Monthenault combines the church of Saint-Martin, with its Art Deco history, and challenging mountain biking routes, two of which start in the village. Other routes lead to historical landmarks or the lakeshore. During your stay, you can choose between architecture, a challenging ride, and a half-day outing with a picnic.

Saint-Martin: Reconstruction and Interior

The church of Saint-Martin de Monthenault was rebuilt in the Art Deco style in 1932 by the architect Paul-Albert Müller. Its interior features stained-glass windows by Louis Barillet and a blue-painted concrete nave. The building’s reconstruction history is thus reflected in two specific design features: the windows created by Barillet and the blue-painted concrete nave. For visitors interested in architecture and design, the church is a cultural highlight in its own right, alongside the cycling options.

The church is often open during the warmer months, but opening times are not guaranteed. Before planning a visit, check whether access is possible at that time.

Challenging Mountain Biking Routes from Monthenault

“Les vendangeoirs à VTT” is a challenging 11.7-kilometre mountain biking loop that starts in Monthenault. The route passes vendangeoirs, elegant residences of cellar masters dating back to the 19th century. The ride thus combines its stated physical difficulty with a historical point of interest along the route.

“Sous la montagne couronnée” also starts in Monthenault. The challenging loop is 25.1 kilometres long, with a stated duration of three and a half hours. Both rides start in the village and are rated challenging, but differ considerably in length. On “Sous la montagne couronnée,” the route passes between the landscapes of the Laonnois and the city of Laon, through grassy plains and hillsides covered with deciduous trees. The “montagne couronnée” lies in the background. Details and conditions for this route may change; check the information before setting out.

Historical Sites Along Other Routes

The “D’une vallée à l’autre” mountain biking route passes through the creuttes of the Ferme des Carrières and by the Ferme du Château de Presles. Remains dating from the 13th century have been preserved there. The route thus offers another historical point of interest for anyone who would like to learn about the history of the places they visit while cycling.

Half a Day at Lac de l’Ailette

The family-friendly “Le tour du lac à V.T.T.” loop runs between the Chemin des Dames and Lac de l’Ailette. The paths are easy and pleasant to cycle, and the grassy, shaded shores are suitable for a picnic during a half-day outing. This makes for a different kind of day out than the two challenging loops from Monthenault: here, the lakeside route and the opportunity for a picnic are the main attractions.

When planning, you can first decide whether you would like to focus on Saint-Martin, the challenging mountain biking loops, or a half-day outing by the lake. The route lengths, stated duration, and the church’s opening conditions provide concrete points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Rogny, Bernot, Viel-Arcy, Vendeuil, Soissons, Sainte-Preuve, Chierry, Chevennes

For the regional travel overview: Aisne.