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Hauts-De-France

California Plateau

Hauts-De-France

California Plateau

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California Plateau

Hiking

4.8

(20)

Cycling

4.5

(9)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

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Location: Craonne, Laon, Hauts-De-France, France

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May 13, 2025

Cycling

The Plateau de Californie, situated above the ruined village of Craonne, was a strategic high point during the First World War. In April 1917, it became the scene of fierce fighting during the Nivelle Offensive. French troops suffered heavy losses here in their attempt to break through the German lines.

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Jürgen 🚲👞😎

September 1, 2024

Cycling

Here we explain a lot about the war of attrition in the First World War. The whole area was very much fought over and there are many places where this is remembered.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near California Plateau

4.1

(8)

48

hikers

#1.

View of the Ruins – Monks' Pond loop from Craonne

11.2km

03:00

140m

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.2

(6)

32

hikers

#2.

California Plateau – Old Craonne Cemetery loop from Craonne

4.67km

01:16

60m

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.1

(10)

54

hikers

#3.

Vauclair Abbey Ruins – View of the Ruins loop from Bouconville-Vauclair

11.7km

03:07

120m

130m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 220 m

Weather

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Saturday 20 June

36°C

17°C

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Craonne, Laon, Hauts-De-France, France

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Statue de Napoléon à Craonne

Monument du village d'Ailles

Ferme d'Hurtebise War Memorial

Viewing point looking over ruined Abbey

Monument des Basques

Bouconville-Vauclair,

Protected Pine Tree

Tour d'Observation du Plateau de Californie

La tour d'observation et la forêt d'essences rares

Point de vue

Lac de l'Ailette

La monté de st herme