Picardy Pastures: Land of Battles and Cathedrals Picardy

Picardy Pastures: Land of Battles and Cathedrals

Delve into the history of the medieval city of Laon and walk in the footsteps of the soldiers of the First World War

Picardy Pastures: Land of Battles and Cathedrals

This centenary walk through the Picardy countryside takes you to some of the most poignant sites of World War I, enabling you to explore destroyed villages, visit the fascinating Dragon’s Lair and walk in the footsteps of the soldiers along the Chemin des Dames.

Holiday Highlights

Caverne du Dragon, First World War Memorial
Medieval buildings and Ramparts of Laon
First World War Chemin des Dames
Lac de l'Ailette
Option for extra night and golf course

What's Included

5 days walking
Luggage transfers between hotels
Comprehensive route notes
4 nights half board

Starting Days

You can choose to begin this holiday on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Itinerary & Hotels

1
Arrival Laon day 1
Summary
Arrive in the medieval hilltop fortress of Laon. It’s worth exploring Laon by night when its buildings are dramatically floodlit. Don’t miss the 7 km ramparts and the cathedral (Audioguides available). Tonight your accommodation is a restored XIV century house, La Maison des 3 Rois, in the historic centre.
Hotel
Maison des 3 Rois
Laon
The delightful chambre d'hôtes Maison des 3 Rois is in the heart of the medieval city of Laon. This ancient town house dating from the 14th century has been respectfully and traditionally renovated to provide a very comfortable and charming stay.
Facilities
English spoken
Restaurants and shops within walking distance
Board
Bed & Breakfast
Cuisine
Clients are booked in on a B&B basis and we will give details of a good choice of restaurants in your detailed route note booklet. Breakfasts will be continental.
2
Laon to Cheret day 2
Summary
As you leave Laon, enjoy the splendid views stretching out before you. You pass through a tranquil, pastoral landscape aptly named Domaine de la Solitude before arriving in Bruyères. Visit the remarkable 12th century church and 19th century underground fortress, then continue to the country guest house Le Clos Chérêt where the charming owners will make you feel welcome. Eat at the restaurant La Petite Campagne.
Hotel
Le Clos - Cheret
Cheret
A delightful 18th century wine grower's residence (vendangeoir) houses this welcoming chambre d'hote tucked away in the little village of Cheret, where you are guaranteed some wonderful hospitality from your hosts Mr et Mme Simonet. It is in a calm and peaceful location and gives you a great insight in to French family life.
Facilities
Spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms
Helpful, kind and friendly owners who are delighted to chat about their region
Great opportunity to savour a little bit of French life
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
Breakfast is taken at the guest house and dinner in a delightful restaurant nearby.
10 mi
(16 km)
3
Chéret to Bouconville Vauclair day 3
Summary
Today’s route winds through fields and forestry tracks, taking you over the Lac de l’Ailette and through the village of Neuville-sur-Ailette. A vantage point just past the village presents remarkable views before reaching the path to your hotel, the Auberge de Vauclair.
Hotel
Auberge de Vauclair
Vauclair
In a peaceful countryside location this small hotel offers a warm welcome to guests and the owners know the area well and offer helpful information on the local area.
Facilities
Quiet and peaceful location
Themed bedrooms
En suite facilities
Helpful staff happy to talk about their region
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
10 mi
(16 km)
4
Circuit walk to Craonne and the Dragon’s Lair day 4
Summary
Walk through green woodland out to Vieux Craonne, the site of a village completely destroyed in 1917. Now an arboretum, the area is heavily cratered (information panels mark the route). Then follow the Chemin des Dames to the Dragon’s Lair (Caverne du Dragon), a limestone quarry and pivotal point in the fighting. Return to your hotel for another delicious meal.
10 mi
(16 km)
5
Bouconville Vauclair to Chamouille day 5
Summary
The journey to Chamouille can be taken along two routes: one passes the Dragon’s Lair and takes you along the Chemin des Dames. The other follows a track through the forest past the Monument d’Ailes, a memorial dedicated to a village completely destroyed in the war. Stay in the four star Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette, by a lake and golf course.
Hotel
Inter Hôtel du Golf de l’Ailette
Chaumouille
This large modern hotel on the banks of the Lac Ailette offers comfortable rooms and a warm welcome. The clean, modern décor and well appointed rooms make for a comfortable stay. Difficult to imagine here that you are only a couple of hours from Paris.
Facilities
Quiet and peaceful location on the edge of the lake
Large comfortable bedrooms all overlooking the lake
Swimming pool
Excellent golf course
Friendly helpful staff
Close to the village of Chamouille which has a well stocked grocers and bakers
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
8 mi
(13 km)
6
Chamouille to Laon day 6
Summary
Wander along quiet lanes to the little village of Monthenault before making your way through verdant pastures and woodland back to Laon and your chambre d’hôtes.
Hotel
Maison des 3 Rois
Laon
The delightful chambre d'hôtes Maison des 3 Rois is in the heart of the medieval city of Laon. This ancient town house dating from the 14th century has been respectfully and traditionally renovated to provide a very comfortable and charming stay.
Facilities
English spoken
Restaurants and shops within walking distance
Board
Bed & Breakfast
Cuisine
Clients are booked in on a B&B basis and we will give details of a good choice of restaurants in your detailed route note booklet. Breakfasts will be continental.
11 mi
(18 km)