Explore Montcornet, Aisne, a gem in Picardie

This intrepid but short excursion surprises by the diversity of its landscapes. Beginning at the Saint-Agapit chapel in Séchelles, the route, winding and grassy in its first part, offers beautiful panoramas over the countryside of Marles. After leaving the road to Agnicourt, it becomes straight, following the route of an old railway line, majestically lined with a curtain of poplars.

Open on the Thiérache river, this circuit offers beautiful forest, hedged farmland and cereal-growing landscapes. The isolated farm of Bélimont marks the end of a gradual ascent, before the tree cover of the Val Saint-Pierre forest. Driving south, the route offers views of the forest, the Laonnois plateaux and the villages nestled in the hollow of the Serre valley.

This mountain bike trail takes you through marshland and farmland to discover Château de Barive (18 th century) and Château Duperdussin (20 th century).

From Chivres to Mâchecourt, then bypassing the farm-castle of the Marais, the path progressively sinks into the peaty bottom of the Saint-Boétien marsh. Between hedges of poplars, then in the middle of the hedgerow and the reeds, we return by the marshes of the Souche, partly classified natural reserve.

In the heart of the marshy region of La Souche, Pierrepont remembers the exploitation of peat bogs which made its wealth. This excursion, ideal for all the family, penetrates in the ignored environment of the marshes, ornithological and floristic paradise. Patience, silence and observation will be your best assets to discover the treasures of the Saint-Boétien marsh.

"The marsh is a whole world on earth, a different world with its own life, its sedentary inhabitants and passing travelers, its voices, its sounds and its mystery above all. Nothing is more disturbing, more disturbing, more frightening at times than a swamp." (Le Horla, Guy de Maupassant). Lift the mysterious veil of this swamp, witness to the past exploitation of peat in the north of France.

In the past, peat was extracted for heating and to turn the machines. Today, the Liesse marshes are a protected natural area with an exceptional fauna and flora in the north of France.

This very short walk, ideal for an outing with children, takes you through the marshes, along the canals and the ru de la Buze.

Here is the opportunity, for this very rolling mountain bike route, between woods and marshes, to discover the Renaissance castle of Marchais, made of brick and stone (property of the princes of Monaco), and perhaps some grey heron, or a spotted owl in the marshes of the Souche.

From the Notre-Dame de Liesse Basilica, we enter the Grand Marais and the Saint-Boétien marsh (marais de la Souche). After the village of Missy-lès-Pierrepont, the immersion in nature continues by crossing the Bois Semé.

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 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 gateway to the region's remembrance sites, the War and Peace Museum in the Ardennes isdevoted to the three great conflicts that have left their mark in area. The Museum provides a story-line of the historical events that occurred in the Ardennes, whose natural extension is the discoveryof the legacy left in the region by so much warfare. History is presented as a continuum running from 1852 to 1945 that integrates the sequence ofevents, continuities and temporal breaks.With over 16,000 artefacts, including 150 uniforms and 50 pieces of heavy equipment, its displaysare enlivened by spectacular video projections, animated maps and set pieces. A huge chronologicalgallery and sequences covering the daily life of soldiers and civilians provide a pluralistic view ofHistory: A resolutely original and pedagogical approach for both adults and young people.

Spend a moment of recreation all year long thanks to the GALÉA aquatic centre! With family and friends, enjoy the leisure pools and stay in shape with the aqua fitness activities. The outside river is the perfect place to cool off and to both enjoy bathing and sunbathing!  The sauna and the hammam will bring you well-being and relaxation. The GALÉA aquatic centre ensures you will have great aquatic moments while learning how to swim, making your baby discover water environment, making up yourself with water or simply having fun! All year long | 7/7 | Specific opening hours on weekends and during holidays 5.20€ for 16y/o and above | 4.40€ for under 16y/o | Free for under 3y/o | 9.70€ to access the wellness area

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.  

