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Located in Picardy, in the heart of Aisne and approximately 90 km from Paris, the city of Soissons boasts an impressive historical past. It is recognized as the first capital of France during the Merovingian period. Why look any further to take you there? During the Merovingian period, under the reign of the Frankish king Clovis, Soissons was recognized as the first capital of France, before losing this privilege to Paris. The famous episode of the Soissons vase also dates from this period, which is still subject to multiple interpretations today. It was also in this city that in 752, Pepin the Short was crowned king. In the centuries that followed, Soissons would be the seat of countless conflicts, before experiencing a period of relative prosperity in the 12th and 13th centuries, allowing the construction of many Gothic architecture buildings. In 1870, the city was bombed and the serious damage suffered led to a radical urban redevelopment at the end of the 19th century. Soissons, victim of its strategic position, has not finished with conflicts. Located on the front line during the First World War, near the Chemin des Dames, the city became a martyr city. The reconstruction of the 1920s redesigned the city center and some houses were rebuilt in the art deco style. Today, Soissons focuses on its rich heritage, which earned it the City of Art and History label in 1988. Director: Georges Tillard Production: France 3 Picardie Duration: 26 min See more issues of Pourquoi Chercher Plus Loin: ▶http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.f... ▶http://www.pourquoichercherplusloin.f... Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ▶ / fr3nordpasdecalais Find us on our websites: ▶http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.f... ▶http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.f... On Facebook: ▶ / france3nordpasdecalais ▶ / france3picardie On Twitter: ▶ / f3nord ▶ / f3picardie On Instagram: ▶ / france3nordpasdecalais ▶ / france3picardy