LE DOMAINE DE LA NATURE: discover Presles-et-boves

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.

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.

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.

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.

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... 

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!

A beautiful walk combining vast plateaux (with beautiful views over the surrounding villages) and forest, during which you will come across the ‘creuttes’ (or troglodyte dwellings) dug into the limestone slopes at Mont de Fléau, the highest point in this part of the Chemin des Dames and a place where bats roost. And don't forget that you'll be walking along two sections of the GR 142 and GR 12 hiking trails... To follow this walk, you can park near the Vendresse wash-house, next to the Mal-Bâtie. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

This very pleasant loop takes you up and down through woodland and across dry grassland, amid landscapes deeply marked by twentieth-century history... Now a protected and well-maintained site, this hill is home to a number of particularly remarkable and endangered plants and animals, despite its relief, which was tormented by shell holes and has now been reclaimed by vegetation. So enjoy your visit to this key site on the Chemin des Dames!

Set off to explore this small town in the Laon region, Lierval, which has an upper and lower part (meaning there are some slopes, which is good for the heart and calves!). This route, alternating between wooded areas and open fields, takes you along a short section of the GR12A and part of the RD90, known locally as ‘the strategic road’... Before setting off, and depending on the weather, don't forget to wear boots as the paths can be muddy. Enjoy your walk!

This limestone grassland, located on the right bank of the Aisne valley 26 km south-east of Laon, is, according to the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels (CEN) des Hauts-de-France, which manages it, one of the "most original natural habitats in the department [of Aisne]". It lies close to the communes of Oeuilly and Pargnan and is part of the Coteaux du Chemin des Dames Regional Nature Reserve (RNR). In terms of flora and fauna, connoisseurs will be able to spot Hyssop officinale - the only place in Picardy where you can find this southern plant! - or see the dreaded Mantis religiosa in the tall grasses! New signage installed on the site will allow you to explore this preserved area at your own pace, and on the sign located upstream of the site, a QR code will allow you to download a guidebook. On your way back, you will also pass through the magnificent little village of Pargnan, clinging to its cliff, one of the ‘balconies of Laonnois’ that is a must-see!

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! 

Take to the skies during a hot air balloon flight over Reims and its surroundings!  You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. TAKE TO THE SKIES DURING A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS! You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. Upon your arrival, attend the inflation of the balloon before climbing into the basket and leaving Taissy behind for an escapade in the skies above Reims. Rising with the wind, you will fly over Reims at high altitude to gaze down on its renowned architectural heritage from the sky. You'll then be treated to spectacular views of the iconic vineyards and hillsides of Champagne as you fly over the Champagne Tourist Route or the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Once you return to solid ground, you’ll share a traditional balloonists toast to celebrate your adventure. A charming interlude in the airs of Reims to discover the landscapes of Champagne.

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.

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.

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!

Listed as a Historical Monument, the Baroque style Saint-Didier church of Asfeld is the strangest church in Champagne-Ardenne and even in France. It was built at the end of the 17th century on the site of the old church of the village according to the will of the Earl of Avaux Jean-Jacques III of Mesmes. Extravagantly shaped, designed by two talented architects: the Dominican Brother François Romain and Fleury, an architect who lived on the spot. The structural work was completed in 1683. The church was finished, received and blessed in 1685. The plan is quite original since it was imagined in the form of a viola da gamba. Entirely built in bricks, its architecture with colonnades, domes and cupolas is really bold. None of the walls of the building follows a straight line. The church has 138 pillars and columns, a length of 44.82 meters and an outer perimeter of 145 meters. The church also has a 7-stops organ built around 1900 by Clovis Renault. Open every day from 9am to 7pm | Audio guides available in French, English, Dutch and German | Commented visits by appointment INTERPRETATION TRAIL Take a journey back in time to discover the village of Asfeld in the 17th century! Thanks to the 10 viewpoints in the village, dive into Asfeld's past and uncover the secrets of its rich heritage and illustrious families. To enrich your walk, get the booklet "Versailles' Style" and solve the fascinating and mysterious investigation that is proposed to you. During your investigation following the footsteps of the Marquis, you will meet the characters who made the history of the village and thus perfect your knowledge of the monuments of this beautiful village. Booklet available for free at the Town Hall and the Relay House

Ideal for a short break and a group photo

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 monument was inaugurated on 5th July 1925. It pays tribute to the children of Herpy-L'Arlésienne who died for their country, and also, which is more unusual, to the "French soldiers who fell in battle in the Municipality."

Listed as a remarkable garden this venue is worth a detour... The garden overlooks the valley of Petit Morin. Its pièce de resistance is undoubtedly the plant cathedral, an ambitious project carried out over 6 years and inaugurated in June 2017. This verdant temple is open to persons of all spiritual traditions. Consecrated to family love, the cathedral is accentuated by sculptures from Robert Arnoux and stained glass windows by Laurence Weber. The garden also features a unique skeleton, made of steel and stone, rather than bone. It is intended to evolve over time, allowing itself to be immersed in branches and leaves with the passage of the seasons to ultimately become a "natural body"! The garden covers 7 hectares. During the course of your visit, you'll encounter extraordinary plants and unique architectural elements, such as rare trees, wild grasses and secret passages that can propel us to another dimension. You can also find mystical creatures, such as giant fairies, or a swing that harkens back to childhood. Let's not forget the huts that are "not like the others"! Le Point du Jour Garden also serves as a tea room, the perfect boutique for original gift ideas and a venue for concerts and other major events… This garden was voted the 2010 Garden of the Year by the French Association of Garden and Horticulture Journalists (AJJH) and now boasts the French Ministry of Culture's official label of a “Remarkable Garden”.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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

LE point de restauration en pleine forêt de Vauclair !

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

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 !

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.

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!

In a little village of Thiérache, a detached, entirely renovated house. On the ground floor, everything is adapted for disabled people : 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, a bathroom and separated WC. Equipped kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave). Dining-room/lounge with woodstove. On the first floor, 2 double bedrooms, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 bedroom with 3 single beds. Garage. Shops 7 km away. Along the tourist route of the fortified churches of Thiérache and next to the massif of the Ardennes. Bed-sheets renting possible. Taxes and heating included.

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.

Amidst the village, this beautifully restored farmhouse has been converted into a self-catering accommodation furnished to a high and comfortable standard. On the ground floor, vast living-room (fireplace, TV, hi-fi, juke-box). Open plan kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, freezer. 1 bedroom (double bed, 2 single beds) ensuite bathroom. Toilets. On the first floor: lounge, TV, mezzanine with 2 single beds, 2 bedrooms (2 single beds). Bathroom, toilets, 1 bedroom (1 double bed + 2 single beds in a mezzanine) ensuite bathroom and toilet. Terrace equipped with garden furniture and BBQ. Enclosed garden 2500m². Garage. Ping-Pong. Basketball. Swing. Bakery, newspaper store nearby. Shops in Vouziers, 15km away.

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.