The best traffic-free bike rides around Craonne

The Vauclair Abbey near Bouconville-Vauclair in the Aisne department was founded in 1134 by Bernard of Clairvaux as a Cistercian monastery. In the Middle Ages, it developed into an important monastic complex; it was significantly expanded, particularly in the 13th century. During the First World War, Vauclair was located directly in the combat zone of the Chemin des Dames and was almost completely destroyed by artillery fire in 1917. The ruins visible today have been archaeologically investigated, excavated, and partially secured since the 1960s. Directly next to the ruins, there is now a medicinal herb garden with around 400 species and a conservation orchard. This verger conservatoire preserves old regional apple and pear varieties; according to the French Garden Association, there are about 84 different varieties represented there. Together with the monastery ruins, the site thus commemorates not only the history of the Cistercians but also their close connection to agriculture, horticulture, and botany.

Hidden in the middle of the forest, this Cistercian abbey, founded in 1134 by Bernard of Clairvaux, appears like a mirage. Its majestic ruins bear witness to a turbulent past. From the Hundred Years' War and the French Revolution to the First World War, the abbey suffered considerable destruction. In the 1960s, the site was overgrown with brambles and forgotten. Thanks to the archaeological excavation group "Sources" led by Father Courtois, it experienced a rebirth.

Beautiful quiet place for a walk

Placed high on a mound and built on the former site of the Moulin de Vauclerc, which served as an observatory for the emperor, the limestone statue represents the Emperor scanning the horizon in a dignified position.

The town hall of Guignicourt, now part of the merged municipality of Villeneuve-sur-Aisne since 2019, is located in the historic heart of the village. The building reflects the classic style of French rural municipalities and serves as the administrative centre for the region. Situated on the Aisne River, Guignicourt has a long history as a railway junction and trading centre in the former Laonnois.

In 1924, this memorial was erected in memory of the 22 soldiers and 12 civilians from Guignicourt who died during the First World War. The monument, located near the church, shows in relief a peasant couple mourning at a grave – a rare human and modest image rather than a classic military symbol. It recalls the deep suffering that the war left in this hard-hit municipality.

This church, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is a fine example of transitional architecture between Romanesque and Gothic. It was built on the site of an earlier wooden church and possibly even a Gallo-Roman sanctuary. The construction was partly financed by the Abbey of Saint-Hubert (Belgium), which owned land in the region. The church has been protected as a historical monument since 1921.

On a raised point along the Chemin des Dames, on the site of the former Moulin de Vauclerc, stands a stone statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, erected in 1974. It marks the spot where Napoleon observed the Battle of Craonne on 7 March 1814, during the French campaign against Russian and Prussian forces. The battle claimed more than 12,000 lives. The emperor is depicted looking out over the horizon – a symbol of strategy, battle and memory.