We left Pont l'Eveque late morning for our drive to Soissons, through scenic Picardian farmland - more lush crops again - even some expansive potato crops across the countryside.
We climbed a little passing many French and German war cemeteries - what a waste of young men!
We were now entering the Aisne Valley - the scene of bitter battles during WWI. Shortly arriving at the pictureque village of Vic-sur-Aisne. Skilfully parked the van - where vans dare not go! Spent time wandering around the village, noting the marked difference of the architecture and building materials - more French and less Flemish in influence.
Originally Vic-sur-Aisne was a Roman village along the Roman road linking Soissons with Noyon. The "ford" here made for easier crossing of the Aisne at this point along the river. The chateau has existed since the eighth century - originally a wooden structure on stone foundations.
Gate house and rose!
In the twelfth century the towers were built of stone. Religious wars later damaged the chateau and the rebuilds commenced in the early 1600s. It became the residence of cardinals and abbots until the revolution when it was sold off. During the WWI it came under control of the French army. Since WWII it has been sold off to a civil organisation and is now open to the public.
Some interesting little shops around the village.
Soon after lunch we arrived in Soissons, another great location for parking. Aire de camping. Parked on the bank of the Aisne River not far from the "centre ville". Joined a little later by a French couple and a German couple.
We set out on a walking trip around Soissons, a city ravaged by war 100 years ago - 80% of the town was destroyed in this time.
The Battle of the Aisne took place at three different stages during WW1. It was right at the forefront of the German line from Belgium to the Swiss border. The huge loss of lives just in this area alone was horrendous.
Today, however, the city has redeveloped many of the main historical buildings of pre-WWI. The gothic cathedral was partly destroyed by artillery during WWI but has since been reconstructed - even minus the second tower on the main facade which was never completed in the 800 years the building has existed!
Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais de Soissons
A little bit of window shopping saw our trip around the city come to an end. Back down to the Aisne for a Friday night celebration!
