Aisne walks

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 hike through the woods to discover bluebells, the village of Villeneuve-sur-Fère where Paul Claudel lived, and a visit to the Hottée du Diable (a unique rock erosion site).

In the footsteps of Léon-Augustin-Lhermitte, painter of the peasants of Champagne, late 19th century. Walk up Mont-Saint-Père, passing by the Gland orientation table, then stroll along the Marne to finish up on the Chartèves hillside, a nature reserve where you can find around thirty plant species (orchids, etc.) and invertebrate fauna (spotted salamanders) and insectivorous birds.

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.

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.

A pleasant hike through woods, marshes, lakes and history.

This is a unique little hike that will allow you to discover the Dhuis aqueduct and visit Condé-en-Brie, its castle and its historic centre.

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.

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.

A bucolic walk between the Marne and the vineyards around Nogent-l'Artaud, visiting a few wash houses, some of which evoke La Fontaine's Fables.

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 offers the opportunity to discover several of them, including a replica of a tall observation tower and a moving military cemetery. Starting from a pretty village with a charmingly simple church, the route is mainly through forest.

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 hike takes place largely under the tall trees of the Retz Forest. It also passes through the village of Oigny-en-Valois, nestled in a vast clearing with its rich monumental heritage: the castle, the church and the Charpentier Mausoleum, in particular.

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

A route that allows us to enjoy views of the first Champagne vineyards, walk along the Dhuis Aqueduct and pass by a deer farm.

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.

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.

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.

A 10 km walk starting from Bernot, in the Aisne department, near Saint-Quentin, along the banks of the Oise, dear to Robert Louis Stevenson, and the Sambre-Oise Canal. The first part is rural, followed by a more wooded section. Photography enthusiasts, don't forget your camera.

Historical walk from Jean de La Fontaine to the memorial commemorating the first engagements of the American army in 1918, passing through the Champagne vineyards.

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

In the hills above the Petit Morin Valley, this is a rural route where you rarely lose sight of the massive bell towers of the former abbey church of Vendières or the partly ruined church of L'Epine-aux-Bois.

Take a stroll through La Fontaine country, passing by the First World War memorial and ending up between the sky and the Champagne vineyards.

To sum up this walk, here is what Victor Hugo wrote on 1 August 1835 in a letter to his wife Adèle.I left Laon this morning, an old town with a cathedral that is another town within it, an immense cathedral that was supposed to have six towers but only has four; four almost Byzantine towers, open like the spires of the 16th century. Everything is beautiful in Laon, the churches, the houses, the surroundings, everything...

A walk retracing the period from September to November 1914 and June 1916. This marks the end of the war of movement and the transition to a war of position in the north of the Aisne. We will visit Lieutenant-Colonel Reboul’s command post (June 1916), the monument to those executed at Vingré (November–December 1914), the Broken Cross, the ruins of the Confrecourt farm and the quarries (September 1914).

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 is a long day’s hike that will allow you to explore Condé-en-Brie, Pargny-la-Dhuis and the very pretty Verdonnelle valley. You’ll walk along the Dhuis Aqueduct, which offers lovely views of the Dhuis valley.

This short route will take you back in time to the charming village of Coulonges-Cohan. Visit the wash houses, the castle (ruins) and the Quentin Roosevelt memorial. Each point of interest is marked by an information panel on site.

A very varied walk, the main highlight of which is the Hottée du Diable sandstone boulder field (a mini Fontainebleau). The rest of the walk alternates between forests, meadows and farmland, crosses several streams, and takes in a fine variety of churches and chapels. There are also numerous remains of cave dwellings and the ruins of an abbey at Val Chrétien. This is also the home of Camille and Paul Claudel, whose house can be visited during the season and on opening days.

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.

This hike is the first stage of a project to walk the entire length of the Canal de l'Ourcq.Departure from La Ferté-Milon station. The first part can be done as a circular route with return to the same station (9.4km, easy).A pleasant trail through the hills overlooking the valley. Beautiful views followed by the canal with its pretty winding and shaded sections.

This is a very beautiful, though sometimes challenging, walk through woodland edges and clearings, past ponds and the remains of sacred sites dating back almost a thousand years, in a beech forest dotted with oaks bearing evocative names: the Oaks of Europe, the Three Maidens…

A lovely walk through forests and valleys. The place names reflect the region’s wine-growing activities, which flourished between the 8th and 18th centuries but have now almost disappeared. However, as you wander through the streets, you’ll have the chance to admire a wine press, a wash house or even a remarkable church in each of the villages you pass through.

In December 1914, six French soldiers were shot as an example in the village of Vingré. This memorial hike retraces these events from the beginning of the First World War. The route is first marked by a transcription of the last letter written by these unfortunate men and by the sober monument that pays tribute to them. We pass by the Broken Cross, then the ruins of the Farm and the quarries of Confrécourt, all of which bear witness to the unprecedented violence of this war.

A very short walk through the Vauclair forest, marked by information panels about the battles of the Chemin des Dames during the First World War. No difficulty in finding your way on this pleasant and informative walk, suitable for young children.

From the church in Guyencourt, you’ll head to Roucy and its church. After a circular route through Roucy, you’ll set off again towards Bouffignereux. The whole route follows good farm and forest tracks. You’ll be treated to beautiful views of the villages and the Aisne valley.

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.

A lovely, easy walk through nature and heritage, best enjoyed in good weather. Peace, tranquillity and fresh air are its main attractions , culminating in a visit to Valsery Abbey. Guided tours are available at weekends in summer. The passage in front of Montgobert Castle also invites you to visit the Wood Museum. At the end of the route, enjoy rural scenery and a magnificent view from the highest point of the plain over the Mont de Valsery farm. The route is very shaded between the various points (2) and (3) by large trees. You pass near the Ferme de Saint-Agnan (3), one of the first properties of the Abbey of Valsery, 2 km away, then near the Château de Mongobert (4) and at the end of the route near the Ferme du Mont de Valsery (6). The path is wide and pleasant throughout.

The route begins under the majestic beech trees of the Retz National Forest. It then passes through typical villages with a rich architectural heritage. The path overlooks the valleys of the Ourcq and its tributaries. You will discover the beginning of the Ourcq Canal. The Donjon du Houssoy welcomes you at the end of the route in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

Leaving Aubencheul-aux-Bois, leave the hustle and bustle of the main roads behind you and immerse yourself in peaceful countryside. The sunken lanes, lined with hedgerows and fresh meadows, invite you to slow down and rediscover the rhythm of the countryside. As you pass through Gouy, you will come across thatched farmhouses and secret orchards where birdsong reigns supreme. The paths undulate beneath your feet and offer unexpected views of the surrounding hills. Further on, Le Câtelet comes into view around a bend: its flower-filled lanes and small local heritage sites exude a discreet charm, with weathered stones and colourful doors. The final stop in Vendhuile rewards walkers with a setting of golden fields and shady groves. Between generous nature and rural heritage, this circuit is a real journey back in time.

Enjoy a fascinating route in the heart of the Aisne, between Condé-sur-Suippe and Variscourt. The hike takes you in the footsteps of the Gauls, crossing the site of the oppidum of "Vieux Reims". It was here, on this vast territory, that a powerful stronghold of the Rèmes (who gave their name to Reims) once stood. The rural paths you take are an invitation to step back in time and imagine the lives of our ancestors on these lands.

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 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

Along the way, you will pass through the charming villages of the Clignon Valley, the Moulin de Brisé in Monthiers, the wash house in Licy Clignon, the fountain in Torcy en Vallois, the American and German military cemeteries in Belleau, and the Bois de Belleau.

We invite you to discover an itinerary combining history and nature, offering exceptional panoramic views of the village of Saint-Pierre-Aigle. A grassy path will lead us towards the Dommier quarry, before we take a farm track that will take us to Saint-Pierre-Aigle. Here, we will have a magnificent view of the village's central square and church. The hike continues through Chafossepour to reach the surrounding forest. After this immersion in the rural world, we will continue our journey through the undergrowth for about 2 km, sheltered by the coolness of the trees. Nature will then reveal the place known as Le Trou Madelon, where we will gradually emerge from the forest and enter the plain. From there, we will walk along the edge of Saint-Pierre, on the edge of the woods, before beginning our descent towards Valsery Abbey.

Fifteenth stage of the Grand Tour of Île-de-France via the GR®11, between La Ferté-Milon station in Aisne and Crouy-sur-Ourcq station in Seine-et-Marne. A relatively easy stage that follows the towpath of the canalised Ourcq River to Mareuil-sur-Ourcq, then the Ourcq Canal, which separates from the river at that point.A short detour is suggested at the start of the stage to the Château de La Ferté-Milon on the heights of the town, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Similarly, at the end, the GR® offers a short detour through the woods to the oratory and then the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Chêne before reaching Crouy-sur-Ourcq station.

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.

At the gateway to Champagne, Montreuil-aux-Lions invites you to take a walk among well-tended vineyards and bubbling streams. In addition to its imposing town hall and listed Saint-Martin church, there are numerous footpaths where you can appreciate the preserved local heritage. Montreuil-aux-Lions is full of hidden gems, some of which have been forgotten, waiting to be rediscovered.

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.

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.