Craonne (French pronunciation: [kʁa(ɔ)n]) is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France, northwest of Reims.

History

It was the site of the Napoleonic Battle of Craonne in 1814. The former town was totally destroyed by the French artillery during the Nivelle Offensive in World War I, inspiring the song La Chanson de Craonne. It had an arboretum. The town that exists today was rebuilt from the 1920s.

Geography

The river Ailette forms part of the commune's northern border.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968140
197596−5.25%
198278−2.92%
199068−1.70%
199967−0.16%
200764−0.57%
201276+3.50%
201782+1.53%
202384+0.40%
Source: INSEE
Craonne March 1917, watercolor of a German soldier

Sights

Notable people

See also