Montcornet walks

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.

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.

A short family walk through the streets of Parfondeval, discovering one of the most beautiful villages in France.

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

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.

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

The village of Étreaupont is crossed by the Oise and the Ton rivers and is situated on the Thiérache Greenway, a converted railway line linking Guise to Hirson. The circular route starts at Saint-Martin Church, follows the Axe Vert for a while towards Guise, and partly follows theGR®122to return to the village.

Starting from Sorbais, Didou the little owl invites you into his domain: the bocage She offers you an educational and informative exploration of the upper Oise valley, its bocage, its wildlife and flora, and its traditional activities. So, between (1) and (3), you can follow the first section of the trail, which is marked with themed information panels.

A peaceful cycle ride along the Voie Verte Sud Ardenne, which runs alongside the Canal des Ardennes from Château-Porcien to Pont-à-Bar, punctuated by the numerous locks.To compensate for the difference in level between the Canal des Ardennes and the Meuse, between Le Chesne and Rilly-sur-Aisne, no fewer than 27 locks line the canal, 17 of which are within the Montgon area. Follow the Canal des Ardennes, discover its locks, via a short detour to the Château de La Cassine, and the passage through the Saint-Aignan tunnel.

This route starts in the centre of the village of Saint-Michel and offers a beautiful transition between town and nature. After leaving the village streets at the Sougland foundries, the route enters the peaceful forest of Saint-Michel, in the Bois de Sougland, along the River Le Gland. Shady paths and green forest roads follow one another in the forest. The return route takes you back to the village and leads hikers to the remarkable abbey site of Saint-Michel, whose architecture and tranquillity invite contemplation. At the end of the route, on Boulevard Savart, the Maison du Prévost stands proudly, a witness to local history and the final heritage stop before returning to the starting point on Place Rochefort. This route combines nature, heritage and discovery, perfect for a Thiérache getaway in the forest.

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.

A short, peaceful walk around the little streams in the forest.

On this route starting from Tarzy, you will cross the Ruisseau de Bosneau twice; it changes its name successively to Petit Gland, Gland, Oise and Seine. You’ll also encounter the typical features of the Thiérache region: meadows, hedgerows, cows, wind turbines and sweeping views.

A hike through soggy terrain in the northern French Ardennes on the Belgian border. At an altitude of 300 m, you’ll need to cross a multitude of streams and springs to complete this route. Waterproof footwear is essential.

This hike follows one of three routes created by the Maginot Association in La Neuville-aux-Joûtes. Along varied paths, you will discover a pretty village in the Thiérache region, set among hedgerows and livestock farms, as well as four military structures from the Second World War.

This route offers a pleasant walk, alternating between forest paths, country lanes and waterside trails. The woods provide welcome shade, whilst the more open sections offer glimpses of the surrounding countryside. You’ll also come across some local heritage sites and hamlets, which lend the route an authentic feel. The presence of small streams and the canal creates a calm and cool atmosphere, which is particularly pleasant in summer. A varied and accessible route, ideal for a peaceful outing in the countryside.

In this corner of Thiérache, the forest, ponds and waterways have been the driving force behind various economic activities throughout the ages. Livestock farming also plays an important role in this region of scattered settlements and hedgerows. This hike can be shortened by almost half. See Practical Information 21/08/2024: Hike modified.

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.