Things To Do
in Chauny
Chauny is a small town in the Aisne department of Hauts-de-France, shaped by its industrial past and rebuilt architecture after the First World War. It sits near waterways and canals that give the town a pleasant riverside character and easy access to nearby countryside. The town center blends traditional shops, bakeries and cafés with 19th- and 20th-century municipal buildings and memorials.
Chauny is a good base for exploring nearby WWI sites, regional forests and recreational lakes while enjoying a relaxed small-town French rhythm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk through Chauny's charming streets, soaking in the rich history displayed in the architecture. Visit the local market to taste fresh produce and artisan breads that truly represent the region. Don't forget to stop by the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
After lunch at a quaint café, delve deeper into history by visiting the local museum that showcases the heritage of Chauny and its surroundings. Spend some time at the Parc de Saint-Jean to relax amidst nature and perhaps enjoy a picnic. The afternoon can be topped off with a cycling tour along the nearby canal paths.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in traditional French cuisine. Opt for a local wine to complement your meal while enjoying the warm ambiance of the town. Wind down with an evening stroll around the illuminated streets, appreciating the peaceful charm of Chauny at night.
Begin the day with a visit to the local art gallery that showcases both contemporary and classic works by regional artists. Engage with the exhibits and perhaps even meet some of the artists during special morning sessions. A coffee at a nearby café will fuel your artistic inspiration.
In the afternoon, participate in a workshop focused on French culinary arts, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes. This hands-on experience not only enhances your cooking skills but also gives insight into French culture. Post-cooking, enjoy your culinary creations in a friendly group setting, sharing food and stories.
After dinner, take in a live performance at the local theater if the schedule allows. Experience a unique play or musical that highlights local talent. Finish the night with a nighttime visit to the riverside, where the reflections in the water provide a dreamy backdrop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (caf fe) | $3-4 |
| 🥐Pastry from a boulangerie | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (3-5 km) | $8-15 |
| 🏠Monthly rent (1BR outside centre) | $600-800 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town atmosphere with riverside scenery
- Good base for WWI history sites and outdoor recreation
- Local markets and authentic regional food culture
- Lower prices and less tourist crowds than larger cities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared with cities
- Fewer specialized dietary or vegan options locally
- Public transport is regional — a car is useful for exploring surrounding sites
- Smaller selection of museums and tourist infrastructure
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous pla t" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "O sont les toilettes ?" - Where are the toilets?
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?
- "Je voudrais..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in Chauny
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of locks, reflections at sunrise or sunset, and activity along the waterways — great for tranquil landscape and water photography.
Lively market scenes, colourful produce stalls, and picturesque façades offer candid street and architectural photography opportunities.
Somber, reflective compositions capturing memorial architecture and the history of the landscape; best visited with respect and sensitivity.
Unique angles on 20th-century municipal buildings and reconstructions reveal the town’s historical narrative in bricks and stone.
Short drives bring you to lakeside vistas and forest paths that are ideal for wildlife shots, panoramic landscapes and seasonal colour.
Food in Chauny
Chauny Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked local-style stew of vegetables and pork — you’ll find versions in local bistros and family restaurants, especially in cooler months.
Must-Try!
Cured meats, terrines and regional cheeses (like Maroilles in the broader region) are widely available at markets and deli counters.
Savory tarts featuring strong regional cheese; try them at bakeries or casual eateries in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market (check local schedule) is the best spot to taste fresh bread, cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal produce; it’s perfect for picnic supplies and people-watching.
In summer you might find occasional food stalls near the canal or town events serving grilled foods, crepes and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and strangers with a friendly 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after dark) upon entering — it’s considered polite and opens interactions positively.
Use 'vous' in formal situations and with older people until invited to use 'tu'. A few words of French are appreciated and can make service warmer.
Cheek kisses (la bise) are common among friends and family but don’t assume it with new acquaintances — follow the other person’s lead.
Keep noise down in residential areas, especially evenings and Sundays; many shops may be closed on Sunday mornings.
Safety
Tipping in Chauny
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small gestures like leaving change or adding 5–10% for excellent service in restaurants are common. For cafés and bars, rounding up or leaving small change is typical.
Credit/debit cards (CB, Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional rain; countryside becomes green and markets fill with early produce. Bring a waterproof jacket and layers for variable weather.
Warm, pleasant days ideal for canal walks, cycling and outdoor dining; popular weekends can be busier. Pack light clothes, sunscreen and a light layer for evenings.
Crisp air and colourful foliage make for excellent hiking and photography; some services slow down after summer. Bring a warm jacket and waterproof footwear for damp trails.
Cold, grey days with occasional frost or snow; town is quieter and many outdoor activities are weather-dependent. Dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Chauny at Night
Hiking in Chauny
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle, flat walks along the historic canal; ideal for easy hikes, cycling and photography, with scenic locks and rural stretches.
Historic WWI landscape with trails and viewpoints; combines history with rolling countryside and is an important site for remembrance.
Larger forested area within reach for longer hikes, shaded trails and seasonal wildlife spotting.
A recreational lakeside trail offering varied scenery, water activities nearby and well-marked paths for families.
Airports
How to reach Chauny by plane.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train depending on connections; major international hub with frequent rail and road links to northern France.
A budget-airline airport used for many low-cost flights; roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive depending on traffic and transfers.
Lille airport is farther north but accessible for connections within Hauts-de-France — expect a longer drive or train journey from Chauny.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Chauny has a significant community of families and residents tied to local industry and services, reflecting its industrial heritage.
Like many smaller French towns, there is a noticeable proportion of older residents and retirees active in community life.
Some residents commute to larger nearby towns for work, creating a blend of local and commuter lifestyles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are active and form a core part of community sports in Chauny and nearby towns.
Cycling is popular for both commuting and recreation; the flat terrain around canals is ideal for casual and family rides.
Like many French towns, indoor team sports and occasional rugby are part of local leisure offerings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chauny.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities; ask for salads, omelettes, vegetable tarts and cheese-based dishes and visit markets for fresh produce. Many restaurants will adapt dishes if asked politely.
Vegan choices are scarce in traditional restaurants — rely on bakeries (limited), supermarkets and preparing your own meals from market ingredients, or look for larger nearby towns with specialized cafés.
Cross-contamination in bakeries is common; some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests if warned in advance, but bring snacks or seek out supermarkets and health-food options.