Liesse-Notre-Dame walks

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

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...

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.

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.

An easy walk that takes you through part of the Lislet wind farm and allows you to stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of Montcornet. It also offers a chance to reflect on a bit of history: the Battle of Montcornet on 16 and 17 May 1940, featuring Colonel Charles de Gaulle. Finally, there is an interesting heritage site to discover: the Church of Saint-Martin in Montcornet.

The twenty-fifth stage from the Jura to Hauts-de-France via the Francigena. After passing through the village of Neuville-sur-Ailette, you enter the Domaine du Lac d’Ailette. From every angle, this expanse soothes with the serenity it exudes. Then, the further you go, the more clearly you can make out the silhouette of “the crowned city”, visible for miles around. You arrive in Laon, the departmental capital, with its “airy” cathedral and its numerous openings in the towers, its Templar chapel and its church with the Dutch name Sint Martinus kerk. You will also discover the imposing former episcopal palace as well as the fortifications with their strange leaning tower.

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 pleasant hike through woods, marshes, lakes and history.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A very beautiful walk around the village of Lemé, following well-preserved and maintained paths, some of which are lined with ancient hedgerows.

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.

Discover the Canal des Ardennes, then the village of Asfeld with: - its 17th-century Baroque church (unique in Europe and still open) - its Grand-Cour square - its renovated wash house. Return via the old railway line, passing through the village of Vieux Les Asfeld (old station and wash house). A very easy route that can be enjoyed all year round.

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.