Aisne _ Randonnée dans le vignoble de champagne © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Vincent Colin — ©Aisne, Randonnée dans le vignoble de champagne |CRTC Hauts-de-France - Vincent Colin

Aisne Department

100% nature and relaxation

There are 1001 things to surprise you when you come on an adventure in Aisne. Two hours from Calais on the A26 motorway, Aisne is the historical cradle of France. It constantly alternates between picture perfect countryside, lush forests and rich architectural heritage. There are also large, pristine areas that are perfect for unusual and sporty activities, as well as being home to traditional crafts and skills.

©Northern France, Hauts De France, Aisne|Jean-Luc Verbrugghe

The Aisne department’s 8 essentials

Take to the heights of the Medieval city of Laon
Sparkle on the Champagne tourist trail
Cross the green heart of the region to explore fortified churches
Be energised in the magnificent forests of Retz and Saint-Gobain
Follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous, admire their castles, abbeys, cathedrals and exceptional homes
Golf in l’Ailette, near the Chemin des Dames battlefield and museum
Indulge in local specialities, such as Maroilles cheese straight from the cellar
Relive the spirit of the 19th century cooperative life at Familistère de Guise

Northern France _ Laon _ Cathedral © OT Pays de Laon — ©Northern France, Laon, Cathedral |OT Pays de Laon

Northern France _ Chateau-Thierry _ champagne Pannier © CRTC Hauts-de-France - AS Flament — ©Northern France, Chateau-Thierry, champagne Pannier |Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Anne Sophie Flament

Northern France _ Flavigny-le-Grand _ Fortified church ©CRTC Hauts-de-France - Teddy Henin — ©Northern France, Flavigny-le-Grand, Fortified church|Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Teddy Henin

Northern France _ Villers-Cotterêts _ Retz Forest © Office de Tourisme Retz en Valois — ©Northern France, Villers-Cotterêts, Retz Forest|Office de Tourisme Retz en Valois

Northern France _ Château-Thierry _ Jean de la Fontaine Museum © Aisne Tourisme - Jean Pierre Gilson — ©Northern France, Château-Thierry, Jean de la Fontaine Museum |Aisne Tourisme - Jean Pierre Gilson

Northern France _ Chamouille_ Le Lac de l'Ailette_ family cycle route © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Anne-Sophie Flament — ©Northern France, Chamouille, Le Lac de l'Ailette, family cycle route|Hauts-de-France Tourisme / Anne-Sophie Flament

Northern France _ Haution _ ferme de la fontaine d'Orion _ Maroilles cheese ©CRTC Hauts-de-France, Anne-Sophie FLAMENT — ©Northern France, Haution, Ferme de la fontaine d'Orion, Maroilles cheese |CRTC Hauts-de-France - AS Flament

Northern France _ Guise_ Familistère Godin © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Nicolas Bryant — ©Northern France, Guise, Familistère Godin|CRTC Hauts-de-France - Nicolas Bryant

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Heritage contemplations and surprising nature

Laon _ Cathédrale vue depuis Plateau Saint Vincent © OT Pays de Laon — ©Laon, Cathédrale vue depuis Plateau Saint Vincent |OT Pays de Laon

Reflect on history

Laon will prove a delight in revealing its best-kept secrets to you – from the hilltop cathedral that you can see from afar bathed in a halo of light to the underground crypts. Share in Godin’s dream of a social utopia at the Familistère de Guise, appreciate the Art Deco style of Saint-Quentin, the Gothic architecture of Soissons and Laon, and the fortified churches of Thiérache. Wherever you go, you will be surrounded by beauty.

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Thiérache, Viaduc d'Ohis Axe vert ©CRTC Hauts-de-France - Jean-Francois DEROUBAIX — ©Balade à vélo le long de l'axe vert, passage sous le viaduc d'Ohis|Hauts-de-France Tourisme / Jean-Francois DEROUBAIX

Let nature surprise you

From the vineyards of Château-Thierry in the south to the random sandstone blocks that you can climb over in the forest of Hottée du Diable, Aisne’s natural world can be appreciated on foot, horseback or bike. The EuroVelo 3 ‘Pilgrims Route’ is an ideal thoroughfare, crossing through the pasture lands and groves of Thiérache as it snakes its way from the Belgian border to Paris and beyond. There are so many places that are ideal for a break that’s peaceful and ‘green’. If you still have energy to burn, there are plenty of accrobranches – treetop zipline and climbing courses – to challenge the whole family.

Explore Aisne Department