Nature
The Lac de l’Ailette was artificially created in Neuville-sur-Ailette in 1984 by damming the Ailette River. The lake is a wintering and breeding area for numerous bird species; along its shores are wooded areas, reed beds, wetlands and meadows. The Lac de l’Ailette lies on the edge of the Maison de la Nature et de l’Oiseau, serves as a resting place for numerous bird species, and is home to certain rare plant species. The short walk Au-dessus des creuttes de Neuville overlooks the village and offers a vast panorama of the landscapes of the Laonnois region.
When staying in Neuville-sur-Ailette, you may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Paths
The Voie verte de l’Ailette runs through forests, pastureland and wetlands and can be used on foot or by bicycle. It is part of the Véloroute 30, which connects Reims with the Baie de Somme. Along the route, several information panels and audio stations explain the lake and its birds, as well as the Vauclair forest. Motor vehicles are not permitted there. A car park in Neuville-sur-Ailette provides access to the Voie verte de l’Ailette.
Culture
The ornithological and ecological museum of the Maison de la Nature et de l’Oiseau contains more than 300 naturalised species. It presents aquatic fauna and, in particular, birds from these habitats using taxidermied specimens, and offers an introduction to nature sketching. The institution offers educational activities for the general public and school groups in the form of nature excursions and exhibitions.
Les Quoquereaux in Neuville-sur-Ailette is freely accessible.
Other places: Erloy, Liesse-Notre-Dame, Pierrepont, Crécy-Sur-Serre, Pargny-Filain, Etreaupont, Beaumont-En-Beine, Grandlup-Et-Fay
