A cultural heritage at the source of history
Since 2020, the Royal Castle of Villers-Cotterêts has been the subject of a vast restoration campaign led by the Centre des monuments nationaux. It is home to the Cité internationale de la langue française. Both a historical site and a cultural and artistic facility, the Cité is based on a program entirely dedicated to the French language. Visitors have the chance to witness the revival of this almost 500 year old building, built on the orders of François I. In August 1539, he signed the Villers-Cotterêts ordinance introducing the use of French in official documents and laying the foundations of civil status. The opening of the Cité is scheduled for late spring 2023.
Through the streets of the former capital of the Kingdom of the Franks, in Soissons, discover many remarkable monuments. Like the old Saint-Médard abbey, of which only its pre-Romanesque crypt, dating from the 9th century, remains today. You will find there the ancient tombs of major historical figures such as Clotaire and Sigebert, son and grandson of Clovis. The architecture of the Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais cathedral is also particularly edifying. If you stand on its square, one element will seem to be missing... and you will be right: the north tower was never built! This doesn't take anything away from the majesty of the building. And of course, you cannot leave Soissons without visiting the Saint-Jean-des-Vignes abbey whose spires pierce the sky at a height of more than 75 meters! In order to discover this rich and fascinating heritage, you should not miss the event "Soissons en lumières". During the summer, five monuments are illuminated at nightfall on weekends: the former Saint-Léger abbey, the town hall, the Saint-Pierre church, the Arquebuse pavilion and the Cité de la musique et de la danse. To complete the experience, a mobile application allows you to hear the voices of five narrators who accompany you to discover the stories of this city at the heart of history.
Only 10 minutes from Soissons, the keep of Septmonts was also built. For the record, Victor Hugo wrote a letter to his wife (while he was with his mistress!) in which he mentioned his wish to buy this dungeon which he found magnificent.
In Oulchy-le-Château, discover the moving work of Paul Landowski. To commemorate the counter-offensive that led the Allies to victory in 1918, the French government commissioned this Polish-born French sculptor to create an extraordinary monument, built on the very spot where the fate of the Second Battle of the Marne was decided. Landowski depicts "ghosts", seven dead soldiers, with blank stares and dressed in the various uniforms of the French army corps. In the middle of them appears the naked figure of a martyred hero, reminding us of the suffering of men thrown into war. And since the region always pleasantly mixes cultural and natural heritage, finish your visits with the fort of Condé, a monument of the XIXth century, built on the hillside. This site, full of history, is located in a magnificent natural site. The place, with a family vocation, offers many activities: treasure hunts, laser games, escape games..
A territory where it is good to recharge your batteries
The Soissonnais Valois is becoming more and more like a bubble of oxygen in a green setting only 1 hour from Paris. So go green and recharge your batteries during a few walks. The Aisne River runs through the area and there are many activities that can be done on this river! Its banks offer great opportunities for walks. And who says stroll says picnic of course! If you are looking for the perfect spot, head for the town of La Ferté-Milon and its bucolic setting along the Ourcq. Fill your basket with local products that you will find on the markets or in the tourist office stores, which are full of sweet and savory delights. To taste: the famous beans of Soissons, to pick at the aperitif! You will also have the possibility to put your napkin under a parasol in the nice season. Children will be able to enjoy sandboxes, giant games as well as many shows and animations. And for those who want to take to the sea, it is also possible to discover the river on board a boat, a canoe or a pedal boat thanks to the association Les Voiles du Soissonnais.
The region's setting is also conducive to a living, rich and varied nature. Hiking trails, to be found at the tourist offices, offer the possibility to discover the diversity of this beautiful natural heritage. Breathe and enjoy! In the Retz forest, which was awarded the Forêt d'exception® label in 2022, discover for example the astonishing observation tower of General Mangin. Culminating at an altitude of 245 meters, it offers one of the highest panoramas of the region with a breathtaking view of the forest. Destroyed during a storm in 1924, it was rebuilt for the centenary of the Great War. Each level is full of fun installations to discover the fauna and flora of the forest and the role of the tower in the 1918 offensive that led to the Armistice. Visit this vertical museum in the middle of nature, free of charge.
