Prémont reveals its local history through several different traces: a rebuilt church, visible foundations, a chapel, a surviving tower and places of remembrance. There is also the “Autour de Prémont” walking route, which passes over varied surfaces. This gives you a clear question to consider when choosing your destination: are you mainly interested in architectural and religious history, remembrance of the war, or a walk? The following stops offer concrete points of interest for each of these themes.
Churches, a Chapel and Traces of the Former Village
The Église Saint-Germain de Prémont was rebuilt after the First World War. Its location illustrates how the townscape has changed: the present-day church is set back from the road, opposite the former church, which stood right beside it. The foundations of the former church are visible beside the Chemin du Cimetière. Visitors interested in architecture can consider the post-war reconstruction and the visible remains of an earlier building as two distinct aspects.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept-Douleurs stands on the edge of the village. Abbé Gret had it built around 1840 on the site of an older pilgrimage chapel, which was destroyed during the Revolution. Two periods of history thus meet at the chapel: the construction of the present building and the memory of the former pilgrimage site. This sets its story apart from that of the Église Saint-Germain, whose post-First World War reconstruction is its defining historical reference point.
Another link to the former village is the Tour-pigeonnier. It is the only surviving element of Prémont’s historic village. Alongside the churches, it brings into view a non-religious remnant of the old village.
Commemorating War and Liberation
Prémont British Cemetery contains 572 graves, including those of 536 Commonwealth casualties. German casualties are also buried there. The liberation memorial in Prémont commemorates the recapture of the village by American troops on 8 October 1918. The two places of remembrance highlight different aspects: the cemetery focuses on graves and affiliations, while the memorial recalls a precisely dated event. The local history can therefore be viewed both through the people remembered and through a particular event.
The cemetery is accessible to wheelchair users via the main entrance. As access conditions may change, please confirm this option before you travel.
Walking the “Autour de Prémont” Route
The “Autour de Prémont” walking route passes over dirt, grass, gravel and asphalt surfaces. Plan for varying surfaces rather than a consistently uniform path. If you require a particular type of surface, check the current conditions in advance.
You can park for the walk in the car park opposite the town hall on Rue du Général Tyson. Check parking conditions before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Housset, Braine, Coucy-Le-Château-Auffrique, Montigny-L'allier, Trélou-Sur-Marne, Charly, Martigny-Courpierre, Saint-Pierre-Aigle.
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
