In Bruyères-Et-Montbérault, you can plan your trip around a range of interests: the Via Francigena passes through the town, while a command post and several forts bring military history to life in different ways. There is also the architecture of Église Notre-Dame and seasonal visitor activities. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether the pilgrimage route, history or a visit to a goat farm will be the main focus of your stay.
The Via Francigena and finding your way around town
The Via Francigena also passes through Bruyères-Et-Montbérault on its 125-kilometre section through the Aisne department. It is signposted locally as a new hiking and pilgrimage route. The distance refers to the section through the department, not a local stage. If you are travelling to walk the route, check the local waymarkers before setting off.
For an insight into the history of the municipality, there are two information boards at the Aire d’accueil de Bruyères-Et-Montbérault: one in the car park and one in front of the town hall. A signposted short walking tour also starts at the town hall. As signage may change, it is advisable to check locally. Another landmark, the Fontaine Minérale, is still visible at the intersection of Tour de Ville and rue de la Batterie.
Command post and forts
The Maison visitée par de Gaulle is associated with a specific date in wartime history: on 14 May 1940, it served as Colonel de Gaulle’s command post. He prepared the Serre Offensive there, also known as the Battle of Montcornet. Information at the outdoor site may change; check the local notices if you plan to visit this stop.
Fort de Bruyères tells a different chapter of military history. It was built between 1876 and 1879 as part of a second line of defence to protect Paris. It is also one of the four forts that protected Laon. The system’s underground fortifications are relatively well preserved and surrounded by dry moats. Together, the command post and forts illustrate the different purposes of military installations: preparing a specific offensive in one case, and forming a line of defence to protect the capital and Laon in the other.
Architecture and local history
At the east end of the choir of Église Notre-Dame are a central apse and two apsidioles. These are vaulted in the shape of a half-dome and richly decorated on the outside.
The two information boards at the Aire d’accueil and the short walking tour at the town hall offer another way to include local history in your trip. The Fontaine Minérale provides an easily identifiable landmark in the streetscape: it is at the intersection of Tour de Ville and rue de la Batterie. If you plan to follow the information boards, pay attention to the local signage.
Goat farm and outings in the southern Laonnois
The Chèvrerie de Bruyères is located in a former Fort Séré de Rivières. Seasonal visitor activities include bottle-feeding kids, giving hay and grain to the goats, brushing them, learning how to milk them and tasting milk. As these activities are seasonal, check the farm’s opening dates before your trip. The Chèvrerie also sells goat’s milk cheese and soaps; if you are looking for a specific product, it is advisable to check its availability.
For a different kind of activity, Quads center offers guided quad bike outings in the southern Laonnois. The tours pass through natural areas and are led by a state-certified professional. Check the operating conditions in advance. The two options are distinct: the goat farm combines seasonal visitor activities with cheese and soaps, while Quads center offers guided outings in the natural areas of the southern Laonnois.
Discover more destinations: Toulis-et-Attencourt, Etreaupont, Vendières, Braye-En-Laonnois, Chierry, Rozoy-Sur-Serre, Soissons, Baulne-En-Brie
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
