Attractions and Places To See around Juvincourt-Et-Damary - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Juvincourt-Et-Damary, a commune in the Aisne department of France, offer a range of historical sites and natural features. The area serves as a gateway to locations significant in both the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War, particularly along the Chemin des Dames plateau. Visitors can explore ruins of ancient abbeys, war memorials, and statues commemorating historical events. The surrounding landscape also includes natural areas like the Monastic Forest of Vauvelair.
Best attractions and places to see around Juvincourt-Et-Damary
- The most popular attractions is Vauclair Abbey Ruins, a historical_site that was founded in 1134 and severely damaged in 1917. Well-preserved buildings include the pantry, refectory, chapter house, and monks' hall. The site also features an exhibition space and a garden with medicinal plants, surrounded by the 1000-hectare Monastic Forest of Vauvelair.
- Another must-see spot is Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial, a man_made_monument. Located on the eastern edge of the Chemin des Dames plateau, this site was crucial during the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. It served as a contested observation post overlooking the Ailette and Aisne valleys, symbolizing resistance.
- Visitors also love Napoleon Statue in Craonne, a man_made_monument commemorating the victory of French armies at Craonne against Russian and Prussian forces on March 7, 1814. It stands on the former site of the Vauclerc mill, which served as an observation post for Emperor Napoleon.
- Juvincourt-Et-Damary is known for historical sites, war memorials, and natural landscapes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to significant battlefields.
- The attractions around Juvincourt-Et-Damary are appreciated by the komoot community, with 1 highlight and 82 photos available. More than 100 upvotes indicate the general appeal of these places.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Vauclair Abbey Ruins
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Napoleon Statue in Craonne
Highlight • Monument
Placed high on a mound and built on the former location of the Moulin de Vauclerc which served as an observatory for the Emperor, the limestone statue represents the Emperor scanning the horizon, in a dignified position.
An enamelled table presents the plan of the battle of Craonne
Erected by the Departmental Tourism Committee and the Departmental Union of Offices and Syndicates of Initiatives of the Aisne, the building was inaugurated on June 30, 1974 by Michel Poniatowski, then Minister of State and Interior.
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Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial
Highlight • Monument
From September 1914 onwards, fierce fighting took place here. The farm overlooked the Ailette and Aisne valleys, making it a fiercely contested observation post. French units, including Zouaves and the 12th and 49th Infantry Regiments, tried to hold or retake the farm, often with heavy losses. The family that owned the farm sheltered in the cellar for days while the building was under fire.
After months of fighting and bombardment, the farm was reduced to ruins, crisscrossed by trenches. Today the site is a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, and is part of the Chemin des Dames memorial landscape.
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Cormicy National Necropolis
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Monks' Pond
Highlight • Lake
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This stone statue of Napoleon I , sculpted by Georges Thurotte in 1974, commemorates the victory of the French armies at Craonne against the Russian and Prussian armies of General Blücher on March 7, 1814 . It was built on the site of the Vauclair mill which served as an observation post during this battle...
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This stone statue of Napoleon I, sculpted by Georges THUROTTE, commemorates the victory of the French armies at Craonne against the Russian and Prussian armies of General Blücher on March 7, 1814, which left 12,000 dead (7,000 French and 5,000 Russians, whose mass graves were scattered during the fighting of the First World War. Placed high on a mound and built on the former site of the Moulin de Vauclerc, which served as an observatory for the emperor, the limestone statue represents the Emperor scanning the horizon in a dignified position.
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On the eastern edge of the Chemin des Dames plateau lies the Ferme d’Hurtebise, a place that played a crucial role during both the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. In 1814, it was the scene of the Battle of Craonne, and exactly a century later it again became a strategic junction in the struggle between French and German troops. From September 1914 onwards, fierce fighting took place here. The farm overlooked the Ailette and Aisne valleys, making it a fiercely contested observation post. French units, including Zouaves and the 12th and 49th Infantry Regiments, tried to hold or retake the farm, often with heavy losses. The family that owned the farm sheltered in the cellar for days while the building was under fire. After months of fighting and bombardment, the farm was reduced to ruins, crisscrossed by trenches. Today the site is a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, and is part of the Chemin des Dames memorial landscape.
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A remarkable remnant of what was once a large and important abbey. Caesar, Napoleon and German troops are said to have passed through this area during the First World War.
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The Nécropole nationale de Cormicy is a French military cemetery from the First World War, located in the municipality of Cormicy, near Reims. The cemetery was created during the war to collect the bodies of the soldiers who died during the fighting on the Chemin des Dames. The cemetery was later expanded to include bodies excavated from other temporary cemeteries in the Vesle valley12. The cemetery has an area of 44,213 m² and contains 14,431 graves, of which 6,945 are in two ossuaries. Among the buried soldiers are two British from the First World War and ten from the Second World War. The cemetery is also called “La Maison Bleue”, after the farm that used to be there.
