Bordered by the Essonne river, the town of La Ferté Allais has a surprising museum that is sure to please everyone, young and old alike.

The guided tour of the Salis Flight Museum remains a real human adventure transmitted with passion. The extraordinary work accomplished by its founder Jean Baptiste SALIS to enhance and preserve the aeronautical heritage of the Cerny aerodrome today allows us to admire an impressive collection dedicated to ancient aviation.

Jean Baptiste Salis’s vocation began when Blériot crossed the Channel in 1909. He began an exceptional aeronautical career: an instructor during the war of 14, pilot for the Prime Minister of the Air, and the first pilot to fly over Mont-Blanc in 1953.

Three years later, at 59, he decided to make his childhood dream come true by crossing the English Channel with the Blériot XI, a single-seater plane made of ash wood that he himself rehabilitated.

In 1938, he acquired the Ardenay farm, where he transferred his aeronautical activities (mechanics, maintenance, purchase and sale of planes, construction, etc.). The land officially became La Ferté-Alais aerodrome in 1946.

Invaded by the same taste for freedom, his son Jean and grandson Edmond will not hesitate to take up the challenge. When their father died in 1967, Jean and his sister Irene set off in search of the planes that marked his career.

Associations and private collectors join the adventure to enlarge and complete the collection. Today, the Salis Flight Museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover the legendary aircraft in chronological order: from the pioneers of aviation to the beginnings of air travel, the Great War, sport and leisure aviation of the interwar period. …

You will be in awe of the Morane-Saulniers built between 1927 and 1943. These planes, listed as historical monuments, unique in the world, are in a state of flight like all the others elsewhere.

Admire the flamboyant Stinson, red and white, a reproduction of the one used by Al Capone, the Boeing B-17, the last of WWII, or the famous Blériot XI, offered by factory workers to Louis Blériot.

After this astonishing adventure in the clouds, you will continue your journey by discovering the Miellerie located in Boutigny-sur-Essonne, rich in local know-how.

Camille and Thierry Sergent, professional beekeepers since 1989, founded La Miellerie in 2000. These two nature lovers share their fascinating world with visitors. They are the only producers of royal jelly in Île-de-France!

Surrounded by a garden of aromatic and medicinal plants, this botanical heritage is a true haven of peace and an invitation to discover the techniques of honey production, the work of bees and their needs.

Miellerie du Gâtinais now has more than 400 bee colonies in beehives and produces several ranges of guaranteed GMO-free, quality and unprocessed honeys: all flowers, spring, forest, chestnut, acacia, heather, amongst others.

Apart from the honeys, the establishment offers for sale organic gingerbread, fresh pollen, propolis,etc. Do not miss this opportunity to bring home these 100% natural products, without added sugar, not heated to more than 30 °, renowned for their smoothness, softness and virtues.

This visit is also part of an awareness-raising process for children and adults. Camille and Thierry will explain to you why plants, bees and other insects play an important role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.

Share this experiential educational, cultural and responsible journey with family, friends or in a group.

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This stay punctuated by walking tours, by coach, small train or barges, old flat-bottomed boats, on the Dordogne river, will delight both adults and children.

The Périgord and the Dordogne department, the same territory located in the southwest of France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, are full of treasures, vestiges, cultural or archaeological heritage, historical monuments …

Synonymous with nature, gastronomy, the art of living, legends, this region allows you to discover medieval villages for some classified among the most beautiful villages in France, for others, steeped in history, castles, gardens, prehistoric caves and pits …

Did you know that the Dordogne is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO? You will feel completely out of place in front of the beauty of the landscapes, magnificent greenery, vineyards and other natural curiosities.

Among the villages marked by history, at the gates of the Dordogne, you will discover Oradour-Sur-Glane, in Haute-Vienne sadly renowned for having experienced the genocide of more than 640 inhabitants on June 10, 1944.

You will continue with a visit to the castle of Monbazillac, built in the middle of the 14th century in the town of the same name, listed in the directory of historic monuments of the 17th century. Its medieval and renaissance architecture invites you to make history.

How about exploring the city of Cyrano, the historic district of Bergerac, labelled City of Art and History, rich in historical, architectural and wine heritage. The village proudly displays on the square the statue of Cyrano, a character from the famous play by Edmond Rostand. You will also be able to admire along the river different types of barges used over time for the transport of goods.

