Chauny (French pronunciation: [ʃoni]) is a commune in the Aisne department[3] in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

In Latin, contemporary chroniclers and historians such as Flodoard, Guibert de Noyon/Nogent used at least 13 different names when referring to it; such as Calnacum, Calniacum, Cauniacum, Calviniacum and Channiacum.

It is disputed whether, or to what degree, the destruction was caused by Allied bombardments, aerial and artillery, versus demolition by retreating Germans.

The community was rebuilt after that war, largely in a traditional French "châteaux" style; in particular the municipal buildings, done in red brick with stonework.

Chauny is well linked to the rest of the region by road : close to the A26 and A29 motorways which head towards Saint Quentin.