Réserve naturelle régionale des coteaux du Chemin des Dames, Regional nature reserve in Hauts-de-France, France.
The Réserve naturelle régionale des coteaux du Chemin des Dames is a 47.59-hectare protected area in the Aisne department, classified in 2015. It consists of a set of separate sites spread over nine communes: Aizelles, Chermizy-Ailles, Chevregny, Montchâlons, Moulins, Neuville-sur-Ailette, Œuilly, Paissy and Sainte-Croix. The land lies on the slopes of the Chemin des Dames ridge, north of the Aisne valley.
The site received official protected status in 2015 through a decision by the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France. This protection ensures the long-term preservation of this geologically important area with its natural caves and diverse habitats.
The limestone hills shape the visual character of the area, showing how the landscape has been shaped by human activity over time. Visitors can observe how former quarries have become integrated into the natural ecosystem and now support diverse wildlife.
The reserve covers 47.59 hectares spread over nine communes: Aizelles, Chermizy-Ailles, Chevregny, Montchâlons, Moulins, Neuville-sur-Ailette, Œuilly, Paissy and Sainte-Croix. It is a set of separate sites rather than one continuous block, so plan which communes you want to visit before setting out. Access is on foot only.
The reserve was created by a regional council deliberation on 13 November 2015 and covers 47.59 hectares. Its land is split into separate parcels across nine communes of the Aisne: Aizelles, Chermizy-Ailles, Chevregny, Montchâlons, Moulins, Neuville-sur-Ailette, Œuilly, Paissy and Sainte-Croix. The Chemin des Dames ridge gives the reserve its name.
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