Chavignon walks

A bucolic walk through fields, meadows and woods. A few rare remains and street names recall the tragic history of the two villages you pass through, their destruction during the First World War and their reconstruction. Route designed and maintained by the Val de l'Aisne Community of Municipalities.

Between fields and woods, a hike in the western sector of the ill-fated Chemin des Dames offensive of April 1917. Several memorial sites invite reflection on the absurdity of the massacres that wars cause.

To sum up this walk, here is what Victor Hugo wrote on 1 August 1835 in a letter to his wife Adèle.I left Laon this morning, an old town with a cathedral that is another town within it, an immense cathedral that was supposed to have six towers but only has four; four almost Byzantine towers, open like the spires of the 16th century. Everything is beautiful in Laon, the churches, the houses, the surroundings, everything...

A pleasant hike through woods, marshes, lakes and history.

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.

With a history stretching back two thousand years, the city of Soissons boasts a wide variety of architecture: Gallo-Roman ruins, Gothic abbeys and churches, Renaissance and Louis XIII pavilions, Art Deco buildings, and more. This urban hike invites you to discover this rich heritage! There are also several memorials in this city, which was on the front lines of the First World War.

On the Chemin des Dames, where so many tears were shed, cross the village of Vieux Craonne, destroyed in 1917, with its ruins and commemorative trees. Then cross the woods, walk along the hillsides and fields, and a vineyard on the outskirts of Craonnelle... to soak up the atmosphere of these places steeped in the history of the Great War.

This short hike takes you through several villages in the Septvallons. You will see creutes (troglodytic dwellings used by soldiers during the First World War) and no fewer than four typical churches or chapels in varied landscapes.

This loop runs through the Ardre valley, with the first part through woodland and the second part along field paths. The first part from Fismes to Saint-Gilles follows the old Reims Suburban Railway (CBR) line, which served many towns. The second part runs along the ridge of the road from Fismes to Fère-en-Tardenois, where, when conditions allow, many paragliders take flight.

An easy hike in a very calm and relaxing environment. Ponds dug into the peat, birds and flowers depending on the season.

Between land and water. Nestled in a valley, the Courville ponds are a unique wetland area in the Tardenois natural region, which is dominated by woods, vineyards and large-scale farming.

A beautiful route through fields and copses. It offers superb views of the Vesle valley, including a 360° panorama. Le Petit Hameau is full of charm.

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.

Let yourself be tempted by a rejuvenating getaway of just over 7 km in the heart of the Aisne region. This circular route, located between the Vilpion and Serre rivers, offers a moment of absolute calm between Marcy-sous-Marle and Voyenne. Heritage enthusiasts will be delighted to discover two architectural gems: the majestic Saint-Médard Church in Marcy and the elegant Saint-Rémi Church in Voyenne, silent witnesses to local history.

An easy walk, following part ofthe GR®142 trailand the former platform of the Reims Suburban Railway (CBR).