Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Soissons, France

This City of Art and History in Picardy’s Aisne department boasts deep and intricate roots that trace back to ancient Gaul. Soissons flourished during the Frankish period, serving as the site where Clovis overcame the Romans, subsequently becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Francia, and later where Charlemagne’s sister held the position of abbess.

If your ideal holiday encompasses the exploration of historic ruins and an appreciation for ancient craftsmanship evident in stonework crafted centuries ago, Soissons’ deteriorating abbeys and castles will suit your interests. Following periods of wars, revolution, and religious upheaval, these chapels, cloisters, and crypts exhibit varied states of preservation, yet all have been maintained as exhibition spaces or monuments.

Let’s delve into the most notable attractions in Soissons:

1. Soissons Cathedral

Upon viewing the western portal, you will observe that the cathedral, which commenced construction in the 1100s, bears a resemblance to the Notre-Dame in Paris.

This similarity is intentional, as the design of the south tower was inspired by the iconic cathedral in the capital, sharing identical dimensions. Although plans were drawn up for a corresponding north tower, the construction was never realized.

The interior of the nave is recognized for its symmetrical elegance, and as you proceed toward the choir, you will encounter 13th-century stained glass windows.

In the northern transept, you can find paintings by Rubens and Philippe Champagne, whereas the southern transept is noteworthy for its unique apse ending.

2. Abbaye de Saint-Jean-des-Vignes

During the 1800s, when the cathedral required restoration, a significant portion of the stone was sourced from this nearby former monastery.

The abbey for Augustinian Canons was dissolved during the Revolution and subsequently fell into abandonment, yet over 200 years later, much of its Flamboyant Gothic architecture remains to admire.

The two towers above the western portal stand majestically, adorned with intricate window traceries and pinnacles.

On the opposite side, visitors can discover both large and small cloisters featuring delicately sculpted windows leading to the refectory.

3. Arsenal de l’Abbaye de Saint-Jean-des-Vignes

Following the abbey’s suppression in the 1790s, several outbuildings were converted into military use, culminating in the establishment of an arsenal in 1878. Today, the elongated magazine, initially housing up to 36,600 kilograms of gunpowder, now serves as a cultural centre for the city.

The renovated interior hosts temporary exhibitions and summer concerts within this remarkable setting.

Additionally, a resourceful interpretation centre located in the former abbot’s residence offers insights into the abbey’s architecture.

4. Abbaye Saint-Léger

Another exquisite example of religious architecture awaits at this 12th-century abbey, named in honor of the 7th-century Bishop of Autun, whose mother resided at Soissons’ Notre-Dame Abbey.

Most of the architecture here exhibits the pinnacle of France’s Gothic period, dating back to between the 1200s and 1300s.

The traceries and vaults in the north gallery of the cloister are nothing short of stunning, officially designated as a French “Historic Monument.” Do not miss the chapel and crypt, alongside the city’s museum that we will explore next.

5. Musée Municipal de Soissons

The city museum of Soissons presents numerous fascinating facets of local history and archaeology, featuring galleries dedicated to fine arts.

The museum relocated to the Abbey of Saint-Léger during the 1930s, though many of its collections were curated much earlier, originating in the 1850s when it was established in the city hall.

Soissons holds a wealth of history to share, and this museum showcases ancient artifacts from the Aisne Valley.

Visitors can view architectural remnants, Gallo-Roman marbles, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, along with maps and illustrations depicting the city’s evolution.

6. Sights around Soissons

Soissons was once a medieval gem, yet it was severely damaged during the First World War.

Essential structures and monuments were restored, while a significant portion of the city was simply reconstructed in a fresh Art Deco style, characterized by bold geometric designs and whimsical stone carvings.

For a glimpse into history, the grand city hall initially served as the palace of the intendant (the royal representative) in the 1770s.

Meanwhile, the Pavillon de l’Arquebuse stands as a charming pavilion dating back to 1626, designed in the Louis XIII architectural style.

7. Crypt of the Abbaye Saint-Médard

The final abbey we visit in Soissons may exhibit the least architectural remnants.

The narrative of this Benedictine Monastery commences in the 500s and recounts stories of destruction and reconstruction: The abbey was demolished by the Normans, again by the Huguenots during the 16th-century Wars of Religion, and finally, in the Revolution.

Only the crypt remains, but it is worth a visit and may date back as far as the 9th century.

The intriguing structure is an exciting space to navigate, with shadowy vaulted corridors leading to burial chambers, alcoves in the walls, and remnants of tombs.

