Aisne walks

On one of the sites of the ill-fated Chemin des Dames offensive of April 1917, this route is mainly through forest but with clear passages offering superb views that give an understanding of how perilous the operation was. The route through the site of the former village of Craonne, which was razed to the ground under a barrage of artillery fire, is particularly moving. The remains of Vauclair Abbey provide a beautiful heritage-filled end to the walk.

A hike through the woods to discover bluebells, the village of Villeneuve-sur-Fère where Paul Claudel lived, and a visit to the Hottée du Diable (a unique rock erosion site).

In the footsteps of Léon-Augustin-Lhermitte, painter of the peasants of Champagne, late 19th century. Walk up Mont-Saint-Père, passing by the Gland orientation table, then stroll along the Marne to finish up on the Chartèves hillside, a nature reserve where you can find around thirty plant species (orchids, etc.) and invertebrate fauna (spotted salamanders) and insectivorous birds.

A stroll through peaceful countryside just an hour from Paris, where you will find fortified castles, a 12th-century church and an American cemetery from the First World War.

The Retz Forest was the scene of intense fighting during the two battles of the Marne, in September 1914 and during the summer of 1918. Numerous monuments retrace this history, and this hike, which starts at the foot of the ruins of Longpont Abbey, passes by a memorial built in 1938. Beech and pine forests, with beautiful fern undergrowth, await you on this mainly forest trail.

This is a unique little hike that will allow you to discover the Dhuis aqueduct and visit Condé-en-Brie, its castle and its historic centre.

Starting from the village of Fontenoy, climb up to the plateau between fields and woods. The start of the descent is marked by the passage to the Guésot quarries, which served as barracks for French troops during the First World War. The end of the hike takes place in the Aisne valley and along the edge of ponds.

Leaving Aubencheul-aux-Bois, leave the hustle and bustle of the main roads behind you and immerse yourself in peaceful countryside. The sunken lanes, lined with hedgerows and fresh meadows, invite you to slow down and rediscover the rhythm of the countryside. As you pass through Gouy, you will come across thatched farmhouses and secret orchards where birdsong reigns supreme. The paths undulate beneath your feet and offer unexpected views of the surrounding hills. Further on, Le Câtelet comes into view around a bend: its flower-filled lanes and small local heritage sites exude a discreet charm, with weathered stones and colourful doors. The final stop in Vendhuile rewards walkers with a setting of golden fields and shady groves. Between generous nature and rural heritage, this circuit is a real journey back in time.

A lovely, easy walk through nature and heritage, best enjoyed in good weather. Peace, tranquillity and fresh air are its main attractions , culminating in a visit to Valsery Abbey. Guided tours are available at weekends in summer. The passage in front of Montgobert Castle also invites you to visit the Wood Museum. At the end of the route, enjoy rural scenery and a magnificent view from the highest point of the plain over the Mont de Valsery farm. The route is very shaded between the various points (2) and (3) by large trees. You pass near the Ferme de Saint-Agnan (3), one of the first properties of the Abbey of Valsery, 2 km away, then near the Château de Mongobert (4) and at the end of the route near the Ferme du Mont de Valsery (6). The path is wide and pleasant throughout.

Discover a unique hike steeped in history, starting from Berry-au-Bac. This route invites you to immerse yourself in the landscapes that marked the First World War. By skirting the famous Côte Cent Huit, a major battleground, you will walk in the footsteps of history, where the memory of the vanished hamlets of Sapigneul and La Neuville is omnipresent. The hike is varied, alternating between quiet forest trails, vast stretches of countryside and the tranquillity of the greenway along the canal linking the Aisne to the Marne

Along the way, you will pass through the charming villages of the Clignon Valley, the Moulin de Brisé in Monthiers, the wash house in Licy Clignon, the fountain in Torcy en Vallois, the American and German military cemeteries in Belleau, and the Bois de Belleau.

Immerse yourself in history and nature with this 10 km hike in Bois-lès-Pargny! Admire the elegance of the Bois-lès-Pargny keep, a unique 17th-century pink brick construction, listed as a Historic Monument since 1927, as well as the serenity of Saint-Rémi Church. For the more curious, don't miss the detour (only 2.6 km round trip) to the mythical Verziau de Gargantua. This menhir, over 4 m high and listed since 1889, is linked to an ancient local legend. A perfect getaway, harmoniously combining a walk in the woods, rural discovery and the remains of a rich past.

Escape on this route that combines natural tranquillity and historical resonance. Your walk begins along the peaceful Canal latéral à l'Aisne, offering a bucolic interlude. Then, history reveals itself. You will come across the Saint-Rigobert Chapel, a thousand-year-old place of worship that served as an observation and rescue post for General Mangin during the relentless Great War. Finally, the route takes you to the Berry-au-Bac National Necropolis, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on the nearby Chemin des Dames.

This route is designed for nature lovers and those looking for a beautiful escape without any major difficulties. The terrain is very gentle, with little elevation gain, making it accessible to walkers of all levels. The atmosphere is calm, conducive to observing the local flora and fauna, but also to daydreaming. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims by taking a section of the GR® 654, which corresponds to the famous Way of St James. You will also pass through the charming village of Brienne-sur-Aisne, where you can admire its church and local architecture.

Enjoy a fascinating route in the heart of the Aisne, between Condé-sur-Suippe and Variscourt. The hike takes you in the footsteps of the Gauls, crossing the site of the oppidum of "Vieux Reims". It was here, on this vast territory, that a powerful stronghold of the Rèmes (who gave their name to Reims) once stood. The rural paths you take are an invitation to step back in time and imagine the lives of our ancestors on these lands.

