Soissons

Soissons is perfectly situated between Paris and Reims, yet retains its unique countryside character. With a population of 50,000 inhabitants, Soissons is the second largest town in the Aisne département.

In a drive to raise the profile and appeal of the area, the "city of the vase" is developing a policy aimed at boosting tourism and the economy while improving the living environment.

As a city of historical and artistic interest, Soissons offers visitors the chance to explore over a dozen monuments, abbeys and churches, from the magnificent cathedral to the Saint-Jean des Vignes abbey, the most visited site in Aisne.

The city has around 300 acres of green spaces, including the mall and three large parks - Saint-Crépin park, the Horticultural Society gardens and the grounds of the Hôtel de Ville. Soissons was presented with its third bloom in 2006.

www.ville-soissons.fr