Discover Neuville-Sur-Ailette

Nature, birdlife and outdoor activities take centre stage on a trip to Neuville-Sur-Ailette. Lac de l’Ailette, the Maison de la Nature et de l’Oiseau and the Voie verte de l’Ailette each offer a different focus. There is also the short Au-dessus des creuttes de Neuville walk, with its far-reaching panorama over the Laonnois. You can choose between exploring habitats, learning about nature and following trails through the landscape.

Birdlife and habitats at Lac de l’Ailette

Lac de l’Ailette was created artificially in 1984 by damming the Ailette River. Its shores include wooded areas, reed beds, wetlands and meadows. These habitats shape the lake’s natural character and offer different features to look out for during your stay.

The lake is a wintering and breeding area for numerous bird species, and also serves as a resting place for them. Certain rare plant species grow there as well. For nature lovers, it is not only the birds that are of interest: the various habitats along the shore and the plant life are also part of the picture at Lac de l’Ailette.

Natural history exhibits at the museum

The ornithological and ecological museum at the Maison de la Nature et de l’Oiseau features more than 300 naturalised species. It presents the aquatic fauna, and especially the birds of these habitats, through naturalised specimens. An introduction to nature sketching complements the exhibition with a practical way to engage with nature observation.

The Maison de la Nature et de l’Oiseau offers educational activities to the general public and school groups, in the form of nature outings and exhibitions. The nature theme therefore encompasses both viewing specimens and activities exploring nature and habitats. If you would like to focus your stay on birdlife and natural history, the lake and museum offer two different ways in.

The Voie verte on foot or by bike

The Voie verte de l’Ailette passes through forests, pastureland and wetlands and can be explored on foot or by bike. Along the route, several information panels and audio stations explain the lake and its birds, as well as the Vauclair forest. The route combines outdoor exercise with information about the landscapes and their natural environment.

Motorised vehicles are not permitted on the Voie verte. A car park in Neuville-Sur-Ailette provides an access point. The Voie verte de l’Ailette is part of Véloroute 30, which connects Reims with the Baie de Somme. Check local conditions before setting out. This route differs from the short walk above the village: it can also be used by bike and passes through several types of landscape.

Panorama over the Laonnois

The short Au-dessus des creuttes de Neuville walk overlooks the village and offers a far-reaching panorama over the landscapes of the Laonnois. Its main feature is the view over the surrounding area. By contrast, the Voie verte is a way to cross forests, pastureland and wetlands on foot or by bike. If you are choosing between the two, the type of activity you want and whether you prefer a panorama or a trail through the landscape can help guide you.

Discover more destinations: Gauchy, Oisy, Maissemy, Lesquielles-Saint-Germain, Viry-Noureuil, Romery, Esquéhéries, Bourguignon-Sous-Montbavin.

For the regional travel overview: Aisne.