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This abbey, which was founded in 1134 by St. Bernard, was severely damaged in a bombardment in 1917. The best preserved buildings are the pantry, the refectory of the lay brothers, the chapter house and the monks' hall. The foundations of the abbey church and the inn are still visible. Next to the garden with medicinal plants there is an exhibition space. Surrounding it is the monastic forest of Vauvelair, which covers 1000 hectares.
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The Étang des Moines lake is one of the four ponds that were dug by the monks of Liessies Abbey at the end of the 17th century. Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, it is home to various species of fish, such as carp, pike, perch, roach and tench. The lake is also a haven for wildlife, particularly birds, such as herons, ducks, coots and kingfishers. You can appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the lake from different viewpoints, such as the wooden bridge or the picnic area.
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Between the woods and the greenway, this former abbey is interesting from a historical point of view
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Juvincourt-Et-Damary?
The region is rich in history, particularly related to the Napoleonic Wars and World War I. You can explore the ruins of Vauclair Abbey Ruins, founded in 1134 and damaged in 1917, which still features well-preserved buildings and a medicinal plant garden. The Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial on the Chemin des Dames plateau is another significant site, crucial during both conflicts. Additionally, the Napoleon Statue in Craonne commemorates a French victory from 1814, and the Cormicy National Necropolis honors WWI soldiers.
Are there any natural attractions or forests to explore?
Yes, the area offers several natural escapes. The Monastic Forest of Vauvelair, covering 1000 hectares, surrounds the Vauclair Abbey Ruins, providing opportunities for peaceful walks. Further afield, the Réserve naturelle du marais de Vesles-et-Caumont, about 25km away, is a nature reserve offering local biodiversity. The historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route also passes through the region, offering scenic paths.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available?
Juvincourt-Et-Damary is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Craonne and California Plateau Loop' or the 'Vauclair Abbey Ruins – Monks' Pond loop'. For cyclists, routes like the 'Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial – Monks' Pond loop' offer scenic rides. There are also running trails available. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on the hiking, cycling, and running guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. Both the Vauclair Abbey Ruins and the Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial are listed as family-friendly. The exhibition space and medicinal plant garden at Vauclair Abbey can be engaging for children, and the open spaces around the war memorial offer room to explore while learning about history.
Where can I find panoramic views of the Ailette and Aisne valleys?
For excellent views, head to the Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial. Its strategic location on the eastern edge of the Chemin des Dames plateau offers commanding views over both the Ailette and Aisne valleys. The Napoleon Statue in Craonne, situated on a mound, also provides a viewpoint where Napoleon himself observed the battle.
What is the best time of year to visit Juvincourt-Et-Damary for outdoor activities?
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it may be warmer. Winter can be cold, but some historical sites remain accessible.
Are there any cultural sites or towns of interest nearby?
Absolutely. The city of Laon, approximately 23 km away, is recognized for its National Monuments and is a 'Town of Art and History.' Reims, also around 23 km from Juvincourt-Et-Damary, is another significant 'Town of Art and History' known for landmarks like its Cathedral and the Tau Palace. These cities offer a deeper dive into the region's cultural heritage.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Parking is generally available at the major historical sites. For instance, you can typically find parking near the Vauclair Abbey Ruins, the Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial, and the Cormicy National Necropolis, making these sites accessible by car.
What is the significance of the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6956882" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Pierre Church - Guignicourt</a>?
The St. Pierre Church - Guignicourt is a beautiful example of transitional Romanesque and Gothic architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It stands on the site of an earlier wooden church and is a protected historical monument. In front of it, a memorial commemorates the soldiers and civilians from Guignicourt who died during the First World War, featuring a rare and modest depiction of a peasant couple mourning.
What kind of historical period is covered by the Musée des Temps Barbares?
The Musée des Temps Barbares, located in nearby Marle, focuses on the Merovingian period. It features an archaeological park with reconstructed Merovingian farms and a Frankish village. Interestingly, the reconstruction of this Frankish village was based on excavations conducted right in Juvincourt-et-Damary, offering a direct link to the local history of the early Middle Ages.
Are there any easy hiking or cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are routes suitable for various fitness levels. For hiking, the 'California Plateau – Old Craonne Cemetery loop from Craonne' is rated as easy. For cycling, routes like the 'Mairie de Villeneuve-sur-Aisne loop from Guignicourt' and 'Camping Au Bord de l'Aisne – Mairie de Villeneuve-sur-Aisne loop from Guignicourt' are considered easy. You can find more details on the respective hiking and cycling guide pages.
Most popular routes around Juvincourt-Et-Damary
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