Paris Basin, and perhaps even in all the plains of Western Europe’, according to the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels (CEN) des Hauts-de-France, to put it mildly! An atypical natural environment much studied by botanist and researcher Marcel Bournérias, with numerous microclimates, where it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop to around zero degrees in the middle of summer... A number of signposts on site will help you to appreciate the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. And this marvel is only a few cubits from Laon, so get out and explore!

As geographer Yves Lacoste rightly pointed out in La Géographie, ça sert, d'abord, à faire la guerre [‘Among the places from which one can see a landscape, the one with the most beautiful view is almost always the most interesting in terms of military tactics’], it makes sense that the hills bordering the towns of Laniscourt and Mons-en-Laonnois were chosen at the end of the 19th century to build a military fort. It is not to discover the fort itself – as it is only open to the public on rare occasions – but to explore its surroundings that we invite you on this walk. The path is well signposted and will take you through beautiful woodland, so put on your walking shoes and grab your walking sticks, and don't forget to say hello to the donkeys as you pass by!

This short circuit follows for a while the Chemin des Creuttes, offering beautiful views of these ancient and astonishing troglodytic dwellings dug into the cliffs and rocky outcrops.

South of the Chemin des Dames, on the northern slopes of the Aisne valley, this hike highlights a little-known type of habitat, built directly into the rock. The troglodytic village of Paissy still boasts numerous crevices housing houses and outbuildings.

Running along the Oise to Aisne canal, this route allows visitors to discover the many devices developed by man to exploit the river network. A reminder of the golden age of canals, the canal bridge spanning the Aisne is one of the highlights of the tour.

A choice circuit reserved for the most athletic of mountain bikers! With a total vertical drop of over 600 metres, this technical route takes you along the slopes of two steep valleys, the Ailette and the Aisne, bridged by the Chemin des Dames ridge. Along the way, don't miss the troglodyte dwellings to be found in several localities.

Built around 1390, this keep is a monumental reminder of Crouy-sur-Ourcq's medieval heritage. Nestling at the bottom of the valley and built at the height of the 100 Years' War, it is the finest jewel in the crown of the Ourcq Valley. To delimit their vast territory, the Counts of Valois built defensive fortresses, often ostentatiously to show off their power and wealth. On the border with the lands of the Counts of Champagne, it was strategic to build this keep on the banks of the River Ourcq from the end of the 14th century. You can discover this keep, the only one in northern Seine-et-Marne and listed as a Historic Monument in 1962, during the European Heritage Days, or take a look at it from the outside during a walk in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

As if it were the Baie de Somme... Its 241 hectares, 60% of which are covered by water, offer visitors a patchwork of amazing landscapes located in the immediate vicinity of the Marne: ponds, reed beds, meadows and groves provide shelter and food for more than 225 species of birds, some of which are endangered in the region, and which are undoubtedly the most remarkable wealth of the reserve ... Exceptional for the fauna and flora it shelters, it is part of the Natura 2000 site "Les Boucles de la Marne". Not so long ago, the Grand-Voyeux Regional Nature Reserve was still a quarry, where conveyors extracted sand and gravel with a crunch of grains. Excavated in the 1970s, the cavities were gradually transformed into waterholes, quickly colonised by reeds and birds, thus allowing nature to take over. The Maison du Grand-Voyeux is open to the public two days a week, with the aim of helping visitors discover the Grand-Voyeux while preserving biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystems. A discovery trail and observatories allow visitors to discover the incredible landscapes of the site and the multitude of bird species that have found refuge there. Nature activities, workshops and thematic conferences are also organised regularly and free of charge (see programme online at www.maisondugrandvoyeux.fr). Managed by the Agence des espaces verts (AEV) of the Île-de-France Region since 1999, it was classified as a Regional Nature Reserve in 2012. A partner of the AEV, the Association pour la Valorisation des Espaces Naturels du Grand Voyeux is responsible for the scientific monitoring of the site and for certain activities.

