Discover Guiscard, Oise, Picardie: hidden gems

This forest walk makes a wide loop through the forest of Saint-Gobain, revealing some curiosities such as old underground quarries or the source of the Barberousse fountain near the old buildings of the Trou-Forcy. Ideal for discovering and observing the fauna and flora of the forest, this hike is for the whole family.

In the early 1950s, at the height of the Cold War, work began on upgrading Couvron Air Base to accommodate a US Air Force base. This was to be Laon-Couvron Air Base, which became fully operational in 1954. Many American servicemen and their families settled there: more than 200 of them settled in the new housing estate built on the outskirts of Laon and called "Marquette-sous-Laon", or cité Marquette. And it was because this nearby hill on the Crépy heights welcomed all these expatriates for picnics on Sundays that this site - formerly known as Mont Sérival - quite naturally received its name as a tribute to this American presence after the murder of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy at the end of 1963. They're gone now, but you can still take a stroll up this wooded hill and think about the atmosphere that must have reigned here some sixty years ago!

Departing from Crépy, a commune which had the sad privilege of hosting the "Grosse Bertha" in 1918, this great circuit takes us to discover the sandstone churches of this part of the Laonnois: Cerny, Bucy, Molinchart. After a detour in the woods of Sart-l'Abbé, the ascent of Mount Kennedy provides some beautiful escapes to the surrounding area.

This is one of the most surprising and endearing places in the Laonnois region, combining dry moorland and wet peat bogs in the same area, ‘one of the richest peat complexes in terms of plant species in the Paris Basin, and perhaps even in all the plains of Western Europe’, according to the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels (CEN) des Hauts-de-France, to put it mildly! An atypical natural environment much studied by botanist and researcher Marcel Bournérias, with numerous microclimates, where it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop to around zero degrees in the middle of summer... A number of signposts on site will help you to appreciate the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. And this marvel is only a few cubits from Laon, so get out and explore!

This short and peaceful stroll, circumscribed on the right bank of the Serre, presents no major difficulties, with minimal differences in level that allow the transition between urban and rural areas. Resolutely grassy, the route offers beautiful green perspectives that border the river, with a mill as a backdrop.

Culminating at the panoramic site of Catillon-du-Temple, this excursion, to be reserved for the summer period, explores the confluent valleys of the Serre and the Péron, marked out by a beautiful heritage: fortified churches, low houses and cleverly framed brick barns.

This short circuit follows for a while the Chemin des Creuttes, offering beautiful views of these ancient and astonishing troglodytic dwellings dug into the cliffs and rocky outcrops.

The path is rural, architectural or social, depending on whether it takes us from the creuttes to the grape harvesters, or from the church of Mons to that of Royaucourt, passing through Bourguignon, the village of the three Le Nain brothers, painters of the XVIIth century famous for their peasant portraits.

ArrayYour Experience The Château de Pierrefonds is a remarkable medieval castle built in the 14th century that was dismantled in the 17th century. Napoleon III imagined this castle into reality and from the ruins arose the reinvented castle of Pierrefonds! Admire the medieval-style reconstruction adapted by Napolean’s trusted architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who breathed life into Naploean’s fantasy of turning this landmark to his French country home. Walk past the intricately-sculpted decors along with the quirky paintings that adorn the walls. As you stroll along the stone walkways, picture an active defense system in place: we’re talking creaking drawbridges, rakish invaders, and valiant knights on white horses! Head downstairs to the basements and lurk around the tombs that rest here. Did You Know: This castle was built in the 14th century, dismantled in the 17th century, and restored in the 19th century?

VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! VISIT CHANTILLY AND DISCOVER THE CHATEAU, PARK, AND STABLES THANKS TO THIS TICKET! Enjoy a visit to the Chantilly chateau. Listed as a hsitoric monument since 1988, visitors can learn all the secrets of the site. Equipped with an audio guide, explore the galleries of paintings and admire the 550 works on show thanks to the Duke of Aumale at the Conde museum. You will also have a chance to visit the appartments and see the decor. Visitors will also have access to the 115 hectare park and private gardens. Created by Andre Le Notre in the 17th century, the French gardens have many statues, fountains, and water mirrors. Discover the Hameau with its 5 small houses, as well as the English gardens with swans and aquatic birds. You might even see the park's kangaroos! Finally, you will be able to visit the stables, which date back to the 18th century, and access the horse museum.

The Domaine de Chantilly, one of the jewels in the crown of France's cultural heritage, which houses the intact treasures of a 19th century prince, Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale. The Domaine included the Castle and the park, the Horse Museum, Stables and Racetrack. 3 unique sites for an exceptional destination. Less than 30 minutes from Roissy, the Domaine de Chantilly, a jewel of French heritage, opens its doors to private and professional event organisers wishing to combine a prestigious setting, history, art and nature. Organise your evening at the largest princely estate in France.

