Fresh air and a little bit of history thrown in make for perfect family holidays in France. Discover the family-friendly cycle paths around the Lac de l’Ailette just two and a half hours from Calais, using a quirky yurt as your base.
Doing activities together is a sure-fire way of making the kids happy and creating lasting memories. With biking good for both mind and body, the family cycle route near the Lac de l’Ailette is the perfect spot for outdoors activities for children and for keen cyclists, but also – with its historic sights – for cultural family holidays in France.
Traffic-free and safe, the Voie Verte de l’Ailette is a shaded 20km cycle path along the Ailette river, passing two lakes: Monampteuil (with a play area on its fine-sand beach and ice-cream stands in summer) and the Lac de l’Ailette. It’s about 12km (an hour by pedal power) from Monampteuil to the western end of Lac de l’Ailette, then another 8km to the abbey of Vauclair.
What to see on the family cycle route near the Lac de l’Ailette
Hire bikes from Center Parcs Le Lac d'Ailette or borrow them from Les Yourtes (see below). Despite the route being flat, the green landscapes vary from meadows to valleys and ridges, the latter including the Crête du Chemin des Dames, scene of a failed French Army offensive in 1917.
This is a great area to introduce kids to French history and World War I remembrance. Ten minutes by bike from the Voie Verte, the Caverne du Dragon is a subterranean medieval quarry where French and German soldiers lived side-by from July to October 1917; you can still see some of their personal possessions.
Like a local: Says Sylvie Lamoureux, a mum from near Laon: ‘Kids love going underground, but take pullovers as it’s chilly. This is a moving site with a special atmosphere that will remain in kids’ minds. Expecially when they find out it’s named for the flames and sparks of the volley guns, as well as the steam that issued forth when the men were cooking.’
Getting kids interested in birdwatching and healing plants
Between Center Parcs and Vauclair, soak up the wild nature. This is a protected marshland reserve with about 100 bird species to spot from the wooden hides along the shoreline.
Arriving at the abbey in its 1,000-hectare forest, you’ll be rewarded with masses of green space and peaceful ruins to stroll around. Investigate the garden of medicinal plants (one of France’s largest) and look for butterflies (19 species have been sighted here) before having a family picnic (provided by the yurt hosts if you wish).
Things to do with kids near the Voie Verte
Don’t miss ancient Laon with its cobbled streets, the subterranean labyrinth beneath its old citadel (spot the fossil prints of giant sea snails in its walls, and the pickaxe marks dating from its time as a Gallo-Roman quarry), and incredible chocolate crêpes at L’Agora – perfect for recharging your batteries! Or if it rains, head for Aquamundo waterpark at Center Parcs (advance booking required)
Where to stay near the Lac de l’Ailette
A bed in a meadow: Les Yourtes du Moulin Bertrand
Less than four minutes from the family cycle route near the Lac de l’Ailette, these yurts stand in grounds with a mill, a little waterfall, a pond and an array of animals.. Ranking highly among unusual places to stay for families in France, they have colourful Mongolian decor that will delight kids.
Fish on-site, have barbecues and kick back as the kids run free in nature. A barn houses L’Assiette du Terroir restaurant where you can feast on local produce in dishes such as Maroilles tart, ficelles picardes savoury pancakes and home-caught trout.
Other family-friendly cycle routes
