Aisne

The Aisne department is located in northern France, in the Hauts-de-France region, and its center is the quiet city of Laon. The department is mainly agricultural, with vast plains of wheat and sugar beet, though cities such as Saint-Quentin and Soissons also have small and medium-sized industries. Aisne is historically notable for its key role in both World Wars (especially the Battle of the Chemin des Dames), and numerous war memorials can be found there. The cost of living in the department is low and it offers relative calm, but its short distance from Paris (less than an hour by train from some points) makes it suitable for those seeking a cheaper life with access to the capital.

Laon, Saint-Quentin, Soissons

• Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV) - Has a campus in Saint-Quentin.

The main cities of Saint-Quentin and Soissons have moderate levels of safety. Laon is quieter and less populated.

The transport network includes intercity buses, TER, and direct lines to Paris.