You will dive under the rocky caves of Maxange, a true natural masterpiece, the Lascaux IV cave, a replica of the original one discovered in 1940, or the Padirac chasm in Rocamadour called the “devil’s hole”, the first site in the underground world. in France. Emotions are guaranteed!

Another equally fascinating place in the Vézère valley is the Rocque Saint-Christophe troglodyte site in Peyzac-le-Moustier (24). You will experience an authentic journey through time going from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages! This limestone wall with reconstructed dwellings allows you to better understand the way of life of our ancestors.

A stone’s throw away, near Montignac, the Château de Losse in Thonac (24), classified as a “Historic monument since 1928, symbolizes the elegance of the French Renaissance. This enchanting setting, surrounded by ramparts and gardens labelled Remarkable Gardens tells the story of John II de Losse, tutor of Henri IV.

Near Salart, Domme invites you to meet the most famous monuments including the royal bastide dating from 1281. On board the little tourist train, you will observe all the riches that bear witness to the tumultuous past of this town. Take advantage of your free time to appreciate the blond stone houses, ramparts.

At the gates of this village, you will have the pleasure of meeting the operator of a truffle field. A captivating story about this passionate profession awaits you. Culture, harvest, techniques used, you will know everything about this coveted mushroom.

In the Dordogne valley, the castle of Castelnaud, classified as a historic monument in 1966, built on a rocky outcrop offers an exceptional panorama. This guided tour of the 12th-century fortifications takes you back to the Middle Ages. Also, discover the War Museum with its collections of weapons and armour.

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, between Sarlat and Lascaux, you will have the pleasure of contemplating the Gardens of the Manoir d’Eyrignac, historical monuments of the 17th and 18th centuries and its set of plant sculptures, yew plants, boxwood … The owners of this family heritage are keen to preserve the topiary art handed down from generation to generation. 

Take advantage of this beautiful educational walk

Satisfy your desires of escape by reserving this circuit composed of a very varied range of activities. From excursions, strolls to guided tours, your stay promises to be well filled.

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In the department of Aisne (02), you will discover a town with protected areas that has an exceptional architectural ensemble. Indeed, with 80 historical monuments, including 68 classifieds, Laon, located in the Hauts-de-France region, will enchant you.

The guided tour of this site with its unique character, also considered amongst our regional heritage and places of memory, promises a superb getaway for family, lovers, friends or in groups.

The city is divided in two: the lower part on the rather modern plateau and the emblematic upper part, an old medieval city, perched on a mound. Eight kilometers of ramparts enriched with towers and openwork with 3 monumental gates, notably, Chenizelles, Arlon and Soissons, adorn this citadel built at the request of Henri IV between 1595 and 1598.

The strategic location of this crowned mountain with its particular relief remains a privileged and ideal defensive site. Laon will experience the Battle of Bibrax led by Caesar, the Hundred Years War, Napoleon’s last fight in 1814, the occupations of 1870 and the bombardments of 1944. Fortunately, the almost preserved historic heart of the region has survived time.

The majestic Notre-Dame cathedral, steeped in history, built at the request of Bishop Gauthier de Mortagne from 1150 to 1230 is visible for miles around. The statues of oxen that adorn the western facade are altogether surprising, as are the gargoyles, rhinoceros and hippopotamus heads!

You will undoubtedly appreciate the Episcopal Palace, the Hôtel Dieu, a perfectly preserved former hospital, the Saint-Martin church, the Templar chapel, the court of the Dauphin, the leaning tower and even ancient abbeys. The art and history permeating these architectural wonders are bound to grab your attention.

As you walk along the ramparts, you can enjoy magnificent views of the lower town and the surrounding plains.

The fortifications, the cobbled streets, the gardens, the old quarters, the interior courtyards, the half-timbered houses without forgetting the rue Châtelaine decorated with trompe-l’oeil paintings will also amaze you. Open your eyes wide! The medieval city has many surprises in store for you.

Laon, which became a royal city and capital of the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, is home to another treasure: the underground galleries of the citadel. The corridors of time!

A real informative and fun immersion awaits you in the underground passages thanks to the audio and visual devices set up for visitors. You immerse yourself in the heart of the geological and political history of Laon, from its origins forty million years ago until the middle of the 20th century. This course will delight both adults and children.

These cavities were exploited to extract the rock necessary for the construction of buildings, in particular the cathedral. Over the centuries, the quarries and galleries will serve as market gardening cellars, troglodyte dwellings, coolers or even military shelters during the confrontations of the Second World War.

