Guide to Aisne & Homes for Sale in Department 02

Aisne is a department located in the northern region of Hauts-de-France in France. The department is known for its history, beautiful landscapes and diverse economy. It was named after the river Aisne, which flows from east to west and joins the Oise River. The department borders Belgium to the northeast and is surrounded by the departments of Nord, Somme, Oise, Ardennes and Seine-et-Marne. The Aisne department has a fascinating history that dates back to the French Revolution. It was created in March 1790 by merging parts of the former provinces of Île-de-France, Picardie, and Champagne. During World War I, the area suffered significant damage, and many of the old-growth forests were destroyed in battles. The French offensive against the Chemin des Dames in the spring of 1917 is also called the Second Battle of the Aisne.

A Diverse Economy

Today, the economy of the Aisne department is diverse and dominated by agriculture, especially cereal crops. Beet sugar is one of the most important industrial crops in the area. The department is also known for its silk, cotton, and wool weaving. Saint-Gobain has been producing mirrors in the area since the 17th century. Guise is the agricultural centre of the northern area of Aisne. In addition, the southern part of the department is called la Brie poilleuse, an area known for its dairy products and Brie cheese.

A Blend of Urban and Rural Life 

The Aisne department is a mix of rural areas and working-class towns. Some families work in Paris or Île-de-France and choose to reside in Aisne. The department has a lot to offer to tourists as well. In 2007, the Center Parcs, a tourist accommodation infrastructure, was built on the Lake of Ailette, which is close to many tourist attractions such as the Cathedral of Laon, the Chemin des Dames and the Château de Coucy. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Aisne is a department with something for everyone.

Key Information about Aisne

• Main City/Prefecture: Laon
• Nearest Airport: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Population: Around 532,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 7,369 sq. kilometres and 2,845 sq. miles
• Landmark: Laon Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic cathedral perched atop a hill with stunning panoramic views.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 1 million, drawn by its historic battlefields, medieval architecture and natural parks like Parc Naturel Régional de l'Aisne.

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