A village through times and History
A typical village of the Aisne
Vic-sur-Aisne is a charming village of approximately 1700 inhabitants. The main square is the very heart of the town. The market takes place there every Wednesday morning. It is the perfect occasion to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from local producers but also cheese and meat or a bouquet of fresh flowers.
With its shops, restaurants, and terraces (perfect spot to drink a beer or enjoy a hot cup of tea), overlooked by the medieval donjon, this place invites you to relax and enjoy the moment.
Weekly market on Wednesday morning
from 9:00 to 12:00
OT Retz-en-ValoisThe donjon
Built during the 8th century, the imposing donjon of Vic-sur-Aisne dominates the main square and welcomes you upon your arrival. Converted into a habitable dwelling during the 17th century, it has retained its medieval appearance. After visiting the donjon, stroll through the majestic gardens. The symmetrical composition is the distinctive feature of the classic style. During the 19th century the park was turned into a landscaped garden, for romantic walks, with statues, a colonnade, stone benches and ruins inviting visitors to daydream.
A village on the front line
During the First World War, the village of Vic-sur-Aisne has been the witness of many events, from the early beginnings in 1914 until the very last battles in 1918.
The donjon but also the city hall, the school as well as many other houses and buildings have been badly damaged by both the French and the German armies. As the village is settled along the river Aisne, it was a major strategic area and a target for the artillery.
The other villages around Vic suffered from many casualties as well.
The whole département de l’Aisne has been bombed, occupied or destroyed at 98% during the whole WWI between 1914 and 1918. Consequently, there are many memorials, graveyards and monuments spread all around the area.
In Vic-sur-Aisne, next to the City Hall is the Monuments aux Morts (memorial to the fallen ones) as well as a military cemetery.
The Vic-sur-Aisne National Cemetery holds the remains of 3,046 French soldiers, 932 of whom lie in two ossuaries, and seven other soldiers killed during the Second World War. Built in 1921, this cemetery was further developed up to 1935 to make room for exhumed bodies from the military cemetries of the west of Soissons.
Donjon de Vic-sur-Aisne
2 rue de Pomponne
02290 Vic-sur-Aisne
Open to visitors, from June to September
On Sundays from 15:00 to 18:00
Nécropole militaire nationale de Vic-sur-Aisne
10 route de Noyon
02290 Vic-sur-Aisne
Open daily, free access