Chauny, Aisne, Picardie

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.

In the early 1950s, at the height of the Cold War, work began on upgrading Couvron Air Base to accommodate a US Air Force base. This was to be Laon-Couvron Air Base, which became fully operational in 1954. Many American servicemen and their families settled there: more than 200 of them settled in the new housing estate built on the outskirts of Laon and called "Marquette-sous-Laon", or cité Marquette. And it was because this nearby hill on the Crépy heights welcomed all these expatriates for picnics on Sundays that this site - formerly known as Mont Sérival - quite naturally received its name as a tribute to this American presence after the murder of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy at the end of 1963. They're gone now, but you can still take a stroll up this wooded hill and think about the atmosphere that must have reigned here some sixty years ago!

Departing from Crépy, a commune which had the sad privilege of hosting the "Grosse Bertha" in 1918, this great circuit takes us to discover the sandstone churches of this part of the Laonnois: Cerny, Bucy, Molinchart. After a detour in the woods of Sart-l'Abbé, the ascent of Mount Kennedy provides some beautiful escapes to the surrounding area.

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!

One of the must-see sites in the Laonnois area (around 7 kilometres west of Laon) and easily accessible from the centre of the town, this pleasant and unusual walk will take you to a pile of sandstone blocks ‘balanced in a most curious chaos’, as mentioned in a report on the departmental inventory at the beginning of the 20th century.  It's a delight for young and old alike, and a popular spot for walkers who love to climb this fern-covered hill shaded by birch, oak and chestnut trees!

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.

This short and peaceful stroll, circumscribed on the right bank of the Serre, presents no major difficulties, with minimal differences in level that allow the transition between urban and rural areas. Resolutely grassy, the route offers beautiful green perspectives that border the river, with a mill as a backdrop.

The path is rural, architectural or social, depending on whether it takes us from the creuttes to the grape harvesters, or from the church of Mons to that of Royaucourt, passing through Bourguignon, the village of the three Le Nain brothers, painters of the XVIIth century famous for their peasant portraits.

Culminating at the panoramic site of Catillon-du-Temple, this excursion, to be reserved for the summer period, explores the confluent valleys of the Serre and the Péron, marked out by a beautiful heritage: fortified churches, low houses and cleverly framed brick barns.

A little-known piece of history in Laon: the construction of a housing estate in Laon in the mid-1950s to accommodate 200 American families stationed at the nearby US Air Force base at Couvron. This housing estate, known as "Marquette-sous-Laon" or "Cité Marquette", was built in 1956. But why this name? Quite simply to pay tribute to a figure who left his mark on the history of both countries, Jacques Marquette. Born in Laon in 1637, he became a Jesuit priest and went to "New France" as a missionary, where he and his travelling companion Louis Jolliet discovered the source of the Mississippi River in 1673... And so it was that he became one of the leading figures in the young history of America, celebrated as he should be every year on 1st June - the day of his birth - with Marquette Day. So it was only natural that the authorities of the time chose this name to embody Franco-American friendship over the centuries. And it's just as natural that this tour will take you from the lower town, where the Marquette district still stands, to the upper part of Laon, where a Marquette stele is enthroned. So let's get going and follow in the footsteps of the most American of Laon's inhabitants!

ArrayYour Experience The Château de Pierrefonds is a remarkable medieval castle built in the 14th century that was dismantled in the 17th century. Napoleon III imagined this castle into reality and from the ruins arose the reinvented castle of Pierrefonds! Admire the medieval-style reconstruction adapted by Napolean’s trusted architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who breathed life into Naploean’s fantasy of turning this landmark to his French country home. Walk past the intricately-sculpted decors along with the quirky paintings that adorn the walls. As you stroll along the stone walkways, picture an active defense system in place: we’re talking creaking drawbridges, rakish invaders, and valiant knights on white horses! Head downstairs to the basements and lurk around the tombs that rest here. Did You Know: This castle was built in the 14th century, dismantled in the 17th century, and restored in the 19th century?

VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! Enjoy a visit to the Chantilly chateau. Listed as a hsitoric monument since 1988, visitors can learn all the secrets of the site. Equipped with an audio guide, explore the galleries of paintings and admire the 550 works on show thanks to the Duke of Aumale at the Conde museum. You will also have a chance to visit the appartments and see the decor. Visitors will also have access to the 115 hectare park and private gardens. Created by Andre Le Notre in the 17th century, the French gardens have many statues, fountains, and water mirrors. Discover the Hameau with its 5 small houses, as well as the English gardens with swans and aquatic birds. You might even see the park's kangaroos! Finally, you will be able to visit the stables, which date back to the 18th century, and access the horse museum.

Enjoy a day full of fun and excitement at Park Asterix ! The Ancient Gauls can't wait to welcome you with a whole host of fun activities for guests of all ages. Fun and adventures are guaranteed. ENJOY A FUN AND EXCITING DAY OUT AT PARC ASTERIX! THIS DAY TICKET FOR PARC ASTERIX IS VALID FOR ANY DAY YOU WISH DURING THE WHOLE SEASON (SUBJECT TO THE OPENING DAYS).​ The Ancient Gauls are waiting to welcome you into their amazing world, with an array of fun rides and attractions for all ages. Asterix and his famous friends promise a day filled with laughter and adventures in this fantastic theme park! Young and old alike will enjoy discovering the world of Asterix, the most famous French comic-book hero. You will have a chance to explore the six themed areas of the park: Gaul, The Roman Empire, Greece, The Vikings, Egypt and Travel Through Time. You're bound to love the fun rides, including the famous "Menhir Express", "Zeus' Thunder" and the "Big Splash".

The Domaine de Chantilly, one of the jewels in the crown of France's cultural heritage, which houses the intact treasures of a 19th century prince, Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale. The Domaine included the Castle and the park, the Horse Museum, Stables and Racetrack. 3 unique sites for an exceptional destination. Less than 30 minutes from Roissy, the Domaine de Chantilly, a jewel of French heritage, opens its doors to private and professional event organisers wishing to combine a prestigious setting, history, art and nature. Organise your evening at the largest princely estate in France.

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!

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.

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! 

Palluel's main asset is the natural wealth that surrounds it. The lush green setting of its pond is an invitation to relax. Explore the narrow streets of the village and look for the boundary stones scattered around the foot of some of the buildings that once demarcated the village. Enter the cemetery to admire this 17th-century sandstone cross, the pride of the village. For a complete break from it all, Ecoland is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake, and offers a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation.

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.

Commemorates the men from Sheffield who were killed at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916 and preserves the marks of shell and mine craters. Four small cemeteries are grouped around the Park.

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.

Weapons, cigarette cases, razors, dixies, helmets… these objects found on the battlefield and assembled by Jean and Denise Letaille, a couple of farmers, tell the story of the Australian soldiers who fought in April and May 1917 in the Bullecourt region. A museum where the objects tell the story!

Located in the south of the Artois region, the village of Bullecourt is probably better known in Australia than in France! The site of the Battles of Arras in the spring of 1917, this village was classified as a red zone after the First World War, and can be explored on a tour of the countryside and memorial sites. You'll be impressed by its rural heritage from the Reconstruction period: artesian farms, the town hall with its characteristic pediment and the church with its sandstone bell tower and porch.

By 10 April 1917, when the Battle of Arras had been in progress for one day, Australian soldiers left to attack the German lines at Bullecourt. A second offensive was launched on 3 May. The statue of the Digger is a tribute to the 10,000 Australian soldiers who fell during these operations.

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

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