La Ferté-Milon, commune in Aisne, France
La Ferté-Milon is a small town in the Aisne region of France, stretched along the Ourcq Canal. The town has narrow streets with old stone houses, the ruins of a large medieval castle, and still-visible sections of ancient city walls with 14 towers.
The town was founded in the 5th century as a defensive stronghold and named after Milon, who built a fortress and city walls in the 8th century. In the 14th century, Louis of Orleans began building a large castle that was never completed and was destroyed during the 16th-century Wars of Religion.
The name "Ferté-Milon" comes from its medieval past: "Ferté" means stronghold, while "Milon" refers to the person who built the fortress. The narrow streets and old stone buildings show how people once lived here and protected their town.
The place is flat and easy to explore on foot or by bike, with well-maintained paths along the canal. The train station offers hourly connections to Paris, making visits simple, and several guesthouses and lodging options are available for longer stays.
Jean Racine, one of the greatest French playwrights, was born here and spent his early years with his grandparents before leaving at age 12. His birthplace is now a museum that lets visitors into his life and the town's story.
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