Soissons brings together several themes for a stay: the Aisne and its riverside promenade, art and history collections, abbeys and a cathedral, as well as a garden, viewpoints and golf. Those who put culture at the heart of their visit will find different highlights from travelers looking to complement their stay with the river, countryside or leisure activities.
The Aisne in the cityscape
The Aisne River forms the transport and economic backbone of Soissons; the city developed on both banks. There is a riverside promenade that pedestrians and cyclists can reach via a ramp from Avenue de l’Aisne. It is accessible, lit at night and furnished with benches. This provides a practical way to enjoy the riverside, whether you are on foot or cycling.
Art in historic buildings
The Musée d’art et d’histoire Saint-Léger is housed in the former Saint-Léger Abbey, founded in 1139. Here you can discover paintings, sculptures, the cathedral treasury of Soissons Cathedral, extensive archaeological collections and temporary exhibitions. The tour of the art and history collections occupies the entire first floor and is divided into the periods 1200–1800 and 1800–1945. The displays may change.
The focus shifts to contemporary art at the Arsenal Museum: housed in a 19th-century arsenal, it has hosted temporary exhibitions since 1995. Historic collections and changing exhibitions of contemporary art thus offer two distinct museum experiences.
Abbeys and cathedral
Saint-MĂ©dard Abbey was founded in 557 and, over the following five centuries, developed into a major religious center of the Frankish Kingdom and later the Carolingian Empire. Saint-Jean-des-Vignes Abbey was founded in the 11th century. The architecture of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Cathedral can also be appreciated through its dimensions: the nave is more than 30 meters high. Visitors can climb the tower via 350 steps and discover an exceptional panorama; visiting arrangements may change.
An immersive visit using a VR headset takes visitors into a 17th-century abbey. Dates and conditions for the experience may change.
Garden, viewpoints and golf
The Jardin d’horticulture features rare plant species, two ponds and an anallagmatic sundial. The garden also has an area for children. The Les monts de Soissons route offers numerous viewpoints over Soissons, the dips around Pasly and Cuffies, and the Aisne Valley. While the riverside promenade focuses on the riverbank, the route offers views of the city, the dips and the valley.
Another leisure option is Golf de Soissons, an urban 9-hole course in Parc Saint-Crépin. It covers a 12-hectare site by the river near the city center. With synthetic greens and tees, the course can be used year-round and is open to tourists and locals of all ages. Operating conditions may change. Golf can therefore be considered as a distinct activity alongside culture, gardens and viewpoints.
A local legend about the Haricot de Soissons
A local legend links the Haricot de Soissons to Monsieur Le Paon, who grew beans and offered his harvest to visitors. The story goes that this gave rise to the Haricot de Soissons as a culinary emblem, as well as a confectionery of the same name. The tale adds a local culinary tradition to the area’s architectural and artistic history.
Discover more destinations: Maissemy, Veuilly-La-Poterie, Aisonville-Et-Bernoville, Dallon, Montigny-Lengrain, Marchais, Jeantes, Vauxcéré.
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