You take successive corridors that tell you the tumultuous history of the place without forgetting the old powder magazine, where gunpowder was stored.

During this tour, you will come across illustrious figures who have marked the city, Cerith fossils, a Gallo-Roman silo, traces left by man in stone and many other secrets. Victor Hugo said “Everything is beautiful in Laon, the churches, the houses, the surroundings, everything! “Come and judge this adage for yourself by reserving this day and get ready to live a remarkable experience!

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The Great War Museum is located in Meaux, in Seine-et-Marne (77), only 50 kilometers from the East of Paris. It is a historical and educational site, open for everybody and perfectly adapted for children. 

Its construction was possible through Jean-Pierre Verney, a historian. For almost 50 years, his passion allowed him to gain cognizance of a large number of artefacts and documents recounting the World War I events. 

In 2005, the commune authorities of Meaux acquired all the private collections of this memorialist in order to create a museum dedicated to the War of 14-18. This contemporary building, established as the Museum of France in 2007 and inaugurated on the 11th November 2011, is the largest museum in Europe. 

Almost 3000m² of space are strictly dedicated to the Great War. During your thematic and chronological route, you will discover more than 7 000 unique and remarkable pieces ! You will be able to see uniforms, weapons, artillery accessories, military machines, newspapers, posters, letters… which are exhibited and highlighted by an interactive scenography.

This visit, which is poignant and packed with emotions, defines itself as a real living experience. Multimedia devices are provided for in order to immerse yourself in the heart of the action: bombings, planes, soldiers’ songs,  panaromic pictures, snapshots of the soldiers’ life in the trenches…

A few kilometres from the museum, several places of contemplation and commemoration are also part of the landscape.

The Marne miracle 

Travelling by coach, this path will lead you towards funeral monuments, which epitomize the immense Marne battle. This World War I short conflict took place from the 6th to the 9th September 1914. 

You will observe Charles Peguy’s headstone, writer killed on the 5th September 1914. It is located close to the Great Grave of Villeroy, where he was buried with other soldiers, Notre-Dame of the Marne monument, military and civil cemetery…

In September 1914, the German army advanced on the Marne. Being threatened, the government left Paris to go back to Bordeaux. That was when the marshal Joseph Joffre decided to make a counteroffensive towards the Ourcq. It was necessary to transport the troops sent in reinforcement in Paris. 

The trains were insufficient, the general staff decided to mobilize the parisian taxis. On the 6th and 7th of September 1914, 1 300 taxis drove thousands of fighters to the battlefield. The invasion plan, developed by the Germans, who were convinced of their victory, failed. The german troops didn’t expect this attack, and consequently, retreated. That is how the miracle of the Marne taxis was born. 

The Brie cheese of Meaux : Enjoy without moderation !

An interesting halt is waiting for you in the House of Brie cheese of Meaux, open since 2016. You will discover the story about this famous cheese, exclusively prepared from untreated unpasteurized milk, which comes from cows farmed in the outdoor plains of the region.

The scenographies explain to you the different stages of the production, to the cellars for maturing and refinement. This cheese obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 1996. 

Could you imagine that Charlemagne adored it, that the king Henry IV savoured it on bread and that Charles d’Orléans gave it to the court ladies? In 1815, in the Vienna congress, this cheese, served during the meal, was so successful that it was elected the ‘King of cheeses” ! 

Allow yourself to be seduced by this experience and prepare yourself to taste this gastronomic speciality which became the pride of the brotherhood of companions of Brie cheese of Meaux!

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Colombey Les Deux Église is a town situated in the North-East of France, in the Haute-Marne (52) department in Eastern region. This village owes its fame primarily to the General de Gaulle.

The question remains; why has General de Gaulle chosen this locality, when a head of state had the privilege to reside in prime locations such as Vizille, Rambouillet or even at the Grand Trianon in Versailles?

The tour guide of Colombey Les Deux Églises indeed helps us to understand his choice and to step in the shoes of Charles de Gaulle’s, also called the 18th June man or the 5th republic founder. His cult sentence « I understood you ! » elocated during his speech of the 4th June 1958 at the Algiers Forum reverberates even in our modern days…

For years, the tourism of the memory gives the possibility to the visitors to discover sites of historical interest and the stories that marked the making of this great nation. This visit, not-to-be-missed, is an immersion rich in revelations on the life of General de Gaulle (1890/1970) 

Colombey Les Deux Églises : A destiny that changed forever !

