Due to its ideal geographical location, only one hour from the capital, the vast territory of La Pause, composed of the Aisne Valley and the Valois, is an enchanting place that has shaped the memories of our country. From Clovis and its famous vase, to General Mangin and his tower, passing by Racine, or Dumas, there is not a corner that is not full of fascinating or picturesque myths. In addition to the rich history of this region, you will not get tired of these bucolic landscapes where, during a stroll along the canal de l'Ourcq, a walk in the forest of Retz, nature will embrace you with all its beauty. Whether you are a solitary stroller, or not, with your family, or as a couple, you have found here the ideal place to escape, for a weekend or even longer, from the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.
Going green and changing the air
As your whole body shouts out its need for greenery, as the school year is already behind you and holidays are already history, you are thinking of leaving far from the city. Fortunately, you won't have to go far to discover a vast region where nature reigns supreme. Enjoy a stroll in the countryside or in the forest in autumn and its incandescent colours. This small part of the country offers paths open to everyone, from the mildest to the most challenging. The less sporty and families can opt for a micro-balade (generally less than 5 km), a cyclo-tour or a horseback ride for the rustic side. The more sporty will choose the day hike option (up to 34 km) on foot or by mountain bike. The territory has various types of landscapes. The Val de l'Aisne is a region that is full of hiking trails that reach the hills and valleys where there are small villages, each more picturesque than the next. Braine, the largest of these municipalities, has nearly 3,000 inhabitants. In another genre, Oulchy-le-Château offers less steep roads, where the paths join fields and historic sites. Images worthy of another era
A walk in the forest
The Retz forest is one of the largest in France. Its 13 300 hectares make it the sixth largest state-owned forest in the country. It is criss-crossed by 60 km of forest roads and 560 km of roads and widths. This place, rich in history, invites you to take a walk and will allow you to discover the many species of trees that grow in peace there as well as the built heritage, such as the water supply system of the royal castle of Villers Cotterêts, but also various picnic areas...
Taking time on the run of the river
Relax on a warm and sunny day on a fine sandy beach on the shores of Lake Monampteuil. Axo'plage, a popular holiday destination, is only 30 km from Soissons and extends over 40 hectares. Here, everything is possible: a picnic, a sunbathing, a swim... and for the most sporty, there are many water activities. Make no mistake about it! Axo'plage is a place where nature remains at the centre of all concerns. You will be able to discover the protected natural area thanks to its belvedere and observatory from where you will discover an orchard where a protected plant grows: the pulmonary of the mountains, ponds populated by newts and tree frogs, meadows where crickets and lizards coexist and century-old trees which shelter peaks and owls
Hoist it up, lads!
Don't miss the cruise on the Aisne or along the Ourcq River aboard the Clignon du Port-aux-Perches at this time of year. Whether you prefer a simple stroll or a cruise with meals and entertainment, you will find what you are looking for. Don't you have a sea legs? So simply let yourself go for a daydream and a stroll along the banks of these rivers
A real balneotherapy in a bucolic setting
If the autumn sun does not warm you up enough but you absolutely want to take a dip: you can naturally head for Les Bains du Lac: an aquatic complex that puts well-being and relaxation in the spotlight. Built in the municipality of Mercin-et-Vaux, it takes its name from an old Gallo-Roman villa that had private baths that archaeologists found not far from there. This place therefore echoes the first cold baths of Soissons
A territory that bears witness to the great moments of French history
Soissons and its region are full of places that have witnessed the rich history of France. The most illustrious of its celebrities is none other than a vase: the object of all lusts. The drama took place around 486, during a war that opposed Clovis the king of the Franks to Syagrius the Roman. Clovis' armies used to loot treasure-rich churches in their battles. The troops passing through Reims had set their sights on a splendid liturgical vase. Determined to recover his property, the Bishop of Reims went to Soissons. As Clovis was about to return it to him, a jealous soldier broke the object with a sword. So, the good old bishop came home with his vase in pieces
Famous personalities and legendary places
If a vase is still what makes the Soissonnais and Valois famous to all the students in France, this magnificent region has welcomed many famous people. Among others: Charlemagne who was born there in 742, François I who signed the ordinances imposing French as the official language of the State in 1539 at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, or Racine, Dumas and many others.
Visitors enjoy the remains of history, including the many castles and abbeys such as those of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes and Longpont, as well as the castles of Villers-Cotterêts, La Ferté Milon and Berzy-le-Sec, not to mention the keep of Septmonts
Theatre of two world wars
Immerse yourself in contemporary history this time, with the Fort de Condé built between 1874 and 1885 on the western edge of the infamous Chemin des Dames. It was part of the great system of fortifications built to protect Paris from the Germans after the defeat of 1870. The Mangin Observatory, from which the victorious offensive of 18 July 1918 was launched, the National Monument of the Second Battle of the Marne, named "The Ghosts" and created by Paul Landowski, to whom we owe a famous and not the least world sculpture: the Corcovado de Rio de Janeiro. Finally, enter the famous W2, also known as the Wolf Ravine or Wolfsschlucht II, a bunker occupied by Hitler and from which he ordered the destruction of Paris in 1944
Where culture takes off
The region has consistently promoted culture, both at regional and local level. Since 2015, the Cité de la Musique et de la Danse in Soissons, which has been home to François-Xavier Roth's "Les Siècles" ensemble, has represented the quintessence of the public authorities' desire to serve the population with a great cultural offer. The latest equipment is available to the many artists who perform on the stages of this extraordinary place as well as to the inhabitants of the region. It is the scene of many educational projects set up with schools and neighbourhood leaders to ensure that culture is accessible to all
Cultural evening
For this 2018-2019 season, some of the biggest names will be coming to this remarkable venue: singers Hugues Aufray, Christophe, or Artur H, musician Jean-François Zygel, but also orchestras and orchestras, not to mention comedians, plays and dance shows that will enhance your evening
The territory of La Pause does not only open its doors to the biggest names. He is particularly keen to offer a voice to smaller companies, to groups that are starting out, to budding artists. Many theatres will allow you to discover these treasures.
Smart info
When? When? In order to make the most of the Indian summer, it is best to choose the end of September or October. To enjoy the sun and heat, aim for June, July and August.
Getting there. By train, a dozen TER trains connect Paris to Soissons every day. The journey takes on average 1 hour and costs about 20 euros. By car, by the A1 and N2. A car trip will cost you about €10 and will only take an hour from Paris
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