Best attractions and places to see around Aubencheul-Aux-Bois, a commune in the Aisne department of France, offer insights into rural French life and a rich historical past. The area is characterized by an agricultural landscape with farmland and two originating streams. Visitors can explore local points of interest within the village and its immediate surroundings.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Castle
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Highlight • Historical Site
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For bikepacking trips, A magnificent base for cycle touring. It's a place steeped in history, peaceful, and surrounded by lush greenery. Don't miss the hamlet of Revelon or a visit to the source of the Scheldt River in Gouy (right next door). Happy riding! 🚴♀️ Franck
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A very pleasant walk along the canal in Rieval and a war memorial. Motorhome area departure point
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Some very beautiful remains to discover during a hike 😉.
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This watering trough is probably a distant legacy of the Cistercian monks of Vaucelles. Nestled in the pastures surrounding the farm, it is fed by the nearby fountain, which filters the water and is itself fed by water from the Saint-Bernard spring, via an aqueduct. Hence the name of the bicycle trail "des sources" 😎.
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The Château d'Esnes is a historic castle located in the picturesque French village of Esnes. Dating back to the 18th century, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens and a charming park, giving it a picturesque and peaceful feel. The Château d'Esnes is known for its classical architecture, with impressive facades and elegant interiors that reflect the grandeur of that time.
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Joncourt British Cemetery is a serene military cemetery located in Joncourt, France, and contains the graves of British soldiers who died during the First World War. Designed by William Cowlishaw, the cemetery is situated on the road from Joncourt to Levergies, approximately half a mile south of the village centre1. With a rectangular plan and surrounded by a stone wall, the cemetery provides a peaceful place for reflection. The Cross of Sacrifice, a hallmark of British military cemeteries, stands in the western corner1. The graves of 61 soldiers, three of whom are unidentified, belong to the 10th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders1. The cemetery is lovingly maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who ensure that the memory of these soldiers is kept alive.
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This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).
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Parts of this gigantic abbey are interesting to visit. The church has disappeared but must have been enormous. Beautiful garden and shop with, among other things, abbey beer.
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The region offers a rich historical tapestry. You can explore the impressive remains of Vaucelles Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1132, which once housed Europe's largest abbey church. Another significant site is the Esnes Castle, an 18th-century historical castle known for its classical architecture and lush gardens. Additionally, the Joncourt British Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of World War I.
Yes, within Aubencheul-Aux-Bois itself, you can find the Saint-Martin Church, rebuilt in a Neo-Romanesque style after World War I, and the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Chapel. Further afield, the grand Vaucelles Abbey is a major religious and historical landmark.
The commune of Aubencheul-Aux-Bois is primarily characterized by its agricultural landscape, consisting entirely of farmland. Two streams originate within the commune, with one flowing southwest and the other eastward. You can also visit the Vaucelles watering trough, a historical site fed by the Saint-Bernard spring via an aqueduct, reflecting the region's natural water sources.
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. Vaucelles Abbey, with its restored parts and 7-hectare abbey park, offers space for exploration. Esnes Castle, with its gardens, can also be an engaging visit for all ages. The Vaucelles watering trough is also considered family-friendly and can be a pleasant stop during a walk.
The area around Aubencheul-Aux-Bois is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Sources of the Scheldt – Abbey of Mont Saint-Martin loop from Gouy' or the 'Vaucelles Abbey – Abbaye de Vaucelles loop from Bantouzelle'. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Riqueval Tunnel – Sources of the Scheldt loop'. Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails like the 'Vaucelles Abbey loop from Les Rues-des-Vignes'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the dedicated guides for hiking, MTB, and running around Aubencheul-Aux-Bois.
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the serene atmosphere of Vaucelles Abbey. Many highlight the interesting restored parts, such as the abbot's palace and monks' halls, and the vast 7-hectare abbey park. It's described as a pleasant passage in all seasons, offering a glimpse into a once enormous and influential community.
Yes, the Esnes Castle, located in the picturesque village of Esnes, is an 18th-century historical castle. It is known for its classical architecture, impressive facades, elegant interiors, and lush gardens. It is a private castle that can be visited on the last Sunday from April to October.
While specific data isn't provided, the region's agricultural landscape and outdoor trails suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn would be ideal. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring historical sites, enjoying the abbey park, and undertaking hiking, MTB, or running routes before winter conditions set in.
Yes, the Joncourt British Cemetery is a significant site. It's a serene military cemetery in Joncourt, designed by William Cowlishaw, where British soldiers who died during World War I are buried. It features a rectangular plan, a stone wall, and the Cross of Sacrifice, offering a peaceful place for reflection.
The Pont de Riqueval is a bridge that offers a very pleasant walk along the canal in Riqueval and is also near a war memorial. It's a popular spot for those looking for a scenic stroll and is mentioned as a departure point for motorhomes.
Aubencheul-Aux-Bois showcases traditional rural French architecture, particularly its agricultural heritage. You can observe a farm with a distinctive porch and tower, representing the region's traditional agricultural building style. Remnants of old farmhouses and their architectural details can still be seen, especially along the Rue des Juifs.


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