The De Gaulle family were searching for a peaceful and serene place. They wanted to enjoy a calm way of life in retreat from towns and cities. General De Gaulle has his heart set on a family property, built in a park covering over 2 hectares. The property had an old brasserie, named La Boisserie within its premises ; a perfect fit for the family, given the authenticity, design and vintage look of the residence. They settled there on the 9th June 1934. There settlement in the region sparked development in the village, which over time built itself a global reputation.

The geographic location of his secondary residence allowed him, during times of war, to be located halfway between Paris and his troops. It was not the only advantage ; this haven of peace and tranquility, set up in the middle of a sumptuous landscape, appeared salutary for him and his family members.

De Gaulle’s family resided in this house exclusively during holidays and some week-ends. At a later stage during his career, difficult situations such as workers strike in May 1968, his defeat at the referendum in 1969, on his regionalisation project and senate reform, pushed him to resign. After this turn of event, he settled permanently in Colombey Les Deux Eglises where he continued to write his war memoirs until his last breath (9th November 1970)

Today, his residence became a museum open to the public. The property, adored by Charles de Gaulle for its harmony, serenity and a resting ground for his family, was then transferred to his son, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. The tour guides will, indeed, help us further discover the different steps of the life of this great, yet discrete statesman.

 Not far away from the historical house is located the Charles de Gaulle’s memorial. This huge building is home to an impressive fleet of cars he used, notably the famous Citroën DS…!

 From his childhood to the World War I, his role as a father and writer, by way of his many functions to his withdrawal in 1969, Charles de Gaulle’s life will have no longer be a mystery for us once we travel in this region.

 We also will be able to admire the Lorraine cross, which he is so much fond of ; a 40 meter high edifice, symbolising liberty in France, inaugurated on the 18th June 1972, 32 years after the resistance call of the 18th June 1940. This gigantic monument overlooks the village and the cemetery where the Charles de Gaulle’s grave is located.

 Be it alone, or with your family, school group, work council or association, book a historical and cultural tour guide ; it is a real projection in the past ! The guided tour programme is defined as follows :

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Visit the memorial sites of the war 1914-1918 : 

World War I, from 1914 to 1918, has left deep imprints in our minds and the landscapes of several french territories. 

Memorial sites are plentiful in France. Going back to memory lane allows us to maintain, pass down the history to the new generations and pay tribute to the missing persons who served our country. A real transportation in the past, with profound emotions and historical education, is awaiting visitors in Oulches-La-Vallée-Foulon in the department of Aisne (Picardie)

Before the conflict, the Craonne village was situated on the higher lands, at the south-eastern end of the Ladies path plateau. The pretty name of this path is given in the Adélaïde and Victoire’s honour who are Louis XV’s daughters. The village has suffered from terrible disasters during wartime. 

The Germans occupied the path tops and took possession of the Creute cavern, near the Hurtebise Isthmus. This cave offers a refuge and underground barrack. Owing to its strategic geographic situation, the French and the Germans fought for this cave, from September 1914 to November 1918.

The cave took the appearance of a furnished den during this time. The Germans used the site to establish resting places, kitchens, water places, aid stations, operating theaters, command posts and ammunition stocks. This tunnel, called by the Germans “Dragon cavern” (Drachenhöle), is reminiscent of the flamethrowers used during battles, as dragons which breathe fire.

On the 16th of April 1917, General Nivelle’s assault was a real failure and rapidly caused the loss of 30 000 WWI French soldiers. Thereafter, French soldiers conquered the Dragon cavern part back. In May, General Pétain replaced Nivelle. After various battles, Germans retreated on the Ailette between Laon and Soissons.

A chronological and explanatory frieze of 17 meters was provided in the gallery. It shows the complicated reconstruction of the villages and churches which were destroyed during the Great War attacks. With vestiges that are still present on the site and the numerous animations provided, you will better understand how the fighters lived underground. 

Visit memorial sites of the war 1914-1918

The village of Vauquois, the center of World War I, would know the same fate.

The guided visit of the French and Germans’ underground installations of the Vauquois small hill and the Verdun memorial allow us to understand the violent struggle that occurred in this village. The pictures and the audiovisual devices give you a snapshot of the life of fighters occupying the rugged areas. 