Discover the city of Reims with the City Pass: unlimited transportation and free access to cultural and leisure activities! DISCOVER THE CITY OF REIMS WITH THE CITY PASS: UNLIMITED TRANSPORTATION AND FREE ACCESS TO CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES! This pass offers you access to 18 tourist services for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Discover the list of free sites below with the Reims City Pass. You will notably be able receive: * Entry to the Tau Palace (recognised by UNSECO) * A guided visit in Reims Cathedral (recognisd by UNSECO) * A circuit of the city by bus with an audioguide * Reductions to visit the champagne caves and vineyard caves * Lots of other activites and reductions! You will be able to use the CITURA public transport (all bus and tramway lines in Reims included) without limit during your chosen time period. You will also be able to receive shopping discounts and discounts for different shows, trips and excursions in the surrounding vineyards. You will also be able to discover the largest wine cave of the whole region at a reduced price!

Experience an original tour lasting 2 hrs. 30 mins aboard a vintage Citroën car. Take advantage of this activity to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way and visit a cellar to taste some excellent champagne! TAKE A TRIP INTO THE PAST ABOARD A VINTAGE 2CV, THE ICONIC FRENCH AUTOMOBILE. Accompanied by your driver-guide, set off for a 2-hr-30-min ride through the town and country. Sit back and take in the major historical sites of Reims. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out of town on the winding country roads that lead into the heart of the Champagne wine region. Take advantage of a visit to a local cellar to taste some excellent champagne! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and Champagne Country!  

Enjoy a unique trip aboard an iconic 2CV vintage car to discover the best of Reims and the nearby countryside. It’s also the occasion to visit a cellar in the Champagne wine region and taste some of the excellent champagne! IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF ON AN ORIGINAL 3-HR-30-MIN RIDE. ENJOY THIS FUN TOUR TO DISCOVER ESSENTIAL REIMS AND THE FAMOUS VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then take you to meet a local winemaker, where you will visit the winery and cellar before tasting some of the champagne produced on-site! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and the Champagne wine region! 

Spend an hour aboard a vintage Citroën 2CV to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way, stopping off to taste some champagne en route! Your driver-guide will take you on a journey through the city’s streets and through its history.  THIS ORIGINAL RIDE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE HEART OF THE “CITY OF KINGS”. IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 1-HOUR TOUR OF CENTRAL REIMS. From the car, you’ll be able to admire the rich heritage of the city including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll also see the Abbey of Saint-Remi, another listed historic monument.  Take a look at the champagne houses located in the Crayères, and make the most of a break to taste some champagne! You will continue towards the historical boulevards and cross the Place du Forum to finish at Place Royale. Take advantage of this quirky tour to see the best of historic Reims! 

Take a trip back in time aboard a vintage 2CV, the iconic French mid-century automobile, to discover the must-see sights of Reims and the nearby vineyards. In the company of your driver-guide, set off on an original 2-hour ride. ON THIS QUIRKY 2-HOUR TOUR, YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE WILL TAKE YOU INTO THE HEART OF THE CITY OF REIMS AND OUT TO THE FAMOUS VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out to Hautvillers in the Montagne de Reims, home of Dom Perignon and the birthplace of champagne. Take advantage of this original tour to see the best of historic Reims and the prestigious champagne vineyards! 

Discover the unmissable sights of the “City of Kings” and its surroundings thanks to this 1-hr-15-min. tour in a classic 2CV car. Fall under the charm of Reims and the surrounding countryside on this tour with a private chauffeur-guide. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNUSUAL TOUR IN A VINTAGE 2CV TO ADMIRE REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. ACCOMPANIED BY YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 75-MINUTE RIDE THROUGH THE TOWN AND COUNTRY. You’ll be able to admire the valleys and hills that characterize the region of Reims as you make your way out of the city. Stop off on a hillside close to some vineyards, where your guide will reveal all the secrets of the history and production of champagne. As you head back into Reims, you’ll pass some of city’s most important heritage sites such as the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Altogether, this tour by vintage car is a novel and efficient way to discover the “City of Kings” and the champagne vineyards! 

An essential collection on the 1914-18 war. With a collection of almost 70,000 objects and documents tracing the daily and military life of the 14-18 war, the Musée de la Grande Guerre, which opened its doors on November 11, 2011 on the site of the First Battle of the Marne in Meaux, is Europe's largest museum on the First World War. Over 4,000 m², it presents one of the richest and most diversified collections on the First World War, in an attractive and innovative scenography. The Musée de la Grande Guerre is the ideal place for a family visit. A veritable educational treasure trove through the collection: see, hear, touch, handle.... A playful itinerary accessible to visitors aged 5 and over: projections of archive images, trench reconstructions, a video space in which visitors are immersed among the soldiers in the trenches or on the battlefield, games to discover the composition of uniforms, the sounds of war, the geographical evolution of conflict zones... Several audio tours are available free of charge on your cell phone or tablet; ask for instructions at reception. Since November 2024, come and discover an installation never seen before in France: an open-air trench. This new space in the museum grounds offers a unique immersive experience accessible to all, not to be missed. Transport yourself to the heart of the trenches of the First World War. At once educational, accessible and didactic, this trench is a unique device where you are the actor in the discovery. Complementing the permanent exhibition and the museum's collections, this scenography gives an insight into what man can experience, at the heart of tragedy, whatever his camp or nationality.

