The marked “Le Rendez-vous en Forêt” hiking trail starts at Suzy town hall. This large loop takes you through the Forêt de Saint-Gobain and, among other things, reveals former underground quarries. The combination of woodland paths and traces of former quarries gives the hike a distinct character: it not only leads through the forest, but also draws attention to its former use.

Two trails, two scales

The trail is 11.5 kilometres long, marked in yellow and purple, and rated difficult. The Via Francigena offers a different scale: it crosses the municipality of Cessières-Suzy as the GR145 long-distance hiking trail and is marked in white and red. Its markings can be seen from Croix du Sergent to Laniscourt. The Via Francigena connects Canterbury with Rome via France and Switzerland and is a major cultural route recognised by the Council of Europe, more than 1,000 years old. This gives you two options for planning: a circular hike with a specified distance and a historic long-distance trail with a broader geographical scope.

Natural areas and rock formations

Nature enthusiasts can also explore the municipality through several features: a designated Natura 2000 site, a geological rock formation, and calcareous hills where wild orchids grow. The “Tourbière et Coteaux du marais de Cessières-Montbavin” area was designated a Natura 2000 site in 2012 under the Habitats Directive. There is a free car park for this area at the end of Route Bournérias in Cessières-Suzy. The Hottée de Gargantua is also located in the Cessières-Suzy area. Formed 56 million years ago, this sandstone boulder field includes rocks that partly resemble animals. Mont des Veaux to the north and Mont Violette to the southwest of the area are calcareous hills where wild orchids grow.

Church and monument history

The Église Saint-Rémi de Suzy is located at 90 Le Village, 02320 Cessières-Suzy, and is a monument in the municipality of Cessières-Suzy in Hauts-de-France. The church includes a tombstone for Charles de Ronty, Lord of Suzy, and his wife, Jacqueline de La Chapelle Ranson. During the 2013 European Heritage Days, the church was open for free visits on a Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to visit the church today, check its current opening hours.

Where to stay in Suzy

Étangs du Moulin campground is in the centre of Suzy village, on the edge of the Forêt de Saint-Gobain. It covers 7 hectares and has 50 pitches, including 19 rental accommodations. When looking for somewhere to stay, you can start by choosing between a pitch and rental accommodation. Before booking, it is advisable to check the availability of rental accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Berry-Au-Bac, Presles-Et-Boves, Chevennes, Chivres-Val, Coucy-Lès-Eppes, Viels-Maisons, Ambleny, Marigny-En-Orxois.

See the full travel overview: Aisne.