Marle: Hotels and Archaeological Heritage

This will help you assess whether Marle is a good fit for a stay focused on these interests.

Archaeology and Reconstructions

The Musée des Temps Barbares is housed in a former mill subject to a ban, built in the 12th century. Reconstructions are the focus of the archaeological park. A very partial reconstruction of a Merovingian farm from the 6th and 7th centuries is based on archaeological excavations in Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont.

A complete Frankish village from the 6th and 7th centuries was reconstructed based on excavations in Juvincourt-et-Damary. The four-hectare site lies next to the already reconstructed Merovingian farm. The village comprises five large buildings, two raised granaries, 13 sunken-featured buildings, a palisade and a well. The reconstruction therefore includes not only buildings, but also granaries, an enclosure and a well as distinct features of the settlement. The reconstructions differ in scope: the Merovingian farm is very partial, while the Frankish village has been fully reconstructed. Their archaeological foundations also differ: the farm is based on excavations in Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont, and the village on excavations in Juvincourt-et-Damary.

The archaeological park also includes a faithful reconstruction of the smaller of the two cemeteries discovered in Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont, with 134 graves. The reconstruction thus depicts not only buildings but also a cemetery.

Église Notre-Dame and its furnishings

Église Notre-Dame was built around the end of the 12th century, around 1180, at the beginning of the Gothic period. Inside is the tomb of the Sire de Bournonville, described as the first lieutenant of John the Fearless during the Hundred Years’ War. The wall panelling comes from the abbeys of Foigny and Val Saint-Pierre; it was acquired in the 19th century. The date of construction, the tomb and the panelling provide different historical points of reference. The church thus complements the archaeological reconstructions with architecture and furnishings.

Seasonal opening and getting around

The Musée des Temps Barbares is open to the public every year from early April to the end of September. In summer, events and historical reenactments take place in the archaeological park, including the Rencontres Mérovingiennes and the Festival d’Histoire Vivante. If a visit is important to your travel plans, check the specific opening information and event dates in advance.

The railway and swimming pool may also be useful points of reference in Marle. Marle is served by the Laon–Hirson railway line; check the timetable for your travel day. The swimming pool is located on Place de Lattre de Tassigny, between the stadium and the gendarmerie. These details offer different points of reference for planning, without assuming any particular hotel features.

Discover more destinations: Marchais, Samoussy, Autreppes, Dole, Grougis, Beaumont-En-Beine, La Fere, Bouconville-Vauclair

For an overview of the wider area: Aisne.