8. Donjon de Septmonts

Majestically standing in the heart of a village on the southern outskirts of Soissons is the romantically captivating keep of a long-lost château.

This structure once served as the residence of the Bishops of Soissons and gradually fell into neglect after the Revolution in the 1300s.

The keep is an unusual asymmetrical construction, extending seven stories high, complete with towers and platforms that require careful observation to fully appreciate.

You can ascend to the belvedere at the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, featuring medieval and Renaissance architecture in varying states of preservation.

9. Marché Couvert

Soissons has long taken pride in its medieval ambiance.

When the decision was made in 1911 to construct a covered market, the city embraced the popular trends in metal and glass architecture of the time.

However, a twist emerged as the exterior of the hall was required to harmonize with the old stone buildings of the city, such as the cathedral located across from Place Fernand-Marquigny.

Thus, the market’s slate roof and stone columns create the impression of being far older than the 20th century.

Attend on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to experience farm-fresh local produce and artisanal delicacies from Picardy.

10. Forest of Retz

The N2 will lead you to this French National Forest within approximately 10 minutes from Soissons.

This 130-square-kilometre expanse of woodland is captivating due to its preservation since the 1670s.

It serves as a remnant of an era when most of France was forested and, in the early 16th century, functioned as a favored hunting ground for King Francis I. For those wishing to immerse themselves in untouched nature, this ancient beech and coniferous forest is an ideal choice.

The local tourist office offers over 28 walking routes, including one leading to the Cave du Diable, a cellar constructed in the 1600s.

11. Château de Coucy

Similar to Soissons, much of the Aisne department was significantly ravaged during the First World War.

A poignant memorial to this destruction can be found just a short distance from Soissons, at the ruins of Château de Coucy.

This formidable castle was once home to the largest keep in France, soaring to an impressive height of 55 meters.

Coucy fell to the Germans in 1914, and when they retreated in 1917, they detonated explosives to prevent it from serving as a base for the Allies.

This devastation sparked outrage in France, resulting in the site being regarded as a “memorial to barbarity.” While the keep has since vanished, the walls, dungeons, and vaulted passageways remain accessible for exploration.

12. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Longpont

If you remain interested in Aisne’s medieval ruins, this abbey is located a brief drive south of Soissons on the eastern fringe of the Retz Forest.

This Cistercian Monastery fell victim to the Revolution; although its roof has long been absent, the flying buttresses, western portals, and remnants of the rose window vividly convey its former grandeur.

The abbey is privately owned but allows visitors on summer weekends for tours of the monastery’s facilities.

During these tours, guests may explore the large hearth in the calefactory, the monks’ cellar, and the Gothic cloister surrounded by picturesque gardens.

13. Soissons Memorial

For historians focusing on World War I, the Aisne department is dotted with locations that played a pivotal role in the conflict, especially during its concluding months.

Guided tours are available for the battlefield at Saint-Quentin, which includes visits to cemeteries and memorials located in Fère-en-Tardenois, Bony, Belleau, and Château-Thierry.

Soissons features its own memorial dedicated to the 3,887 British soldiers who have no known grave, lost in the city during the Spring Offensive between May and August 1918. Completed in 1928 with Portland stone from Dorset, it serves as a testimony to their sacrifice.

14. Days Out

All the attractions mentioned can be easily accessed within a 30-minute drive from Soissons, yet for those willing to travel a bit farther, there is a wealth of sights and activities within an hour’s radius.

Reims can be reached in under 45 minutes—a city where nearly every French king has been crowned and is also the heart of Champagne production.

Notable names such as Taittinger, Veuve-Clicquot, Mumm, and Ruinart are eager to welcome visitors for tours and tastings.

To the northeast lies Aisne’s capital, Laon, boasting a Gothic cathedral that rivals any in Northern France for its stunning architecture.

Just over half an hour to the west is the sophisticated city of Compiègne, where Napoleon and Napoleon III once held court in extravagant surroundings.

15. Food Culture

The Soissons bean has been cultivated in this region since at least the 1700s.

This white kidney-shaped legume has a historic association with the city, leading to the establishment of a Bean Festival in late September, featuring a Clovis-themed parade, gourmet markets, and numerous entertainment options.

The versatility of the bean allows it to be utilized in desserts or served alongside an aperitif, similar to olives.

Nonetheless, the most traditional method of enjoyment involves slow-cooked, cassoulet-style stews, often labeled “soissoulais” on local menus.