Beaumont-En-Beine: Memorial Site and Forest Landscape

Beaumont-En-Beine brings together two distinct themes: the memory of the shelling of Paris during the First World War and the forest landscape of the ancient Beine Massif. There is also the Notre Dame church and a named circular route. Historical landmarks, architecture and nature each offer their own perspective.

Remembrance of the First World War

The only still-recognisable remnant of the Paris Gun's position is visible by the roadside. From concealed position XXV in the forest, just below the remnant at Beaumont-En-Beine, the German gun began shelling Paris on 27 May 1918. The visible remnant and the concealed gun position are distinct points of reference: together, they connect a recognisable remnant with a precisely dated historical event.

The interpretation area “Le Saint Quentinois: multinational memorial area in occupied territory: Hindenburg Line and Michael Offensive” lists the remnant at Beaumont-En-Beine as a memorial site. Paths and connections between them can help enhance sites of remembrance.

Church and architectural history

Eglise Notre Dame dates from the 19th century, was restored after the First World War and has a wooden bell tower. Its construction date, restoration and the material of the tower offer concrete points of reference for the church's architecture. For those interested in architecture, it complements the military history with a distinct aspect of local history.

The historical and architectural themes are tied to specific places and dates. The natural landscape, by contrast, can be explored across a wider region. This means you can view Beaumont-En-Beine both in terms of local history and as part of a broader landscape.

Forest landscape and natural environment

Beaumont-En-Beine is one of the communes within the ZNIEFF “Forêts de l'antique massif de Beine”. The ZNIEFF encompasses extensive, varied woodlands that provide habitats for a diverse range of fauna and flora. The forest lies on two Tertiary hills in the Noyonnais and stretches from Noyon to Tergnier. The commune's inclusion and the extent between these towns offer different scales of the same natural theme.

The ZNIEFF also includes forest paths on oligotrophic sandy soils. These habitats are considered rare in Picardy. For nature enthusiasts, the distinctive soil type is therefore part of the landscape's character, alongside the forest itself.

Circular route starting in Beaumont-En-Beine

The “Mont des pierres” circular route starts in Beaumont-En-Beine and is 10.2 kilometres long. It is designated as a running route, offering a sporting perspective alongside the historical and landscape themes. You can factor its length into your plans; as route details may change, check the current route status before setting out.

When planning a trip, there are several clearly distinct interests to choose from: the history of the gun position, the architectural history of Notre Dame, the regional forest landscape or the running route. The details provided can help you decide what to focus on during your stay, without combining the places into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Coucy-Lès-Eppes, Ribemont, Holnon, Villers-Lès-Guise, Brunehamel, Épieds, Crouy, Filain

For the main travel overview: Aisne.