Suzy, 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Laon has an abundance of natural sites, and this tour will prove it once again! It's also another opportunity to discover one of Laon's nuggets, its dense network of little paths linking the upper and lower towns, known as ‘grimpettes’ in the local jargon. After setting off from the upper town, at the foot of the ramparts of the Promenade Saint-Martin, your journey will take you along beautiful steep paths, through forests and along the water's edge! Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

We love our climbs in Laon! Especially as they're now more of a leisure pursuit, even if some of them can make you sweat a bit and pull on your calves (but it's good for your health ;-))! What's more, following them often feels like plunging into a labyrinth of paths, some with very similar names. Take this route, for example: you'll successively take the Ruelle de la Vieille Montagne, before the Ruelle de la Montagne, and finally end up in Rue de la Vieille Montagne: you've got to admit it can be quite confusing, don't you? Come on, let's set off on this short tour - I promise, it'll only take you about 1/2 an hour, which you can do during your lunch break in the Porte de Soissons square - in the west of the upper town of Laon!

In this hollow of the valley, the most prestigious wine of France was once produced, the one that celebrated the coronation of kings: the Saint-Vincent. Almost nothing remains of these vineyards: the "centre of gravity" of Laon finds itself inhabited by gardens: the poetry of a town centre in the middle of the countryside.

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?

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.

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 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. 

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.

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