Enjoy a day full of fun and excitement at Park Asterix ! The Ancient Gauls can't wait to welcome you with a whole host of fun activities for guests of all ages. Fun and adventures are guaranteed. ENJOY A FUN AND EXCITING DAY OUT AT PARC ASTERIX! THIS DAY TICKET FOR PARC ASTERIX IS VALID FOR ANY DAY YOU WISH DURING THE WHOLE SEASON (SUBJECT TO THE OPENING DAYS).​ The Ancient Gauls are waiting to welcome you into their amazing world, with an array of fun rides and attractions for all ages. Asterix and his famous friends promise a day filled with laughter and adventures in this fantastic theme park! Young and old alike will enjoy discovering the world of Asterix, the most famous French comic-book hero. You will have a chance to explore the six themed areas of the park: Gaul, The Roman Empire, Greece, The Vikings, Egypt and Travel Through Time. You're bound to love the fun rides, including the famous "Menhir Express", "Zeus' Thunder" and the "Big Splash".

As if it were the Baie de Somme... Its 241 hectares, 60% of which are covered by water, offer visitors a patchwork of amazing landscapes located in the immediate vicinity of the Marne: ponds, reed beds, meadows and groves provide shelter and food for more than 225 species of birds, some of which are endangered in the region, and which are undoubtedly the most remarkable wealth of the reserve ... Exceptional for the fauna and flora it shelters, it is part of the Natura 2000 site "Les Boucles de la Marne". Not so long ago, the Grand-Voyeux Regional Nature Reserve was still a quarry, where conveyors extracted sand and gravel with a crunch of grains. Excavated in the 1970s, the cavities were gradually transformed into waterholes, quickly colonised by reeds and birds, thus allowing nature to take over. The Maison du Grand-Voyeux is open to the public two days a week, with the aim of helping visitors discover the Grand-Voyeux while preserving biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystems. A discovery trail and observatories allow visitors to discover the incredible landscapes of the site and the multitude of bird species that have found refuge there. Nature activities, workshops and thematic conferences are also organised regularly and free of charge (see programme online at www.maisondugrandvoyeux.fr). Managed by the Agence des espaces verts (AEV) of the Île-de-France Region since 1999, it was classified as a Regional Nature Reserve in 2012. A partner of the AEV, the Association pour la Valorisation des Espaces Naturels du Grand Voyeux is responsible for the scientific monitoring of the site and for certain activities.

In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October. In 1228, Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille established the Abbey of Royaumont, today still the largest Cistercian abbey of Ile-de-France. Listed as a historical monument, the abbey has one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic refectory in France. The 7 hectares park, crossed by canals, is labelled "Remarkable garden" by the French Minister of Culture. It has conserved some of its medieval features and today has three gardens: an experimental vegetable garden, opened in 2014, a medieval inspiration garden, and the garden of the monastery transformed into a ravishing French garden in 1912. The abbey is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (5:30 pm between November and March). Royaumont Abbey also offers guided visits, heritage and garden activities for children and families every Sunday throughout the year, and holds a music and dance Festival every year in September and October.

An essential collection on the 1914-18 war. With a collection of nearly 70,000 objects and documents recounting daily and military life during the 1914-18 war, the Musée de la Grande Guerre (Great War Museum), which opened its doors on 11 November 2011 on the grounds of the First Battle of the Marne in Meaux, is Europe's largest museum on the First World War. Covering an area of 3,000 m², it features one of the richest and most diverse collections on the 1914-18 war in an attractive and innovative setting. The Musée de la Grande Guerre (Great War Museum) is the ideal place for a family visit. A veritable treasure trove of educational resources throughout the collection: see, hear, touch and handle.... A fun tour for visitors aged 5 and over: projections of archive images, reconstructions of trenches, a video space where are immersed among the soldiers in the trenches or on the battlefield, games to discover the composition of uniforms, the sounds of war, the geographical evolution of the conflict zones ... Several audio tours are available free of charge on your mobile phone or tablet, ask at the information desk for instructions.

A discovery tour around the Brie de Meaux AOP is waiting for you. Historical reenactments and tableaux will allow you discover more about the history of this famous cheese. You will discover the different steps in its making, from the milk harvest to the maturing in cellars. You will then learn about the current stakes for the Brie de Meaux AOP which is proudly represented by its Brotherhood. To top off this discovery, a tasting will be offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am and at 04:00 pm by reservation. * We provide free booklets in English, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian to accompany you on your visit to the Maison du Brie de Meaux.

Within a contemporary building, ARCHÉA suggests making discover the history of the Country of France through the result of archaeological researches led for 40 years. About 750 objects stemming from 87 present archeological sites in the collections of the museum are presented within an alive and interactive permanent exhibition. Movies, reconstructions, elements to be treated and models help to seize better this history. ARCHÉA, it is also the archeological site of Orville's castle and the ceramic heritage of the valley of Ysieux the discovery of which allows to understand the work of the archaeologists. Two new temporary exhibitions are proposed every year on themes bound to the archaeology and to the history.