This rural commune, one of the "most beautiful villages in France", a few kilometres from the Belgian border, in a setting typical of the region, consists of a homogeneous habitat made of red bricks and grey slate roofs, which give it a certain character. Its small Protestant temple and, above all, its superb fortified Saint-Médard Church, dating back to the Middle Ages, are its most representative buildings. They make you want to stop off here on your way tothe Ardennes, Reims or the Picardy coast, which are not far away.

The route begins with a grassy path that climbs 60 metres, offering a beautiful ascent at the start. It then continues on flat terrain, following agricultural paths that are ideal for enjoying the surroundings while walking at a leisurely pace. After this section, a descent leads to the picturesque village of Saint-Pierre-Aigle, a charming place to take a short break. The rest of the route takes you into the forest, with 8 kilometres of forest paths, pleasant and varied terrain, perfect for nature lovers. You then cross the village of Montgobert, adding a touch of diversity before returning to the plain. The return journey is along farm tracks, offering wide views and unobstructed vistas of the surrounding countryside. Finally, a last descent takes you to ValseryAbbey, a historic site that provides a beautiful conclusion to this route.

We invite you to discover an itinerary combining history and nature, offering exceptional panoramic views of the village of Saint-Pierre-Aigle. A grassy path will lead us towards the Dommier quarry, before we take a farm track that will take us to Saint-Pierre-Aigle. Here, we will have a magnificent view of the village's central square and church. The hike continues through Chafossepour to reach the surrounding forest. After this immersion in the rural world, we will continue our journey through the undergrowth for about 2 km, sheltered by the coolness of the trees. Nature will then reveal the place known as Le Trou Madelon, where we will gradually emerge from the forest and enter the plain. From there, we will walk along the edge of Saint-Pierre, on the edge of the woods, before beginning our descent towards Valsery Abbey.

A beautiful hike in the Retz National Forest, starting from Coyolles and its Church of the Nativity, its manor house with guest rooms; passing through Boursonne, its castle and church, and the former14th-century Abbey of Bourgfontaine.The GPX track may be useful in the forest.

A circular walk starting from Passy-sur-Marne, taking in vineyards, châteaux, villages, the banks of the Marne and wash houses, not forgetting the military cemetery and the Dormans Memorial 1914-1918. A busy day steeped in history.

In the heart of Vermandois, a path stretches for several kilometres, linking Brancourt-le-Grand to Fresnoy-le-Grand. Between cobbled streets and grassy paths, this long walk invites you to discover the striking contrast between the hustle and bustle of village life and the tranquillity of the surrounding fields. All along the route, the red brick architecture contrasts with the open horizons of meadows and groves. At every turn, let yourself be surprised by an old gate, a blossoming orchard or the discreet song of a stream, for an authentic immersion in the soul of Vermandois.

In the heart of the Vervinois region, a bucolic trail begins in Vaux-Andigny, inviting you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the generous countryside. Under the cover of ancient hedgerows, you walk along meadows bathed in light before reaching Andigny-les-Fermes, where the discreet charm of half-timbered farms reveals a preserved rural heritage. You then reach Mennevret, nestled in a green valley where the murmur of the stream and the ballet of dragonflies set the pace for your walk. Gentle hills appear on the horizon before opening up to the final stage in Régnicourt, a peaceful village with shady lanes. Bring a water bottle and a good pair of shoes: this accessible route is best enjoyed at the pace of the seasons, stopping to contemplate the scenery.

Starting from Saint-Martin-Rivière, this route takes you into the heart of the rolling countryside of northern Aisne, between peaceful bocage and charming villages. Following small roads and hedged paths, you pass through Ribeauville, then Wassigny, an ancient fortified town where history is evident in every stone. The walk continues towards La Vallée-Mulâtre, nestled in lush greenery, before reaching Molain, where open meadows and farm tracks offer a breath of fresh air. This accessible and rejuvenating circuit combines rural heritage and gentle landscapes for an authentic immersion in the heart of the Thiérache region.

Put on your best walking boots and leave Prémont behind to immerse yourself in a green setting where hedgerows and meadows flourish at every turn. The paths, guardians of a thousand rural secrets, will guide you to Becquigny, a little haven where birdsong punctuates the tranquillity of the place. Then head for Bohain-en-Vermandois, a town of brick buildings and contrasts, where the history of textiles is revealed around every corner of its lively streets. Between authentic heritage and bucolic landscapes, this loop promises a refreshing break full of character.

Immerse yourself in a route where every step blends history, nature and the discreet charm of the North: starting from Serain, let yourself be drawn to the medieval remains of Beaurevoir before reaching the peaceful paths of Ponchaux. The route then continues to Vaux Le Prêtre, offering a succession of shady woodland, bucolic pastures and unexpected panoramic views of the Serre valley. Carefully signposted, this return route takes you back to Serain via a series of small roads and country lanes. Between a stop near the Beaurevoir fountain and the rustic charm of the Ponchaux farms, your senses will be constantly awakened: birdsong, the scent of the heath and the silhouettes of bell towers on the horizon punctuate this escapade, which is accessible to all.

This second stage invites you to discover the bocage landscape of Avesnois and Thiérache, between Maroilles and Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache. Along the way, take the time to taste the delicious Maroilles cheese!