Towns on the Aisne & Oise Battlefields
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Compiègne
49.417816
2.826145
The city of Compiègne lies on the River Oise. It is in the Département de l'Oise in the region of Picardy. The origins of the town date to the Roman settlement of France and at that time it was called Compendium. The city has a Gothic Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) built between 1498-1530. The town hall belfry contains the “Bancloque”, one of the oldest municipal bells in France. There are 13th to 16th century churches, a palace built by Louis XIV, parks and gardens, the Grandes Ecuries stables dating from 1738, museums and remains of the 12th-17th century city ramparts.
The 1918 Armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed in a carriage of General Foch's private train in a clearing in the Forest of Compiègne on 11 November 1918. The signatories signed the Armistice a few minutes after 05.00 hours (local French time) and the Armistice came into effect from 11.00 hours (local French time).
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Laon
49.565077
3.620644
Laon old town. 
Laon is the capital of the Départment de l'Aisne in the region of Picardy. The ancient town is strategically located on the summit of a hill. The three towers of the medieval cathedral of Notre Dame de Laon, finished in 1235, can be seen from many miles away. The modern part of the town is situated on the plain at the foot of the hill. The lower town and the old town are linked by an automated cable car system.
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Soissons
49.383644
3.328069
River Aisne, Soissons. 
Soissons is located on the River Aisne. It is one of the oldest towns in France. The Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais de Soissons dates from the 12th century.
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Saint-Quentin
49.846974
3.287369
St Quentin Mairie (1) 
Saint-Quentin is an ancient town which was badly damaged during the First World War. It was occupied by the German Army from September 1914.
Related Topic
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Visiting the Aisne & Oise Battlefields
Acknowledgements
(1) Stadhuis Saint Quentin.jpg in the public domain (Wikimedia).