Twelve panels and old postcards bring the past of Vervins to life on the “Carte postale de Vervins” micro-hike. The route also offers a view of the Chertemps: it crosses the stream that rises in the hills above Vervins. The town’s history and a named watercourse are among the concrete impressions of this walk.

Discover the history of the neighbourhoods

A walk through the old neighbourhoods takes you past the former courthouse as well as remarkable buildings in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The focus is therefore not only on individual historic buildings, but also on a variety of architectural styles. The townscape’s surviving features also include ten towers from the former fortifications. Place de l’Hôtel de Ville occupies the site of the former Place d’Armes, next to the Château des Coucy-Vervins—another point of connection with the town’s history.

Church history and a painting from 1699

The Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption bears witness to a turning point in 1552: after being completely destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt. Reconstruction and beautification work continued until the end of the 16th century. The church is also home to Jean Jouvenet’s 1699 painting “Le Repas chez Simon le Pharisien.” Together, the building’s history and the painting offer concrete subjects for exploring Vervins’ religious art and history. Jean Jouvenet’s work dates from a later period than the rebuilding: while the reconstruction work continued until the end of the 16th century, the painting was created in 1699. This makes the difference in dates between the building’s history and the artwork clear.

Plan around market times

A market is held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is also a “Thiérache Fermière” market there on the first Friday of the month, from 4 to 8 p.m. The different days and time slots may be worth considering when planning a visit. Check the market details again before your trip.

Visits by request

The Musée de la Thiérache is housed in an authentic residence in the historic neighbourhood. The building’s brick architecture dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and defines this part of the neighbourhood. Guided tours of Vervins and/or the fortified churches can be arranged through the museum on request; confirm the options before your trip. Le Démocrate de l’Aisne also offers individual visits. Together with the micro-hike, these options offer different ways to explore the town and its history.

Discover more destinations: Chauny, Neuvillette, La Neuville-Housset, Clairfontaine, Selens, Paissy, Tartiers, Wiège-Faty

For the overview of the wider area: Aisne.