Are there any remaining buildings of the Craonne château?

No, the village was entirely destroyed by the 1917 bombardments and only traces remain on the ground among the trees.

Why was the village not rebuilt on the same spot?

The area was declared a red zone after the war due to the extent of the destruction, and a new village was built lower down the slope during the 1920s.

What can be seen on the site today?

An arboretum, a walking path with explanatory panels, and three peace gardens dedicated to Germany, Italy and Morocco.

Who manages the old Craonne site?

The National Forests Office oversees this wooded area.

Château de Craonne

Craonne Castle

Craonne

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Where: Craonne

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Craonne stands in Craonne (Aisne), in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The site of old Craonne marks the spot of a village in Picardy wiped off the map during the fighting along the Chemin des Dames in 1917. Artillery fire in April and May of that year destroyed what remained of the houses, and the area, declared unfit for rebuilding, was never reconstructed on the same ground. A new village took shape lower down the slope during the 1920s, while the original site, now managed by the National Forests Office, became a wooded area planted with an arboretum. Visitors can walk among explanatory panels and three memorial gardens, German, Italian and Moroccan, honouring the nationalities who fought there.

What to know

The visit is a self guided walk through woodland, with no standing building to see.
The ground is wooded and uneven, so comfortable footwear suited to forest paths is advisable.
Three memorial gardens, German, Italian and Moroccan, mark the route.
Information panels along the path explain the history of the vanished village.
The site is managed by the National Forests Office and can be visited throughout the year.

Where this château is

Craonne · Aisne · Hauts-de-France

Map of the area around Château de Craonne

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Chem. des Dames, 02160 Craonne

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 3 23 22 69 72

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

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Heritage status: Protection status unknown

Frequently asked

Are there any remaining buildings of the Craonne château?: No, the village was entirely destroyed by the 1917 bombardments and only traces remain on the ground among the trees.
Why was the village not rebuilt on the same spot?: The area was declared a red zone after the war due to the extent of the destruction, and a new village was built lower down the slope during the 1920s.
What can be seen on the site today?: An arboretum, a walking path with explanatory panels, and three peace gardens dedicated to Germany, Italy and Morocco.
Who manages the old Craonne site?: The National Forests Office oversees this wooded area.