The policy of communication, distribution and promotion, as defined for the Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire (Towns and Regions of Art and History), a network to which the Town of Soissons has belonged since 1988, is based on several things. The Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (C.I.A.P. – Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage) is one of the major elements of the agreement signed between the Town and the Ministry for Culture.

Within the framework of the improvement works at the site of the Saint Jean-des-Vignes abbey, the town has scheduled redecoration works to the former abbey accommodation block with a view to installing the museum and architectural and heritage services here.

It has adopted the programme for the creation of a C.I.A.P. in the ground floor of the Saint-Jean-des-Vignes abbey accommodation block.

The creation of this facility relies on the scientific, technical and financial support of the Ministry for Culture (Department for Architecture and Heritage and Regional Department for Cultural Affairs in Picardy).

This centre for the interpretation of architecture and heritage is:

- for the local inhabitants, a meeting place and a place for information on the heritage enhancing activities and the plans for the development of the abbey site (improvements, restoration, scientific activities, landscaping, etc.).

- for the tourists, an invitation to extend their stay

- for young people, an educational support within the framework of architecture and heritage workshops and a place for researching heritage.

This cultural facility offers an educational exhibition extending over about 100m² on the Saint-Jean-des-Vignes abbey and the town of Soissons. 13 emblematic locations within the abbey serve to support a thematic evocation of urban heritage. The C.I.A.P. makes use of original scenes in order to allow visitors to understand the site better, giving them the desire to learn more and to discover the different identities of Soissons: Town of Art and History.

• For Further Information :

Logis de l'abbé
Abbaye Saint-Jean-des-Vignes
02200 SOISSONS
Tél: 03 23 93 30 50
E-mail: patrimoine@ville-soissons.fr