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Vauclair Abbey Ruins – View of the Ruins loop from Bouconville-Vauclair

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Vauclair Abbey Ruins – View of the Ruins loop from Bouconville-Vauclair

Moderate

4.1

(10)

hikers

Vauclair Abbey Ruins – View of the Ruins loop from Bouconville-Vauclair

03:07

11.7km

120m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

266 m

Großer kostenloser Parkplatz

Highlight • Other

The parking lot is very large and also suitable for motorhomes. There is also an information board and a table with benches on site.

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2.57 km

This stone statue of Napoleon 1st, sculpted by Georges THUROTTE, commemorates the victory of the French armies at Craonne against the Russian and Prussian armies of General Blücher on March 7, 1814, which caused 12,000 deaths (7,000 French and 5,000 Russians, including the graves communes were dispersed during the battles of the First World War).

Placed high on a mound and built on the former location 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.
An enamelled table presents the plan of the battle of Craonne

Erected by the Departmental Tourism Committee and the Departmental Union of Offices and Syndicates of Initiatives of the Aisne, the building was inaugurated on June 30, 1974 by Michel Poniatowski, then Minister of State and Interior.

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4.68 km

California Plateau

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Plateau de Californie, situated above the ruined village of Craonne, was a strategic high point during the First World War. In April 1917, it became the scene of fierce fighting during the Nivelle Offensive. French troops suffered heavy losses here in their attempt to break through the German lines.

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5.51 km

Californie Plateau Observation Tower

Highlight • Viewpoint

The California Plateau Observation Tower is a wooden tower inaugurated in 2013 that stands 20 meters high on the eastern edge of the California Plateau, a strategic site during the First World War. From the top of the tower, you can admire the landscape of the Chemin des Dames, the village of Craonne and the Champagne plain. You can also discover the importance of the high points during the war and the battles that took place on this plateau. The tower is freely accessible all year round, but may be closed in case of bad weather. Also bring a flashlight if you want to explore the nearby trenches and shelters. The California Plateau Observation Tour is a unique place to discover the history and beauty of this region.

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5.89 km

Place de la Croisette

Highlight • Other

11.1 km

Vauclair Abbey Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

This abbey, which was founded in 1134 by St. Bernard, was severely damaged in a bombardment in 1917. The best preserved buildings are the pantry, the refectory of the lay brothers, the chapter house and the monks' hall. The foundations of the abbey church and the inn are still visible. Next to the garden with medicinal plants there is an exhibition space. Surrounding it is the monastic forest of Vauvelair, which covers 1000 hectares.

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11.3 km

View of the Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

From here you have a nice view of the area

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11.5 km

Bank

Highlight • Other

Bench that invites you to linger with a view of the lake.

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11.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.38 km

1.03 km

898 m

215 m

128 m

Surfaces

7.61 km

993 m

975 m

964 m

832 m

277 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (190 m)

Lowest point (90 m)

Weather

Tuesday 19 May

19°C

12°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Vauclair Abbey Ruins – View of the Ruins loop from Bouconville-Vauclair

Großer kostenloser Parkplatz

Napoleon Statue in Craonne

California Plateau

Californie Plateau Observation Tower

Place de la Croisette

Vauclair Abbey Ruins

View of the Ruins

Bank

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