Aisne, close to Paris
Tucked away between the Paris region to the south, Belgium to the north and the wide plains of Picardy (External link) and Champagne (External link) to the west and east, the Aisne is a departement of green countryside with quiet meandering rivers.
The landscapes of alternating valleys, hills and plateaus are constantly changing, and this diversity makes for great quality time and is ideal for outdoor leisure for all the family.
Aisne, rich in history and traditions
The towns and cities like Soisson, Saint-Quentin, Laon in the Aisne have remained on a human scale. The host of architectural treasures dotted around the countryside are like open books in which you can read the region’s immensely rich history. The Aisne is at the heart of France’s first ever kingdom and the paths that criss-cross it are soaked with memories. In fact, it is France’s fourth ranking département in terms of listed buildings.
Aisne specialities inspired from the North of France
The Aisne has five smaller districts or terroirs, each of which offers an opportunity to discover its own specific traditional way of life and original craftsmanship. You can taste specialities ranging from champagne (External link) to cider, beans to strong maroilles (External link) cheese in settings that are made warm and intimate by the simplicity and hospitality of the local people.
Arts in the Aisne
The Aisne has raised, enthralled and inspired numerous painters and writers. Its paths and unruffled canal waters, from museums to gardens and village homes, provide the perfect setting in which to discover their works, which in return reward visitors by offering magical insights into the spirit of each place.
Top 10 must-sees
- Art Déco city of Saint-Quentin – www.saint-quentin-tourisme.com (External link)
- Familistère Godin, social palace at Guise – www.familistere.com (External link)
- Fortified churches in the vicinity of Vervins – www.tourisme-thierache.fr (External link)
- Cité médiévale de Laon – www.tourisme-paysdelaon.com (External link)
- Chemin des Dames, WW1 route – www.chemindesdames.fr (External link)
- Caverne du Dragon at Oulches-La-Vallée-Foulon, WW1 underground museum – www.chemindesdames.fr (External link)
- Abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes at Soissons – www.tourisme-soissons.fr (External link)
- Champagne tourist route and cellars in the vicinity of Château-Thierry – www.lesportesdelachampagne.com (External link)
- Château of Condé at Condé-en-Brie – www.chateaudeconde.fr (External link)