The Autumn Valley: a natural setting with 35 bell towerss
The Automne Valley takes its name from the eponymous river and rises near Villers-Cotterêts. It runs for 35 kilometers through the canton of Crépy-en-Valois before flowing into the Oise River upstream of Verberie.
This river winds through a rural valley, offering landscapes of wheat fields, meadows, marshes and poplar groves, while passing through picturesque villages.
A unique geological landscape
The Automne River has carved out a spectacular valley by cutting through the stone benches and then into the underlying sand and clay layers of the Cuisien. This geological phenomenon has created what experts call a "canyon valley," with its steep and impressive walls. This exceptional natural setting gives the valley a unique character in the region.
The proximity of the Oise River, a waterway leading to Paris, as well as the richness of the soil, the presence of water, and the proximity of forests, favored the rapid and early development of the Automne Valley. These favorable conditions explain the emergence and proliferation of numerous villages along its course, shaping the economic face of the region over the centuries.
A rich religious heritage
Nicknamed the “valley of 35 bell towers”, the Vallée de l’Automne is marked by a rich religious heritage.
As visitors travel its roads, they can admire Romanesque and Gothic churches, chapels, and abbeys that appear around every corner of the village. These churches, mainly built in the 12th century , are the work of quarrymen, stonemasons, and builders who gave the valley its unique character. The Automne Valley is also a place of historical significance, where Gallo-Roman ruins , medieval abbeys, manor houses, and castles coexist harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
A historical memory
Iconic sites such as the Gallo-Roman ruins of Champlieu , the Abbey of Morienval , the Abbey of Lieu Restauré and the Keep of Vez testify to the importance of the valley throughout the ages.
While exploring the Vallée de l'Automne, visitors can take the time to stop in the many small villages, admire their churches, and, with a little luck, hear the sound of bells still ringing in these historic villages. It's a true journey into the past, through bucolic landscapes and unspoiled nature.
Come and stroll through the Autumn Valley
Discover our brochure dedicated to the Vallée de l'Automne to uncover all its secrets and take the time to explore all its treasures:
