The best cycling routes around Berneuil-Sur-Aisne

Bakery, bar, tobacconist... Perfect for starting and finishing a hike

Ideal for starting a hike

The square itself houses a statue of Joan of Arc, a tribute to the city's historical connection to this iconic figure. The Town Hall, with its rich history and stunning architecture, continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining a vibrant part of Compiègne's present.

The architecture of the town hall is a true feast for the eyes. The central structure is dominated by a tall bell tower, flanked by two turrets connected by a decorative railing. This imposing façade, 47 meters high and 24 meters wide, is decorated with striking Gothic elements such as pinnacles and basket arches. The large niche now houses a high relief depicting the equestrian statue of Louis XII. It is an original creation from 1869 by the sculptor Henri-Alfred Jacquemart in the realistic style so prevalent at the time. However, contrary to the usual appearance of equestrian statues during the reign of Louis XII, Henri-Alfred Jacquemart chose not to build a horse walking "à l'amble," that is, with both straight legs raised simultaneously. On October 12, 1530, a clock was placed on the summit of the bell tower. From that time on, every quarter of an hour, she animated three wooden jaquemarts with bell hammers. The Compiègneis quickly gave them three nicknames corresponding to the enemies of the time: Langlois for the English, Flandrin for the Flemish, and Lansquenet for the Germans. Even today, they chant the life of the city by "punching the time," that is, by striking their hammer to strike the hours.

In the heart of the village of Vic-sur-Aisne, surrounded by a leafy park and overlooking the Aisne valley, lies the imposing Château de Vic-sur-Aisne. What today appears to be an elegant country house, bears in its walls the traces of a turbulent past. Originally built on the foundations of a medieval castrum, the estate grew in the 17th century into a stately castle, with symmetrical facades, round towers and an impressive thirteen-metre high keep — a remnant from the 13th century. The architecture reflects the transition from defensive structure to residential comfort: robust, but refined. The gardens, partly in French style with straight lines and box hedges, partly in English landscape style with winding paths and romantic corners, invite you to stroll and contemplate.

The National Military Cemetery of Vic-sur-Aisne, created in 1921, is an impressive necropolis containing the remains of 3,046 French soldiers, mainly killed during the Battles of the Aisne in World War I. Of these, 932 are buried in two ossuaries, and seven others died during World War II. Among the thousands of French soldiers is Ma Yi Pao, a young Chinese legionnaire who died of wounds on September 2, 1918, at the age of 24. He was one of the few Chinese to actually serve as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, while most of his compatriots were employed as laborers. His grave (plot F, grave 59) is unique: he is the only officially recognized Chinese soldier to have died for France in this war.

Rethondes is of course linked to the nearby Clairière de l'Armistice and the passage of General Foch. but it also has a typical French village character with narrow streets, old houses in natural stone, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Rethondes is associated with the armistice of 1918. On Sunday 10 November, Foch and Weygand attended mass in the small church. Outside hangs a commemorative plaque. Inside, the portraits of the two commanders are included in the stained glass window of the apse.