Aisne

Visit Aisne

The Aisne department of Picardy was transformed substantially during the First World War, with large areas of forest and several important towns and landmarks being destroyed during very heavy fighting, but Aisne retains much of interest - both in terms of natural attraction and historic monuments  - as well as several well known war cemeteries

Selected places to visit in Aisne

Aisne, Picardy: introduction

The Aisne department is located in north-east France, and in the east of the Picardy region.

Among the most important highlights are the cathedral and medieval centre of Laon, the capital of the department; the abbey and cathedral at Soissons, the historical centre of Saint-Quentin, and Hirson and surrounding countryside.

Other Attractions and activities in Aisne

Classified as on of the 'most beautiful villages in France', the small red-brick village of Parfondeval is situated to the north-east of the Aisne. Many other small villages, often centred around their church, are waiting to be discovered as you explore...

The opportunities for walking and cycling through the countryside are almost endless, including many marked trails that will enable you to enjoy the scenic highlights. Ask for details of walks etc in your nearest tourist office when you visit.

Alternatively, a boat trip through the Aisne countryside starting from Silly-la-Poterie, perhaps taking in La Ferté-Milon, is a pleasant introduction the the region.

Historical and Religious monuments

A good number of important monuments escaped the ravages of war, or have been restored since, the most notable including the Cathedral at Laon, the Abbey Church at Braine, the Church of Notre-Dame at Urcel, the substantial ruined abbeys at Longpont and Vauclair, the cathedral and abbey remains at Soissons; the (intact) Abbey of Saint-Michel...

The unfinished castle at La Ferté-Milon (south-west Aisne) remains an imposing sight from the front (although there is little behind the facade!), while the substantial fortified ruins of Chateau de Coucy (west Aisne) are a listed 'National Monument' in France.

Oher castles include those at Chateau-Thierry, the renaissance Chateau-de-Conde (south Aisne), and the fortified keep of the Chateau de Guise in the north of the department.

War cemeteries and sights in Aisne

Much of the war in Aisne focussed around the 'Chemin des Dames',site of three particularly severe and costly battles and a central point in the trench warfare that became an established part of World War 1. The 'Caverne du Dragon' lookout point and visitor centre explains the events, history and lives of the soldiers and is central to a visit.

A visit to the war cemeteries of north-east France is always a poignant reminder of the terrible events that unfolded here during WW1, and there are several in the Aisne department. These are largely dedicated to soldiers from Britain, France, Germany and Italy who lost their lives:

British war cemeteries: Grand Seraucourt, Montcornet, Sissonne, Soupir, Vailly-sur-Aisne, Vendresse, Ville-aux-Bois-les-Pontavert

French war cemeteries: Berry-au-Bac, Braine, Cerny-en-Laonnois, Craonnelle, Crouy, Oeuilly, Pontavert, Soupir, Vailly-sur-Aisne, Vauxaillon, Vauxbuin

German war cemeteries: Cerny-en-Laonnois, Laon, Montaigu, Mons-en-Laonnais, Sissonne, Soupir, Veslud

Italian war cemetery: Soupir

Remarkable gardens: Aisne

There are four gardens in the Aisne department oficially listed as 'remarkable gardens': Bosmont-sur-Serre, the gardens of the Chateau de la Muette (Largny-sur-Automne), the castle gardens at Puisieux-et-Clanlieu, and the gardens at Viels-Maisons.

See a list of all Aisne communes

Page in French? See Aisne (Francais)