The Domaine national du château de Coucy is in the heart of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. During your visit, you can move freely through the building and its park. Check the latest access information before your visit, as visiting arrangements may change.
Saint-Sauveur Church: Layers of History
The origins of Saint-Sauveur Church date back to the 12th century. The central part of the façade and the Romanesque portal are from this period. After its destruction in 1917, the church was faithfully rebuilt; it is listed as a Monument historique. Its furnishings also span different periods: the modern stained-glass windows were created by Mazetier and Delange in 1936, while the Romanesque baptismal fonts date back to the 11th century. They are made of black marble veined with blue. One visit therefore brings together the building’s history, its reconstruction and specific works of art.
Fortress, Museum and Garden
The impressive remains of the Château fort de Coucy and the town fortifications date back to the early 13th century. The Tour Musée offers a further perspective on Coucy across two exhibition levels: costumes, weapons, books, panels, engravings, postcards and other objects illustrate medieval life and Coucy before the fortress was built. The upper platform offers a 360-degree panorama of the site and the Ailette Valley.
A different highlight is the Capitulaire de Charlemagne medieval garden, also known as the garden of the Sires de Coucy, at the foot of the fortress. Its sections include a medicinal herb garden, a vegetable garden and an orchard. Alongside the stone remains and exhibits, the visit also takes in landscaped garden areas.
Choose Hiking Trails by Length and Landscape
The themed hiking trail to the Canon de Coucy is 3.7 kilometres long and takes about an hour. It is considered easy for children and people with reduced mobility. At this length, it offers a more compact option than the listed circular trails, which range from 5.5 to 10 kilometres. The name Canon de Coucy also refers to a 38 cm SKL/45 Lange Max gun; “Grosse Bertha” is an incorrect name for it. The GR12A long-distance hiking trail also passes through the commune. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
The circular trails can be compared by length and landscape. La Gloriette is 5.5 kilometres long and extends the route around the town walls towards the Domaine de Moyembrie. De Gommeron is 7.7 kilometres long and continues the circuit towards the plain of Verneuil-sous-Coucy and Coucy-la-Ville. Le Point du Jour starts at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and is 9.5 kilometres long; Bas Rozieres is 9.7 kilometres long and passes through fields and woodland. The two routes are similar in length, but are described by different starting points or landscape features. At 10 kilometres, De la Bertha is the longest of these circular trails and offers an exceptional view of the fortress across the plain.
Fishing in the Lower Town
Fishing at the municipal pond in the lower town is organised by the Association de Pêche et de Protection des Milieux Aquatiques. If you plan this activity, check the latest practical details before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Guignicourt, Rosay, Beautor, Romery, Pargny-Filain, Vermand, Soissons, Noyant-Et-Aconin
Return to the regional travel overview: Aisne.