The Old Post and Courier Post to Royal Horses Launoy is an architectural ensemble of the 17th century, quadrilateral, with the remains of postmaster flanked by two driveway gates and lodge watcher, a courtyard lined a large hall for coaches, teams overcome a series of grain reserves, hayloft and a typical barn. It is a place of cultural and tourist events: markets, fairs, exhibitions, festivals, flower ...). Program on request. Open Houses throughout the year or commented upon request or by appointment

Located in the heart of the countryside in Momignies, the La Blanche Epine holiday home promises you a change of scenery in the heart of peaceful natural surroundings. The rooms in this charming residence are well laid out with refined, contemporary décor. You can relax in the private garden in fine weather. The pellet stove in the living room creates a cosy atmosphere in winter. Hiking enthusiasts will delight in this region recognisable from its hedgerows, pastures and rolling hills. Close to the forest (300 metres) and the RAVeL network (500 metres). Not to mention the magnificent Principality of Chimay, the Virelles lake, the Fondry des Chiens and its 20-metre-deep chasm and the Eau d’Heure lakes with their recreational and watersports activities.

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 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

The gateway to the region's remembrance sites, the War and Peace Museum in the Ardennes isdevoted to the three great conflicts that have left their mark in area. The Museum provides a story-line of the historical events that occurred in the Ardennes, whose natural extension is the discoveryof the legacy left in the region by so much warfare. History is presented as a continuum running from 1852 to 1945 that integrates the sequence ofevents, continuities and temporal breaks.With over 16,000 artefacts, including 150 uniforms and 50 pieces of heavy equipment, its displaysare enlivened by spectacular video projections, animated maps and set pieces. A huge chronologicalgallery and sequences covering the daily life of soldiers and civilians provide a pluralistic view ofHistory: A resolutely original and pedagogical approach for both adults and young people.

This plot of land of 4 hectares, where more than 500 trees have been planted, is called the Promenade des Isles. It has been the site for different public events for several years. The most well-known is the Sainte Anne Fête, which has been held since 1805 at the end of July. For ten days the animation (the cavalcade, the fireworks display, the balls, the fairground attractions) attracts huge crowds, who come from all over the region. We must not forget to mention other public events, which have become traditional too like the horse show, the Foulées Rethéloises (cross-country running race), etc.. The first trees were planted on the meadow here in 1623 on a former cemetery. The town bought the neighbouring meadow (called the Cannevière) to extend the park in 1646. In 1775 the line of trees, which was in the middle, was cut down to create a central walkway. An entrance to the park from the town was made for pedestrians. Since this time the Promenade des Isles has always been used as a meeting place for local festivities.

Built on the site of a Priory church, this new church is of Gothic style with a high nave and two aisles. After two centuries of conflicts, the inhabitants of Rethel obtained the demolition of their uncomfortable aisle to replace it by a nave of the same dimensions as the monks’ one: the church has therefore two large naves placed side by side. In 1531, a portal opened out onto the town was built. In 1614, the building of the enormous three–tiered tower started to replace the former steeple. Three levels were superimposed in the classical order (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian).  The Revolution and the two World Wars caused great damage to Saint Nicholas church. The restoration works undertaken by the Historical Monuments started in 1941 to finally end in 1994. Guided visits: Wednesdays from June to Sept. at 4pm on the forecourt. Groups on reservation | Open from June to September, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

The former town hall of Rethel, built in 1750, was destroyed on 1st September 1914 in the fire started by the invader on the night of 31st August 1914, as well as three quarters of the town and the archives of the town. The Town Council did not establish an order for the reconstruction of municipal buildings until 13th October 1922, priority being given to schools. Among the 11 projects presented for the new Town Hall, Mr Boulenger’s one (an architect from Reims) was chosen. The building, in Louis XIIIth style, measures 40 meters by 14 and its height is 40 meters too. The materials used (white stone from Vierzy, red brick from Dizy and blue slate) bring out the colours of the national flag on its façade.  The building started in April 1925 and finished in November 1931. The official inauguration took place on 30th April 1933. The monumental staircase at the centre of the façade leads onto a wrought iron portal, the official entrance to the building. The main reception room is entirely covered by paintings of Eugène Thiéry from Rethel. 

