A scenic tourist route taking in Gallo-Roman ruins, abbeys, chapels, castles, manor houses, roadside washhouses and villages little changed by time, the Vallée de l’Automne is named not, as the name suggests, for the season of the year but for its river – the original name of which was Altona.
Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway
Centred on Crépy-en-Valois south of Compiègne Forest, the valley is most famous for the 35 church spires that dot its green landscape, testament to changing medieval styles over the course of the centuries. A festival held annually on the first weekend of October sees the churches open to the public and host to special events.
Highlights of this heritage route include the Roman church of the former Abbaye de Morienval, the church of the Abbaye de Lieu-Restauré in Bonneuil-en-Valois with its Flamboyant Gothic rose window, and the nearby Donjon de Vez, a castle hosting contemporary art exhibitions each summer.
Tourist Office of Pays de Valois
82 rue Nationale
F-60800 Crépy-en-Valois
Tel : +33 (0)3 44 59 03 97