During this battle between Germans and French in 1916, many soldiers lost their lives and the village was wrecked by landmines and mortar bombs. Americans reconquered the region on the 26th of September 1918 and discovered a catastrophic landscape. Even if today, nature reasserted itself, the craters show you the extent of the confrontation.

The Douaumont ossuary, situated to the limit of the town of the Douaumont-Vaux and Fleury-Devant-Douaumont, is specially dedicated to the Great War memory. The historical monument, constructed in memory of the WWI French soldiers, contains the skeletal remains of more than 130 000 unidentified soldiers. Only 16,142 have been identified and buried in the cemetery which is in front of the Douaumont ossuary.  

After going through this emotional journey, finishing this getaway on a sparkling touch is necessary! A guided visit to one of the biggest champagne houses in the world, Vranken-Pommery, situated in Reims, will make you discover this charming vineyard with its ancestral savoir-faire. 

At the death of her husband, Jeanne-Alexandrine Pommery came back to the Pommery & Greno society. She was dedicated to her work to create the most beautiful vineyard of Champagne. In 1874, the first brut champagne was born: the Pommery Plain. Fine and pure, it was on its way to make enormous commercial success.

From 1860 to 1910, Mrs Pommery never stopped to buy lands and extend the estate. She built property of 65 hectares! The Pommery’s lineage and their partners maintained and perpetuated the tradition of this house, bought in 2002 by the Vranken Monopole. 

Visiting the war 1914-1918 memorial sites, discovering different stages of the work, caves, works of arts, frescos and galleries will promise you exclusive moments around fascinating stories. 

The guided tour programme is defined as follows :

Site of the ladies path and dragon cavern :
www.chemindesdames.fr

Verdun museum official site
www.memorial-verdun.fr

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The wars left deep scars in some regions of France. A guided tour in this region is an immersion right in the heart of the life of soldiers and civilians, dead or injured during the war confrontations.

Memory tourism in these french sites will allow you to discover one of the most striking historical places touched by World War I in 1914-1918: The Vauquois mound in Argonne (55)

During this visit, you will be completely immersed in the guts of the hills, situated between Verdun and the Argonne, unfortunately famous for this dramatic incident.

A heavy artillery for a pitiless struggle!

In August 1914, Germany declared war on France. This small village of Vauquois was not spared. Laid on a small hill, its geographic location is a natural strategic observation point for both camps.

In September 1914, Germans appropriated and occupied the hill to make it a fortress. From October 1914 to February 1915, the first responses with bayonets made the french lines retreat themselves towards the south of the hill. Starting from the 17th of February and to the 4th of March, the German resistance ended up wearing themselves out through a succession of attacks from the French.

The Germans and French dug kilometers of galleries underground, in which many landmines were buried to inflict heavy damage on the enemy. This maneuver is called the landmines war. This turned the Vauquois hill into an incredible termite mound.

The battle has marked the Argonnais and Meusien territories forever. 14 000 soldiers lost their lives in these regions! The trenches, built by sappers-miners, seem to have stopped our timeline as if the sulfur, soil, and explosive smells were still there.

In wartime, all possible means were deployed to eliminate the opponent: landmines, flamethrowers, gas, varied explosive devices. There were 519 detonations (199 counted for the Germans, and 320 for the French).

In may 1916, an explosive charge of 60 tonnes was stored by Germans and struck the far west of the mound, which caused the death of 108 soldiers. In August 1916, powerful explosions underground ensued.

At the end of 1917, the Germans and French stopped the galleries’ construction work but continued to maintain them. In March 1918, a last french landmine burst in Vauquois and the last german response took place in April 1918.

The liberation of the mound on the 26th of September 1918 by American soldiers would last just a few hours. The Vauquois village was entirely devastated, the small hill was completely bisected and the monstrous craters form a lunar landscape. In 1919, a new village was rebuilt at the foot of the small hill.

The Vauquois mound has, since, still been preserved by the Association of Friends of Vauquois. The vestige of the landmines war, which lasted more than 4 years, has been perfectly conserved. A monument in memory “For Vauquois fighters and deads” replaced the city hall of the former village.

Go to the discovery of this site! It will continue to promote our heritage and contribute to support new generations to preserve and pass on the history of France. Be it with your family, school group, work for council or association… book this instructive guided visit, this adventure will mark your memories! The guided tour program is defined as follows :

Official site :

www.butte-vauquois.fr

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