📍 France

AISNE: MEDIEVAL HISTORY AND GRAND GOTHIC HERITAGE TOWNS

Gothic spires pierce the sky proudly, ramparts stand guard, cathedral bells ring beneath stone vaults. Aisne is medieval.

≈ 10
Days
381
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Laon and its cathedral overlooking the plain, the impressive ruins of Coucy-le-Château, Soissons abbey, Villers-Cotterêts castle and Château-Thierry on the Marne. Aisne, birthplace of Gothic art.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Laon

cathedral city tower crown

Laon - Photo 1Laon - Photo 2Laon - Photo 3Laon - Photo 4Laon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame Cathedral.
2
Fortifications.
3
Thiérache Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the upper town.
→
Visit to the medieval cellars.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 35min
2
Day

Vervins

fortified village wall stone

Vervins - Photo 1Vervins - Photo 2Vervins - Photo 3Vervins - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Basilica.
2
Art Deco city hall.
3
Antoine Lécuyer Museum (La Tour pastels).
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the fortified churches of Thiérache.
→
Tourist route.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 71 km
Travel time: 1h25
3
Day

Saint Quentin

gothic basilica ray light

Saint Quentin - Photo 1Saint Quentin - Photo 2Saint Quentin - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Quentin Canal.
2
Ruins of Coucy castle.
3
Castle museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the center.
→
Isle marshes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57 km
Travel time: 1h09
4
Day

Chauny

river culture flowing town

Chauny - Photo 1Chauny - Photo 2Chauny - Photo 3Chauny - Photo 4Chauny - Photo 5Chauny - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes.
2
Saint-Médard crypt.
🎯

Activities

→
River cruise.
→
Cycle touring along the canal.
→
Hike around the fortifications.
5
Day

Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique

fortress crown dominance high

Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 1Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 2Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 3Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 4Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 5Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Castle (under restoration).
2
Alexandre Dumas Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Aisne.
→
Retz Forest.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 24min
6
Day

Soissons

abbey heritage stone walls

Soissons - Photo 1Soissons - Photo 2Soissons - Photo 3Soissons - Photo 4Soissons - Photo 5Soissons - Photo 6Soissons - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
La Fontaine's birthplace.
2
American memorial.
3
Renaissance castle ruins.
🎯

Activities

→
Mountain bike trails.
→
Champagne Route.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 49 km
Travel time: 59min
7
Day

Villers Cotterets

royal tradition forest charm

Villers Cotterets - Photo 1Villers Cotterets - Photo 2Villers Cotterets - Photo 3Villers Cotterets - Photo 4Villers Cotterets - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Fortified church.
2
Alexandre Dumas Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Cave visit.
→
Hiking in the Fère forest.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 88 km
Travel time: 1h45
8
Day

Chateau Thierry

Chateau Thierry - Photo 1Chateau Thierry - Photo 2Chateau Thierry - Photo 3Chateau Thierry - Photo 4Chateau Thierry - Photo 5Chateau Thierry - Photo 6Chateau Thierry - Photo 7Chateau Thierry - Photo 8Chateau Thierry - Photo 9Chateau Thierry - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
La Fontaine's birthplace.
2
Medieval castle.
3
American memorial.
🎯

Activities

→
Champagne Route.
→
Cave visit.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
9
Day

Fere En Tardenois

fortress remnant history shadow

Fere En Tardenois - Photo 1Fere En Tardenois - Photo 2Fere En Tardenois - Photo 3Fere En Tardenois - Photo 4Fere En Tardenois - Photo 5Fere En Tardenois - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Renaissance castle ruins.
2
Fortified church.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the Fère forest.
→
Fishing.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41 km
Travel time: 49min

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.