A discovery tour around the Brie de Meaux AOP is waiting for you. Reconstructions and dramatizations will help you learn more about the history of this famous cheese. You'll discover the different stages in its production, from milk harvesting to cellar maturing. Then you'll learn about the current challenges facing Brie de Meaux PDO, proudly represented by its Confrérie. Brie and local events are on offer all year round! Workshops, tastings, exhibitions - there's something for everyone! Booklets in English, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian are available free of charge to accompany your visit to the Maison du Brie de Meaux. To round off your visit, we offer guided tastings on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 4pm, with online booking.

Situated in the valley of Clignon and Ourcq at the bottom of the Orxois, the town of Crouy sur Ourq offers its green and quiet surroundings. Moors and forest form the setting for the town's heritage gathered arround the church Saint-Cyr and Saint Julitte. The fortress which watched over the village since the 15th century has mostly been destroyed except the Donjon de Houssoy witness to the medieval past. It's summit offers a panoramic view over village and surroundings.

Built around 1390, this keep is a monumental reminder of Crouy-sur-Ourcq's medieval heritage. Nestling at the bottom of the valley and built at the height of the 100 Years' War, it is the finest jewel in the crown of the Ourcq Valley. To delimit their vast territory, the Counts of Valois built defensive fortresses, often ostentatiously to show off their power and wealth. On the border with the lands of the Counts of Champagne, it was strategic to build this keep on the banks of the River Ourcq from the end of the 14th century. You can discover this keep, the only one in northern Seine-et-Marne and listed as a Historic Monument in 1962, during the European Heritage Days, or take a look at it from the outside during a walk in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

The military cemetery and war memorial were erected in memory of the French soldiers who died fighting for the capture of Etrépilly on 7 September 1914 during the Battle of the Ourcq (6-9 September 1914). The Battle of the Ourcq (or Battle of Multien) was part of the large-scale operation that was the First Battle of the Marne. This French counter-offensive halted the Germans' advance and forced them to retreat further north. In the Ourcq region, and more specifically on the Multien plateau, the communes of Etrépilly, Douy-la-Ramée, Marcilly, Puisieux, Vincy-Manoeuvre and Trocy-en-Multien were the scene of fierce fighting. A hiking trail will allow you to walk in the footsteps of the "poilus" [literally, "the hairy ones" - a term of endearment for the French infantry of World War I] and wander through the landscapes that were, almost 100 years, a huge battlefield.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste church from the XIV - XVIth century - Listed as a Historic Monument.

Inaugurated in 1868, this installation designed by hydraulic engineer Louis-Dominique Girard, allows water to be pumped from the Marne and thrusts it into the Ourcq canal located 250 meters higher up. The factory was to propel the water of the Marne located below towards the canal of Ourcq with the help of a machine with wheels turbines remained in a remarkable state of conservation. Two cast iron turbines of 10 meters in diameter operate by siphon, under a waterfall of 2 meters. They drive a set of four positive displacement pumps that can pump up to 38,000m3 of water per day. The AFLO association is responsible for the development of the plant.

As if it were the Baie de Somme... Its 241 hectares, 60% of which are covered by water, offer visitors a patchwork of amazing landscapes located in the immediate vicinity of the Marne: ponds, reed beds, meadows and groves provide shelter and food for more than 225 species of birds, some of which are endangered in the region, and which are undoubtedly the most remarkable wealth of the reserve ... Exceptional for the fauna and flora it shelters, it is part of the Natura 2000 site "Les Boucles de la Marne". Not so long ago, the Grand-Voyeux Regional Nature Reserve was still a quarry, where conveyors extracted sand and gravel with a crunch of grains. Excavated in the 1970s, the cavities were gradually transformed into waterholes, quickly colonised by reeds and birds, thus allowing nature to take over. The Maison du Grand-Voyeux is open to the public two days a week, with the aim of helping visitors discover the Grand-Voyeux while preserving biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystems. A discovery trail and observatories allow visitors to discover the incredible landscapes of the site and the multitude of bird species that have found refuge there. Nature activities, workshops and thematic conferences are also organised regularly and free of charge (see programme online at www.maisondugrandvoyeux.fr). Managed by the Agence des espaces verts (AEV) of the Île-de-France Region since 1999, it was classified as a Regional Nature Reserve in 2012. A partner of the AEV, the Association pour la Valorisation des Espaces Naturels du Grand Voyeux is responsible for the scientific monitoring of the site and for certain activities.

