Attractions and places to see around Aubérive encompass a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features in the Marne department of France. The commune is characterized by the Suippe River and is situated within a larger National Forest area, offering natural landscapes. The region holds significant historical importance, particularly related to past conflicts, with several remembrance sites.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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One of the most notable figures buried here is Michel Coiffard, a French fighter pilot from the First World War. Originally an infantryman, he was declared unfit for service after an injury, but managed to re-enlist – this time in the air force. As a member of escadrille 154, he specialised in shooting down German observation balloons, an extremely dangerous mission due to the heavy anti-aircraft defences. Coiffard shot down no fewer than 33 balloons, an exceptional feat. On 28 October 1918, he was fatally hit during a mission, but managed to land his aircraft safely. He died of his injuries shortly afterwards. His grave can be found in this necropolis, under number 1027 (but that number is incorrect, check the register).
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The bakery closes at 12:30 and opens at 17:00
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At the foot of the church plateau, along the Rue de l’Hôtel Dieu, there is a well-preserved German shelter (abri allemand). This concrete construction was used by the German troops as an observation and command post. Its location close to the church offered protection and an overview, which was crucial in this heavily contested sector of the front.
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On the slope of the Église Saint-Martin opposite 32, Rue de l'Hôtel Dieu The church of Sommepy-Tahure, Église Saint-Martin, is located on a raised plateau in the centre of the village. During the First World War, this location had strategic importance, as it offered a view over the surrounding front area in Champagne. The church was badly damaged during the war and later rebuilt, but the area around it still bears the traces of the conflict.
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This national cemetery, located on a hill near Sommepy-Tahure in the Marne, is a major site of remembrance for the First World War. It was built between 1920 and 1924 and contains the remains of 2,201 French soldiers, 721 of whom are in an ossuary. The site centralizes graves from several former battlefields in the region. The necropolis is located in an area that was heavily fought over during the Battles of Champagne. In 1918, the nearby village was liberated by French and American troops, including the 2nd American Infantry Division. The cemetery symbolizes not only the French military sacrifice, but also the Franco-American collaboration during the conflict.
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Where the village of Moronvilliers once stood, there is now a vast military training area. Managed by the French army, the site covers over 1,500 hectares and is used for target practice and military training. Despite its strategic function, it is also a protected Natura 2000 area, where rare calcareous grasslands (savarts) and chalk quarries are home to exceptional flora and fauna. Nature and military use exist here in a fragile balance – a landscape shaped by war, but today managed with an eye for ecology and heritage
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Moronvilliers was a village in the Marne that was completely destroyed during the First World War. It was located in the zone rouge, an area that was so badly damaged by the fighting that reconstruction was considered impossible. After the war, the village was not rebuilt and today it is part of the Moronvilliers military training area. Its name lives on in Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers, and like other "destroyed villages", only a few traces remain as silent witnesses to the devastating battle.
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In the heart of the lost village of Nauroy stands an impressive statue: Le Poilu du Cornillet. Created by artist Jean-François Guillaume, this metal soldier is made up of shrapnel from grenades – deadly fragments that once ravaged the landscape. The work embodies the French infantryman (“poilu”) and symbolises the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought and died here during the Battle of Mont Cornillet in 1917. Together with the nearby cenotaph for two French pilots, it is a powerful tribute to memory and the hope for peace
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Aubérive is rich in historical sites, particularly those related to past conflicts. You can visit the poignant Sommepy-Tahure National Cemetery, a major site of remembrance for the First World War, symbolizing Franco-American collaboration. Another significant location is Camp de Moronvilliers, a former village now a military training area and a Natura 2000 site. Nearby, you can find the traces of Moronvilliers, a village destroyed during the First World War. Additionally, the National Necropolis of Aubérive is a significant memorial site, and the area features monuments like the Borne Vauthier and the "Monument Polignac aux héros du 103e RI".
Yes, Aubérive offers cultural insights beyond its military history. The historic Auberive Abbey, originally a Cistercian foundation, now functions as a contemporary art center, showcasing expressionist and outsider artists. You can also visit the Sainte-Anne Church and Saint-Pierre Chapel/Church for a glimpse into local religious heritage. During the summer, the area hosts the Festival de la Poule des Champs, a musical and festive event.
The region around Aubérive boasts significant natural beauty. It is part of a larger National Forest (Forêts de Champagne et Bourgogne National Park), offering ample opportunities to enjoy local fauna and flora. The Val Clavin Marshes are another area rich in biodiversity. The Suippe River flows through the commune, adding to the picturesque landscape, and numerous local forests and woods like Baissey, Maigre-Fontaine, and Montgérand provide tranquil settings for walks.
Aubérive is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. The renowned GR7 Long-Distance Hiking Trail traverses the commune, offering scenic routes for walkers. For cycling, you can find various routes, including gravel biking and mountain biking. Explore options like the 'Among the vines' routes for gravel biking or 'Nice descent loop' for MTB. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Aubérive, MTB Trails around Aubérive, and Cycling around Aubérive guides.
Yes, the area offers diverse hiking opportunities. The GR7 Long-Distance Hiking Trail passes directly through Aubérive. While specific individual trails are not detailed here, the surrounding National Forest and local woods like Baissey and Montgérand provide numerous paths for exploration. For more structured routes, consider checking the Gravel biking around Aubérive guide, which also features routes suitable for robust walking.
The Sommepy-Tahure National Cemetery is a major site of remembrance for the First World War, built between 1920 and 1924. It contains the remains of over 2,200 French soldiers and symbolizes the Franco-American collaboration during the conflict. The site centralizes graves from several former battlefields in the region and is particularly notable for being the burial place of Michel Coiffard, a distinguished French fighter pilot.
The Camp de Moronvilliers is a vast military training area covering over 1,500 hectares, managed by the French army. It is also a protected Natura 2000 area, home to rare calcareous grasslands and chalk quarries that support exceptional flora and fauna. This site represents a unique balance between military use and ecological preservation, shaped by its history as a former village destroyed during the First World War.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories are not listed for all attractions, the natural areas around Aubérive, such as the National Forest and local woods, offer excellent opportunities for family walks and exploring nature. The Festival de la Poule des Champs during summer could also be an engaging cultural experience for families. For historical context, older children might find the remembrance sites like the National Necropolis of Aubérive and the Sommepy-Tahure National Cemetery thought-provoking.
Aubérive can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best time depends on your interests. Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the natural landscapes and attending local events like the Festival de la Poule des Champs. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures, ideal for hiking and cycling through the forests and along the GR7 trail, with beautiful seasonal foliage. Winter can offer a serene experience for those interested in quiet walks, though some services might have reduced hours.
The area around Aubérive includes several sites related to villages destroyed during the First World War. You can visit Moronvilliers, a destroyed village, where only a few traces remain as silent witnesses to the devastating battle. The Poilu of Cornillet statue also stands in the heart of the lost village of Nauroy, serving as a powerful tribute to the soldiers and the ravaged landscape.
The Poilu of Cornillet is an impressive metal statue created by artist Jean-François Guillaume, located in the lost village of Nauroy. It depicts a French infantryman ('poilu') made up of shrapnel from grenades, symbolizing the sacrifices of soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Mont Cornillet in 1917. It serves as a powerful tribute to memory and a hope for peace.


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