Pargny-Filain 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

This circular route will take you from the Prouilly war memorial to the church in Montigny-sur-Vesle, then to the church in Pévy, through fields and vineyards with beautiful views of the hills.

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.

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.

Between vineyards and woods: you will walk around Trigny, a village in the "Petite Montagne de Reims". This route also offers sweeping views of the Vesle valley. To the south, you can see Coulommes-la-Montagne. To the south-east: Reims and even Verzenay! (description updated on 7 July 2019)

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.

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.

Near the Ourcq Valley, on a hillock in the middle of fields, stands a monument commissioned to celebrate the victory of the Second Battle of the Marne but which, instead of glorifying the victors, pays tribute to those who died or went missing in the Great War. This work by sculptor Paul Landowski is the main destination of this memorial hike. Three beautiful churches, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, complete the picture.

This short walk will take you through the woods to the Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Igny. If you linger at the abbey, allow half a day.

A stroll through the Champagne countryside to discover First World War cemeteries, old wash houses and churches.