20의 비엘아르시가지 명소 & 주요 장소

1914년, 농촌 마을 Ailles는 약 340헥타르에 걸쳐 있었으며, 그중 1/3은 숲이었습니다. 61채의 집이 Saint-Martin 교회 주변에 모여 있었습니다. 인구는 감소했습니다. 1901년 인구 조사에서는 147명이었지만, 1911년에는 118명에 불과했습니다. Craonne 전투를 기념하기 위해 1814년 3월 7일에 멋진 느릅나무가 심어졌습니다. 1세기 후, 프랑스와 독일의 포탄이 마을을 지도에서 지워버렸을 때, 이 나무는 새로운 전장의 증인이 되었습니다...

Deep beneath the Chemin des Dames plateau lies the Caverne du Dragon, a former limestone quarry that was transformed into a strategic underground fortress during the First World War. From 1915, German troops took over the cave and built dormitories, a chapel, an aid station and even an electricity network. Later, the cave was partially retaken by the French, and both armies temporarily lived side by side, separated by walls in the darkness. The name “Caverne du Dragon” (Drachenhöhle) refers to the mythical dragon from Germanic legends, inspired by the smoke that rose from the loopholes as if from the mouth of a monster. Today, the cave is a museum and memorial site, where visitors can explore the underground passages and experience the traces of soldiers’ lives in the depths.

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.

During the First World War, Cerny-en-Laonnois was a strategic point along the Chemin des Dames, a ridge fiercely contested by French and German troops. In September 1914, the village was taken by the Germans, who used it as a defensive post. They dug deep underground networks in the limestone, which served as shelters and munitions stores. In the spring of 1917, the area became the scene of the Nivelle Offensive, a large-scale French attack that resulted in heavy losses and eventually led to mutinies within the French army. Cerny-en-Laonnois was completely destroyed by artillery fire and fighting. After the war, the village was rebuilt a little further south. Today, the military cemeteries, the memorial chapel and the “Lanterne des Morts” bear witness to the immense human suffering that took place here.

The Dragon's Cave is a place for goosebumps. It's unbelievable how you dig in during war. An absolute highlight on the Chemin des Dames!

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.

The Ailles Village Monument was erected by the Touring Club de France in 1932, marking the location of the ancient village of Ailles, completely destroyed during the First World War and never rebuilt. You can still see some traces of the foundations of the houses in the fields.

Memorials incl. Guided tour of the caves.