The monument is an allegory of Victory, framed by panels bearing the list of Rethel’s civilian and military dead.

Former church of the Benedictine priory founded in 1097 by Hugues Count of Rethel. Its imposing silhouette dominates the landscape several kilometers around and has dimensions out of proportion with the size of the village. The nave is 44 meters long and the campanile is 35 meters above the ground. Wide buttresses form an imposing architecture, no tall bell tower just a small campanile. Inside, you will discover one of the most beautiful organ buffets in Champagne-Ardenne. Dominated by two angels playing the trumpet, its finely carved bas-reliefs represent the various accessories of the music. Another remarkable piece is the pulpit to preach and its pyramidal canopy. The high altar is striking by its size and opulence; it is surrounded by large paintings. The church also houses statues of the 18th century, including a beautiful Virgin and Child. Commented visits for individuals and groups by appointment only.

Commemorative monuments to the battle of Fosse à l'Eau on 28th and 29th August 1914 wereerected by the Germans (in 1915) and by the French (in 1924) in honour of the Moroccan Division.

Votre hôtel**** -restaurant- spa- événementiel : venez y prendre le temps de vivre et goûter la poésie des lieux ! (130 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Un véritable estaminet dans le Laonnois ! (50 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

L'étape gastronomique qui s'impose ! (120 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Une cuisine traditionnelle et authentique respectant les saisons ! (50 couverts dont 20 en terrasse / chiens acceptés)

Une cuisine brassicole, populaire et locale ! (210 couverts + 90 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

De vraies pizzas cuites au feu de bois ! (43 personnes en salle + une véranda pouvant accueillir 20 personnes / animaux acceptés)

L'endroit idéal pour découvrir la gastronomie picarde ! (80 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

La fameuse chaîne de restauration française et ses spécialités de grillades ! (180 couverts / animaux acceptés)

Bienvenue à La Boucherie, prix mini & plaisir maxi ! (200 couverts avec terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Une ambiance décontractée et chaleureuse en ville basse de Laon ! (100 couverts + 45 en terrasse / animaux acceptés)

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 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.

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.

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. This home formerly belonged to a blacksmith and showcases stone from the region. It also boasts the old hearth from that home. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the ground floor, at the foot of the fish-farming ponds and offers a fantastic view of them. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. The Rêve d’Eau I holiday rental is located on the first floor and boasts a panoramic view of the ponds and breeding tanks from the Cendron fish farm. This is an ideal location for a pleasant and relaxing getaway with family or friends. 

Located on the edge of the Saint-Michel national forest, this holiday rental is located among the residential buildings of its hospitable owners, surrounded by nature and fish-farming ponds. Indeed, the ponds in Cendron will delight avid fishermen, by offering the chance to fish for trout, white fish and even carnivorous specimen. The walls, which are made from local rubble, add authentic charm and a pleasant coolness during the summer months. Located on the ground floor, opposite the owners’ house, the fully renovated Rêve d’Eau III holiday rental boasts large private spaces in a relaxing setting. It is an ideal location for a pleasant getaway with a small group.

The owners of the Le Petit Bistrot holiday rental, which is nestled among lush greenery, offer a warm welcome to their charming, rustic home. Once a company operating at the border and, since 1964, a family home, the owners wanted to preserve its history by keeping the bar, which people can gather around. This rural rental boasts everything you need, with beautiful wooden furnishings and a contemporary, harmonious décor. There is a lovely bar with draft beers, billiards and table football, bar stools, booths and dartboards. The riverside terrace is spacious and offers a view of the Cendron fishing ponds and the surrounding countryside. 

Ideally located near Chimay and the French border, the La Dame au Lit farmhouse promises a relaxing stay in a verdant, rustic setting. In this house, which is made from local stone and found a stone’s throw from a dairy and cattle farm, the owners offer guests a real back-to-basics experience, with the option of discovering their world via a tour. Relaxation is guaranteed, thanks to the incredible garden and its private pond! Nearby, there are very beautiful signposted routes for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and/or horse riders. That’s not to mention the prestigious setting of the Principality of Chimay, which boasts charming heritage and local products.