The Fortress of Coucy-le-Château
Perched on a spur overlooking the Ailette Valley, stand the impressive remains of one of the most remarkable medieval fortresses in Western Europe.
The Fortress of Coucy-le-Château
Welcome to the residence of the Sires de Coucy ! Perched on a spur overlooking the Ailette Valley, stand the impressive remains of one of the most remarkable medieval fortresses in Western Europe. The castle was a major tourist attraction before the Great War and even after the destruction of its imposing keep and other parts in 1917, it is still a splendid construction. Don’t hesitate to walk around the bottom of the ramparts where you will be joined by pygmy goats, much to the delight of children !
A few leagues away lies the Château de Blérancourt which houses the Franco-American Museum, an extraordinary exhibition recalling the dedication of American ladies who came to the aid of families who had suffered loss and damage during the Great War.
Where to go in Coucy-Le-Château
The Château de Coucy castle with its three fortified surrounding walls.
The Porte de Soissons gate and Tour Musée (museum) with models showing the outrageous excesses of the Sires de Coucy. Marvel at the 360° panoramic view from the upper platform.
The Porte de Laon gate, a fortress within a fortress and the main defensive system of the town.
The church of Saint Sauveur, rebuilt exactly as it was after being destroyed in 1917.
The Franco-American Museum and New World garden at Blérancourt.
The home and museum of the revolutionary Louis de Saint Just at Blérancourt.
Abbey of Prémontré at the heart of Saint Gobain forest.
Musée Blérancourt at Coucy-Le-Château
What to do in and around Coucy-Le-Château
Visit heritage sites, with or without a guide, exhibitions and medieval events. Meet young volunteers working to restore the ramparts.
« In the footsteps of Anne Morgan », a memorial trail recounting the beginning of humanitarian aid during the Great War to rebuild devastated areas and help the population to return to their homes.
A choice of walks along designated footpaths, ranging from family micro walks to full-day discovery hikes.
Cycle paths and mountain bike tracks for enthusiasts of all levels.
Discover the wildlife in the Saint Gobain and Coucy-Basse forests.
Don’t forget to visit the local shop to buy delicious local specialities.
Our favourite comment : « At the foot of the ramparts in the evening as the sun is setting, I imagine that I hear echoes of medieval life in the days of the Sires de Coucy, a childhood dream which is brought to life during Les Seigneuriales Medieval Festival … »
How to get to Coucy-le-Château
By road: N2 and D1 : 1 hour 50 minutes from Paris
N31 and D1 : 1 hour 10 minutes from Reims
A1 A26 and D1 : 1 hour 40 minutes from Lille
E19 A2 A26 andD1 : 2 hours 25 minutes from Brussels
By rail : to Soissons (from Paris - Gare du Nord)
Nearest airport : 1 hour 25 minutes from Roissy – Charles-de-Gaulle
Contact
Château de Coucy-le-Château
Rue du Château
02380 Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique
Latitude : 49.5139722
Longitude : 3.3002924"
