Montigny-Lengrain: Hiking, Nature and Heritage

Montigny-Lengrain offers several specific options to help you plan your trip: hiking trails, the Fontaine Saint-Martin nature site, the Church of Saint-Martin and saffron for sale at the farm shop. This lets you decide whether to focus on hiking, a walk to a natural landmark, or architectural history and protected works of art.

Hiking in Montigny-Lengrain

Around 29 km of trails run through Montigny-Lengrain. Eleven kilometres of them were selected for and recorded in the PDIPR. The figures provide two different points of reference: around 29 km describes all the trails in the commune, while 11 km refers to the selected and recorded section. The “Les Hameaux de Montigny” walk starts at the town hall, 1 place de l’Église. Its route follows trails along the edge of the plateau, through woodland and along the valley floor. Along the way, you can see eight-pointed, star-shaped pinnacles. They are created by cutting a cube diagonally; one such motif appears on the cover of a well. This route combines different types of terrain with a specific architectural detail.

Fontaine Saint-Martin

Another specific walking route is the 1.7 km walk to the Fontaine Saint-Martin. The private fountain is open to the public except on hunting days; check the municipal notices before travelling, particularly regarding this restriction. The natural landmark includes a spring, cascade, stream and travertine. The Fontaine consists of three rocks set one above another and is about five metres high. It is also known as the “Roche pleureuse” and is one of Picardy’s registered natural sites. Compared with the approximate total length of the trails in the commune, this walk is a separate nature option with a specific distance.

The Church of Saint-Martin and its furnishings

The Church of Saint-Martin was built in three construction periods, in the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries. A Renaissance cross stands in front of its west portal; it was classified as a historic monument by decree dated 10 November 1921. Inside the church is the statue “Vierge à l’Enfant tenant une grappe de raisin” (Virgin and Child Holding a Bunch of Grapes): the polychrome wooden statue dates from the late 16th century and has been listed as a protected movable cultural asset since 1 September 2000. The eagle lectern and the painting “Le Portement de croix” (The Carrying of the Cross) have also been listed as protected movable cultural assets since 1 September 2000. The church can be visited during the municipal office’s opening hours. Visitors should report to the office, sign the register and will then be given the keys. Confirm this procedure before travelling. This allows you to schedule a visit around the municipal office’s opening hours while taking in the building’s history, its protected status and its furnishings.

Saffron from Montigny-Lengrain

For a local culinary connection, Safran de la Grenouillère is sold directly at the farm’s shop in Montigny-Lengrain. The farm shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 2 pm to 6 pm. Check the opening hours before your visit so you can fit this stop into your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christophe-à-Berry, Rozoy-Sur-Serre, Missy-Sur-Aisne, Pargny-Filain, Sinceny, Vermand, Clairfontaine, Marigny-En-Orxois.

For the broader travel overview: Aisne.