A recognized local pride: the Soissons bean
This year is placed under the sign of gastronomy. In 2023, the Hauts-de-France region will be the first French region to be labeled "European region of gastronomy". This recognition goes hand in hand with the IGP label for the Soissons bean. You may not know it, but it is quite simply the largest bean you can find in France! It is also one of the most refined and a rare commodity. Cultivated only in the Aisne region, the Soissons bean is a legume that can be enjoyed in many ways. Because of its specific size, its ivory color and its delicate taste, this unique bean has a strong reputation in the culinary world. Its nutritional qualities are also a strong point in the search for a healthy diet. It is rich in protein, starch (slow sugars), fiber and low in fat. Its content in iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins is interesting. Alone or as a side dish, hot or cold, it can be eaten in many ways, and will satisfy the most discerning gourmets.
The Soissons bean is even present in one of the writings of Alexandre Dumas, a native of Villers-Cotterêts. Great epicurean and gourmet, he is the author of a Dictionary of cooking, where he makes numerous references and even proposes a recipe for "Haricots au lard à la villageoise". Finally, every year at the end of September, the bean is celebrated as it should be during the "Fête du haricot": a gourmet market, shows and a big parade in the streets of the city are organized throughout the weekend!
Even if it is a great regional pride, the Soissonnais Valois is not only about the Soissons bean. The region is also rich in beekeepers: the lime honey of Picardy is also in the process of being labeled PGI. As in all the Hauts-de-France, you will discover many local and quality breweries, like the Grizdal Brewery in Ciry-Salsogne. Local vegetable and fruit producers also offer their products directly from the orchards and farms. Some, like the Vergers d'Ambrief or the Jardins de Pontarcher, even offer picking. The region even cultivates "red gold": saffron! Producers like to say that the one from the Aisne is much more fruity than the one from the South. Harvested in October, take advantage of the summer to observe this small purple flower with glowing filaments. Magnificent!
FUTURE INFO
When is it?
The spring colors adorn this destination between valleys, plateaus and forests with a green setting essential to your disconnection! To take advantage of the sun, the heat and all the aquatic and nautical activities offered by the Soissonais Valois, the months of June, July and August are the most suitable.
Duration
A long weekend is ideal to discover all the natural, cultural and patrimonial wealth that this territory offers.
Budget
The region is full of small hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites at very reasonable prices. It is also possible to take advantage of many "nature" or "culture" activities at very reasonable prices.
Public
The great advantage of this part of France is that it offers a wide range of activities for all tastes, whether you travel alone, as a couple or with your family, whether you are a sports, history or culture enthusiast.
The advantages
- The gentle way of life: the Soissonnais Valois area is a region where life is good and where you can take your time.
- The welcome : people will never be reluctant to give you a hand if you are lost, to explain a historical aspect or the making of a product.
- Accessibility: the Soissonnais Valois territory is located at a stone's throw from Paris. By train or by car, you can very easily take advantage of all the richness of the territory for a small day out of the capital, just to recharge your batteries!
The minuses
- For the more festive ones, don't expect to be able to party until the end of the night outside of Soissons.
How to get there
By car, via the A1 and the N2. 1 hour from Paris. By train, the TER serves, via the Paris-Laon line, the stations of Soissons and Villers-Cotterêts. It is then possible to rent a car at the station or to book a transport on demand.
Useful
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DU GRAND SOISSONS - More information on the site
16, place Fernand Marquigny
02200 Soissons
Phone : 03 23 53 37 17
- RETZ-EN-VALOIS TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the site
6, place Aristide Briand
02600 Villers-Cotterêts
Phone : 03 23 96 55 10
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DU VAL DE L'AISNE - More information on the site
Fort de Condé - 02880 Chivres-Val
Tel : 03 23 54 40 00
Sleep
You will find hotels from 1 to 4 stars, charming bed and breakfasts and gites in the area. More information in the section " prepare your stay " of the website of the Tourist Office of Grand Soissons.
