Liesse-Notre-Dame can be explored through its pilgrimage tradition, historic buildings and marshland. These offer different focuses for planning your trip: the Basilique Notre-Dame and the Chemin Reims-Liesse are associated with the pilgrimage tradition, while named hiking and mountain biking routes pass through marsh and woodland landscapes. The town’s architectural history also offers specific dates, from the half-timbered house dating from the late 15th or early 16th century to a decree issued in 1616.
Pilgrimage and historic buildings
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Liesse remains an important pilgrimage site. Guided tours are available on request. Various religious events take place on the esplanade throughout the year. The Chemin Reims-Liesse pilgrimage route leads to Liesse and provides a sense of the connection between the town and the pilgrimage tradition. The basilica was classified as a historic monument by decree dated 20 December 1920.
The Maison en pan de bois half-timbered house at 7–9 rue du Général-de-Gaulle was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. Its façades and roofs were partially listed as historic monuments by decree dated 14 March 1996. Another milestone in the basilica’s history is the decision of 13 April 1616 to build the jubé (rood screen) of Notre-Dame de Liesse.
In the Chapelle Santa Casa, a 90 m² fresco depicts the legend of the three knights Jehan, Hector and Henri and Princess Ismérie. The figures are associated with the Black Madonna, the miraculous spring and the Notre-Dame de Liesse pilgrimage. The fresco was inaugurated in late 2021. The Fontaine Miraculeuse can still be seen today at the entrance to the town from the direction of Laon. A small chapel was built there: its interior was reconstructed based on the Santa Casa in Loreto, Italy, and the chapel was blessed on 16 August 1857.
Marshland on foot and by bike
The Marais de Liesse is now a protected natural area in northern France, home to exceptional wildlife and plant life. The Marais de la Souche Natura 2000 site covers 3,000 ha and is designated both as a Special Protection Area (ZPS) and a Special Area of Conservation (ZSC). Peat was once extracted from the Grand Marais de Liesse for heating and to power machinery—a historic use of the marshland.
The hiking trails pass through different landscapes. Le Bois Semé starts at the Basilique Notre-Dame de Liesse and leads through the Grand Marais, the Marais Saint-Boétien and the Bois Semé. The Saint Boëtien route leads into the peatlands of the Marais Saint-Boétien; on the return leg, it passes through the Marais de la Souche, parts of which are designated as a nature reserve. Check the route descriptions and conditions before setting out.
For mountain biking, La Montinette is designated as an easy circular route. It runs around the Marais de la Souche through woodland and marshland. This gives you different ways to explore the area and its landscapes: hiking routes with their own named sections and a mountain bike loop. For this route too, check the description and conditions before setting off.
Plan your accommodation and travel
When looking for a holiday rental in Liesse-Notre-Dame, you can start by deciding whether pilgrimage and architectural history or the routes through the marshland will shape your stay. If you would like a guided tour, confirm the arrangements before travelling, as tours are available on request. The Hauts-de-France regional transport network serves Liesse-Notre-Dame, with stops at Place Bailly and on Rue Abbé Duployé. Check routes and timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Artonges, Beautor, Martigny, Besmont, Pernant, La Chapelle-Sur-Chézy, Guignicourt, Jaulgonne.
See the broader travel guide: Aisne.
