Au Soleil de Picardie

Town and city days are your top pick from here, such as to Soissons, the ancient Roman settlement that's one of the oldest towns in France. There's also Reims, a handsome and historic city with four UNESCO-listed buildings: the cathedral, the Palace of Tau, the Abbey of Saint-Remi and the Saint-Remi history museum. Paris is an hour and three quarters' drive away. Other local attractions and activities include the Chemin des Dames, 30 kilometres of 'ladies paths' made up of tunnels and caves used by women during the three Aisne battles of World War I. Memorials and cemeteries are along its route and guided tours run from the visitor centre; access the path from the Chemis des Dames Dragon's Cave museum, 20 minutes' drive away. For more active adventures, the tree-climbing adventure park Acroarbres is within 25 minutes' drive outside Soisson, and 560 kilometres of walking and hiking paths meander through Retz forest, 35 minutes away.