Discover aisne

Things to see and do : Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Nicolas-aux-Bois (outside view only, not open to the public) via the pretty little roads of the forest of Saint-Gobain Key points : When you turn off the D7 road towards St-Nicolas-aux-Bois, enjoy the view of the narrow, winding forest road that leads to the Abbey (it's straight off a picture postcard).

Things to see and do : 14th century fortified priory of Tortoir - not open to the public but worth the trip for the outside view. Key points : Priory once belonged to the Abbey. Retrace your steps.

Things to see and do : The "Roches de l'Ermitage", a unusual pile of rocks, marks the departure point for 3 different walks in the forest. Key points : Fully equipped picnic area Walking info : Short walk around the rocks (2 km - circular, white markings). The "Sentier de l'étang" (lakeside path) round trip (4.7 km, circular blue markings). The "Abbeys" round trip (15 km - circular, red markings).

Village of Saint-Gobain : Key points, This is the birthplace of the Royal Glassworks, founded by Colbert which eventually grew into the multinational glass manufacturing company of today (not open to the public). Forest village of Septvaux (meaning seven valleys) : key points, Striking church Attractive old wash house (good place for a picnic).

Things to see and do : The Abbey of Prémontré nestling in a wooded valley (delightful location). The buildings that you see today date from the 18th century Key points : Only a part is open to the public (a psychiatric hospital) but it's definitely worth a look !

Things to see and do : The mediaeval castle of Coucy high on its headland, is one of the great feudal castles of France. Key points : Tour of the mediaeval fortress. Walk along the ramparts and the capitular gardens. Restaurants and accommodation on the spot.

Things to see and do : End of the trip. Return to the Ile-de-France via Soissons or to the North and/or Belgium via Saint-Quentin. Key points : Soissons, town of artistic and historic interest Gothic cathedral. Abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes. Saint-Quentin, town of artistic interest Basilica. Gothic and Flemish buildings in town centre.