Built in 1920, this necropolis gathers together in one place the individual tombs dug right on the battlegrounds of the Meaux region in the aftermath of the First Battle of the Marne. Nearly 990 soldiers killed in 1914 are buried together here. 940 of them are still unknown. They have been buried together in 4 ossuaries. Half of the 341 individual graves are those of French soldiers killed between June and July 1918 during the Second Battle of the Marne in the north of the Seine-et-Marne department. Most of the men buried in the ossuaries are soldiers and officers from infantry troops, Zouaves regiments, and Moroccan and Algerian infantry regiments involved in the First Battle of the Marne. Many of the soldiers from mainland France who took part in the the Battle of the Marne, such as the men from Charles Péguy's regiment, the 276th Infantry Regiment, came from that region. Those of them who could be identified were then generally buried in a civil grave, in their village cemetery.

On the road that connects the villages of Barcy and Varreddes, and in the immediate vicinity of the national necropolis in Chambry, a small cemetery houses the remains of German soldiers who fell during the 1914 Battle of the Marne. Built in 1924, this cemetery houses around 1030 bodies in a small area. This is because 998 of those soldiers (985 of whom are still unidentified) are buried in a mass grave. What's more, two to four German soldiers are buried under each of the crosses that line the cemetery. Military cemeteries are national territories. In the aftermath of the Great War, it was therefore important not to give up too much territory to the Germans.

This historical landmark was the theater of violent battles between 6 and 9 September 1914. This important position, which had been taken by German general Von Kluck – who had installed his general staff there – had to be reconquered. After the First Battle of the Marne, Monseigneur Marbeau, bishop of Meaux, expressed his wish that the town of Meaux be spared and decided to build a commemorative monument on the very spot where the German advance was halted. This religious and patriotic monument was inaugurated in 1924 and was the site of numerous pilgrimages to celebrate the "Miracle of the Marne". The granite and cast-iron building depicts the Virgin Mary with the inscription "Thou shalt go no further".

The Merovingian crypt of Jouarre, a jewel of Merovingian art, is unique in Europe. A visit will take you on a journey through time, transporting you from the reign of Dagobert to the French revolution and beyond. The Saint-Paul crypt is supported by two rows of three Gallo-Roman columns, topped by magnificent Merovingian capitals made of white marble. Along with the Saint-Ébrégisile crypt, they contain the tombs of the holy founders of the Notre-Dame de Jouarre abbey. A 7th century sculpture unique in the world can be discovered.

Avec le Tex'N, plongez dans l'ambiance du Grand Ouest américain & bienvenue au saloon ! 80 couverts dont 30 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Venez nous rendre visite dans un cadre et une ambiance chaleureuse en dégustant notre cuisine traditionnelle ou nos pizzas ! (40 couverts)

Si vous êtes de passage sur le Chemin des Dames pour une balade à pied, à vélo ou en moto, Le Poilu vous accueillera chaleureusement !

Plongez dans une expérience culinaire authentique au cœur d'un cadre verdoyant exceptionnel, niché sur un magnifique golf !

Notre restaurant "Le Grill Winchester" vous accueille tous les jours midi et soir, il est climatisé et peut accueillir 80 personnes ! (animaux acceptés)

Votre café-concert / rhumerie historique en ville haute, avec terrasse !

Un salon de thé atypique en ville haute de Laon !

On the edge of the largest urban nature park in Ile-de-France and just a stone's throw from Meaux beach, come and recharge your batteries at our motorhome park. Pitches are not bookable.

