Famous People

Many writers and artists were born in the South of Aisne. Racine, La Fontaine, Camille Claudel and Paul were born in our region. You can visit sites dedicated to their memory and their work in Château-Thierry, La Ferté-Milon or Fère-en-Tardenois. 

Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) in Château-Thierry

Near the ramparts of the medieval castle, in a narrow street lined with old houses, you will discover the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine. The poet was born July 8, 1621 and lived there until 1676, when he sold it to Anthony Pintrel. In 1869, the local Historical Society bought the house and donated to the City in charge to install and maintain a museum to the glory of the fabulist. The Museum now houses some autograph letters, first editions of his works, works of art adorned with stories and fables and a rich iconography, illustrated by majors, from Chauveau to Chagall especially. You can also discover his study room, recently brought to light by the Museum team.

Discover the website of the Museum Jean de La Fontaine

Jean Racine (1639-1699) in la Ferté-Milon

Jean Racine was born in La Ferté-Milon December 22, 1639 and died in Paris on April 21, 1699. French tragic poet, he is considered the equal of his older brother Pierre Corneille, as one of the greatest classical French dramatists. In la Ferté-Milon, you will find a museum dedicated to the beautifully restored house where Jean Racine spent his childhood. In a modern setting, you will discover an exceptional collection of documents concerning his life and his work. You will also find many elements of the history of La Ferté-Milon.

Jean Racine Museum is open from April 1, to November 15 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 3.00 to 5.30. During the week, groups can visit the museum on appointment with the Tourist office of La Ferte-Milon.

Paul Claudel (1868-1955) in Villeneuve sur Fère

Paul Claudel was born August 6, 1868 in Villeneuve-sur-Fère, near Fère-en-Tardenois, and died February 23, 1955 in Paris. Playwright, poet, essayist and French diplomat, he was a member of the French Academy.

Camille Claudel (1864-1943) in Fère-en-Tardenois

Camille Claudel was born December 8, 1864 in Fère-en-Tardenois and died in Provence in 1943. French sculptor, she is the sister of Paul Claudel, mentioned above. Known for his passionate and tumultuous relationship with the sculptor Rodin, twenty-four years her senior, she left an indelible footprint in the South of Aisne.

Around Fère-en-Tardenois, you have the opportunity to do an easy hike of about twenty kilometers "In the Footsteps of Paul and Camille Claudel" whose description is available at the Tourist Office of Fère- en-Tardenois.

A little bit further, Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) in Villers-Côtterets

Alexandre Dumas was born July 24, 1802 in Villers-Cotterets and murderer in 1870 at Puys in Seine-Maritime.

Housed in a nineteenth century mansion, the museum traces the Alexandre Dumas' life and work of the Three Dumas: General Dumas, his son Alexandre Dumas, the famous author of "The Three Musketeers" and his grand-son Alexander, author "La Dame aux Camelias".

The museum has many original documents, letters, manuscripts, autographs, first editions, paintings, caricatures, busts, furniture.