Discover Braye-En-Laonnois

Braye-en-Laonnois is a destination with a clear focus on cultural and historical themes. Local points of interest include the Canal de l’Oise à l’Aisne, Froidmont Quarry, memorials and the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether canal history, traces of wartime or sacred architecture are your main interests. The themes range from medieval architectural features to memories of the 20th century, making them easy to distinguish from one another.

Canal history at the Braye-en-Laonnois Tunnel

At Moulin de Delay, the Canal de l’Oise à l’Aisne emerges from its underground section. The Braye-en-Laonnois Tunnel is also known as the Tunnel Napoléon. The canal opened to navigation on 28 April 1890. Moulin de Delay is a specific point along the canal’s route; Tunnel Napoléon is another name for the tunnel, while 28 April 1890 marks the canal’s historical opening date. In this way, the route, name and historical date stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of the canal’s history.

Froidmont Quarry: work and traces of war

Froidmont Quarry cuts 15 metres into the Chemin des Dames plateau and covers about 40 hectares. In February 1918, it served as accommodation for French and American troops, including the 26th US Division with the 101st and 102nd Infantry Regiments. The walls bear sculptures and graffiti by quarry workers from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as by soldiers from the First World War.

On the heights of the commune of Braye-en-Laonnois, in front of the entrance to Froidmont Quarry, stands the Monument de la 26e Yankee Division. It commemorates the division’s presence from February to March 1918. The commemoration therefore covers February and March, while the quarry’s use as accommodation dates to February 1918. This makes it possible to distinguish the quarry’s use from the commemorative period chronologically.

Church and memorials

The sanctuary and choir of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Braye-en-Laonnois were originally built in the 13th century. This medieval landmark stands alongside the memorials, which relate to later conflicts. The Monument du 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins commemorates the fighters of the First World War, the battles of 1939–1940 and the Resistance. The units included are the 27e and 67e BCA. These commemorative themes differ both in their historical periods and in their connection to the named units.

Practical information for your stay

The Monument du 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins is accessible only on foot. The walk from the car park on the heights of Braye-en-Laonnois takes about 15 minutes. Allow for this approximate travel time when planning your visit to the monument.

The “Autour de Braye-en-Laonnois” route is signposted for hiking, Nordic walking, running and cycling on a VTC. The activities listed include walking and cycling options: hiking, Nordic walking and running are done on foot, while VTC cycling is done by bicycle. This lets you choose according to the type of activity you want to do.

Discover more destinations: Missy-Lès-Pierrepont, Hirson, Presles-Et-Boves, Bruyères-Et-Montbérault, Neuville-Sur-Ailette, Luzoir, Oigny-En-Valois, Besmé.

Go to the regional travel overview: Aisne.