In Champagne Ardennes, in a renovated old forge, beautiful luxury apartment with terrace and garden, LDS and BB. Kitchen (MO muli-function, LV, 2 burner hob) open living room (double bed + 1 pull-out 90, TV). SE with walk-in shower, WC. 1 bedroom with 140 x 200. In the property, indoor heated swimming pool all year long and jacuzzi in common with another rental, children's games. Bicycles on site. Private parking. Wifi.

The Manoir de Gressy is a 4 star hotel with the charm of a 17th Century Residence yet with all modern comforts. Our hotel offers guests a tranquil country retreat on the outskirts of Paris, only minutes away from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is an ideal hotel destination for a weekend getaway or for hosting major events such as a birthday celebration, a wedding ceremony, or a business conference. Enjoy the experience of staying in this 4-star hotel on the lush banks the Canal de l'Ourcq, where heartfelt personal service mingles with an easygoing at-home atmosphere. • 85 luxury rooms et 31 private terrace • Gourmet restaurant

The hotel***-Restaurant du Sauvage welcomes you in the heart of the Grand Morin valley in La Ferté-Gaucher! Céline and Cyril Neujean are happy to welcome you to the Logis Hôtel du Sauvage, located in a beautiful building in the centre of La Ferté-Gaucher. The hotel proposes 20 rooms as different as comfortable and a gastronomic and tasty restaurant. There are two cosy lounges with a bar area for relaxing moments, which you can extend by taking a dip in the sauna or in the indoor swimming pool, which is heated all year round, with its areas designed for your well-being.

Le Grand Terre offers you the healing comfort you need after the hectic day you experienced by the Aérosphalte's activities. At the foot of the La Ferté-Gaucher racetrack and 80km east of Paris, the Hotel le Grand Terre is ideally located to welcome motor sport lovers! Le Grand Terre offers a warm welcome and numerous facilities for a stay with family, friends or companies: - 19 bedrooms for 1 to 3 pers., all equipped with TV, free Wifi and complete sanitary facilities, including 9 accessible to people with reduced mobility. - 19 bungalows set in a wooded park, including 1 accessible to people with reduced mobility. Each bungalow has a room with a double bed, a room with 2 single beds, a living room, a shower and WC. - A fully equipped seminar room. There is also free private parking. The activities on site: quad bikes, cars, motorbikes, ULM and model making will delight all visitors, individuals and business people. Nearby, the "Ferra Botanica" velorail and the whole of the "Vallée des 2 Morin" will seduce you with their very natural setting.

We welcome you year-round to Rubigny, a charming, quiet, and rural village located in the Ardennes. La Charmille is a traditional holiday home featuring a heated pool, fitness room, garden, children's play area, and a fireplace. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 people and offers high-quality amenities. Just a few hours from Paris, Reims, or Chalon, the cottage is perfect for family holidays or festive getaways with friends. If you need a break and want to escape from your daily routine, we invite you to book a massage session and come relax during a wellness stay in the Ardennes. Set off with peace of mind, as the beds will be made for your arrival, and we provide a Welcome Kit with everything you need to start your vacation right. Rent Cottage Abel, the neighboring cottage to La Charmille, to accommodate groups of up to 12 people!

We welcome you year-round to Rubigny, a charming, quiet, and rural village located in the Ardennes. La Charmille is a traditional holiday home featuring a heated pool, fitness room, garden, children's play area, and a fireplace. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 people and offers high-quality amenities. Just a few hours from Paris, Reims, or Chalon, the cottage is perfect for family holidays or festive getaways with friends. If you need a break and want to escape from your daily routine, we invite you to book a massage session and come relax during a wellness stay in the Ardennes. Set off with peace of mind, as the beds will be made for your arrival, and we provide a Welcome Kit with everything you need to start your vacation right. Rent Cottage Abel, the neighboring cottage to La Charmille, to accommodate groups of up to 12 people!

Holiday cottage situated in the Regional Natural reserve Oise Country of France. Old mill near a river. Relaxation area. Barbecue available. Kitchen. Air-conditioned dining hall. 60 people maximum. Room with fireplace, bar. 6 bedrooms (12 beds) (8 beds) (6 beds) (3 beds) (3 beds) (2 beds) and an isolation room (1 bed). 6 showers, 12 sinks, toilets 5. Regional Natural Park Oise Pays-de-France. BEAUMONT SUR OISE 8km. Cergy Pontoise 20km. Royaumont Abbey1km. CHANTILLY 12km. Footpaths (GR1). Authorized JS, DDASS and Education. Groups welcome children, adults and school.