The Aisne department to discover

The fortified churches of Laon, Soissons, St. Quentin or Thiérache are the testimonies of the mediaeval period of the Aisne. They are more likely to realize the architectural tastes of our ancestors not so distant. Laon Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic art. It was built in 1160 after no less than 50 years of work and has a height of 110 m. Arrows with a height of 30 meters were originally intended. However, there was destruction during the Revolution. After visiting this majestic cathedral, take time to stroll along the ramparts. You will have a breathtaking view over the city of Laon.

For amateur historians, a mythical place not to miss is the way the ladies. The plateau of the Chemin des Dames was a terrible place of confrontation during the First World War. Many military cemeteries and memorials are there to testify. There is even a museum called "the dragon's cave" of memory used in this war.

Not far away, take the time to wander through the ruins of the Abbey of Vauclair. Located in the heart of the triangle Reims-Soissons-Laon, they allow you to imagine the lives of the monks, from the twelfth century. There's even a herb garden next door, you can visit.

A Guise, you can discover the Familistère, founded by Jean-Baptiste Godin. This is a gathering place for many families with the principle of providing everything necessary for life in one place. This idea was born in 1859. The workers would then have homes near the plant in a huge building covered with a canopy amazing. All around, there were schools, swimming pools, parks and other recreation areas. In 1870, it is not less than 1500 workers who lived in this complex social unique.

There is so much to say on the Aisne. It was calculated that the Aisne has over 2000 km of rivers: What do many escapades in the heart of preserved nature.