Château-Thierry, 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Paris(map), is an easy day-trip from Paris, but if you have the time, it can also be good as an overnight, or a stopping point on a tour of either the champagne region, or northern France's World War I battle sites, memorials and cemeteries, or both.

La Fontaine's Fables

The name Château-Thierry rings in the minds of French readers as the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695), author of twelve books of Fables as well as other dramatical and poetic works.

Champagne Pannier

Château-Thierry's other distinction is as a town in the Champagne wine-growing region that is closest to Paris. It is possible to board a train to Château-Thierry at Paris's Gare de l'Est, arrive in the town an hour later, take a short city bus ride uphill through champagne vinyards, and tour the limestone cellars and caves of the Champagne Pannier and Champagne Jacquart wineries, and to taste these fine vintages. More...

American War Memorials

Americans familiar with World War I know of Château-Thierry because the battles near this French town were important to the history of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), the US armies and Marines sent to France in 1917-18.

The white marble Château-Thierry Monument which dominates the town from a neighboring hilltop, the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the city center, as well as the WWI Marine Memorial at Belleau Wood near the cemetery, are best visited by rental car, but can be visited by taxi with proper planning. More...

Getting There

TER regional trains and Paris RER P commuter trains both speed between Paris's Gare de l'Est and the Gare de Château-Thierry throughout the day, making the journey in 46 to 65 minutes. By car, the A4/E50 highway between Paris and Reims passes just north of the city. More...

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Hotels in Château-Thierry What to See & Do Château-Thierry Transport Tourist Information World War I Reims Champagne Saint-Quentin Laon Amiens Northern France