The Manoir de Gressy is a 4 star hotel with the charm of a 17th Century Residence yet with all modern comforts. Our hotel offers guests a tranquil country retreat on the outskirts of Paris, only minutes away from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is an ideal hotel destination for a weekend getaway or for hosting major events such as a birthday celebration, a wedding ceremony, or a business conference. Enjoy the experience of staying in this 4-star hotel on the lush banks the Canal de l'Ourcq, where heartfelt personal service mingles with an easygoing at-home atmosphere. • 85 luxury rooms et 31 private terrace • Gourmet restaurant

Palluel's main asset is the natural wealth that surrounds it. The lush green setting of its pond is an invitation to relax. Explore the narrow streets of the village and look for the boundary stones scattered around the foot of some of the buildings that once demarcated the village. Enter the cemetery to admire this 17th-century sandstone cross, the pride of the village. For a complete break from it all, Ecoland is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake, and offers a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation.

Commemorates the men from Sheffield who were killed at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916 and preserves the marks of shell and mine craters. Four small cemeteries are grouped around the Park.

Weapons, cigarette cases, razors, dixies, helmets… these objects found on the battlefield and assembled by Jean and Denise Letaille, a couple of farmers, tell the story of the Australian soldiers who fought in April and May 1917 in the Bullecourt region. A museum where the objects tell the story!

Located in the south of the Artois region, the village of Bullecourt is probably better known in Australia than in France! The site of the Battles of Arras in the spring of 1917, this village was classified as a red zone after the First World War, and can be explored on a tour of the countryside and memorial sites. You'll be impressed by its rural heritage from the Reconstruction period: artesian farms, the town hall with its characteristic pediment and the church with its sandstone bell tower and porch.

By 10 April 1917, when the Battle of Arras had been in progress for one day, Australian soldiers left to attack the German lines at Bullecourt. A second offensive was launched on 3 May. The statue of the Digger is a tribute to the 10,000 Australian soldiers who fell during these operations.

A church with remarkable stained glass windows, a mummy, chapels and an attractive Art Deco and natural heritage: the village of Croisilles has a lot going for it. Its residents are particularly committed to the project, and are currently setting up a Maison des habitants to provide a warm welcome for future visitors.

an 8-hectare landscaped park with some remarkable trees, a superb setting for the imposing Art Deco château. A lake, statues, pergolas, a gazebo stand among the groves and flowerbeds with heritage and modern rose trees, grasses and perennials.

Built around 1390, this keep is a monumental reminder of Crouy-sur-Ourcq's medieval heritage. Nestling at the bottom of the valley and built at the height of the 100 Years' War, it is the finest jewel in the crown of the Ourcq Valley. To delimit their vast territory, the Counts of Valois built defensive fortresses, often ostentatiously to show off their power and wealth. On the border with the lands of the Counts of Champagne, it was strategic to build this keep on the banks of the River Ourcq from the end of the 14th century. You can discover this keep, the only one in northern Seine-et-Marne and listed as a Historic Monument in 1962, during the European Heritage Days, or take a look at it from the outside during a walk in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

Situated in the valley of Clignon and Ourcq at the bottom of the Orxois, the town of Crouy sur Ourq offers its green and quiet surroundings. Moors and forest form the setting for the town's heritage gathered arround the church Saint-Cyr and Saint Julitte. The fortress which watched over the village since the 15th century has mostly been destroyed except the Donjon de Houssoy witness to the medieval past. It's summit offers a panoramic view over village and surroundings.

A stone building of simple, classical elegance constructed in the mid-eighteenth century; come and breath in that unique, indescribable atmosphere of the châteaux of that period which have preserved the richness of their original ornamentation.

What could be more Far West than to come and eat Tex'N at the Étangs du Moulin restaurant! An environment we...

Located in a small village close to Laon, Camille's restaurant offers free parking and a...

Chez Jeannot is located in Etouvelles, and will be your stop on the road Laon - Soissons. A restaurant with...

Located near the village tower, close to the shops, you will find a very pleasant atmosphere.

Located on the medieval town's shopping street, this cosy Parisian bistro is a must!...

Home-made cuisine using fresh produce by a former butcher. Estaminet and brewery menus...

The Upper Town's rock/pop/metal concert bar with a warm ambience! A wide choice of beers ...

The restaurant La Bannière is located in the heart of the medieval city For several years now, the...

Situé à 25 kms d'Arras et de Cambrai. Hôtel tout confort, décoré chaleureusement Un petit geste pour la planéte votre eau est chauffée par le Soleil OUVERT de Janvier à Décembre

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