Laon

Visit Laon, Picardy

Laon is a town in the Aisne department of Picardy between Saint-Quentin and Reims. Often overlooked as a destination by visitors driving to the south of France, if you are looking for somewhere interesting to stop and explore en route the Laon, which has several interesting monuments to discover, is a good choice.

Exploring Laon

Your visit to Laon will include one of the finest cathedrals in France, the Church of Saint-Martin and the Templars Chapel, as well as substantial parts of the town's medieval ramparts including two imposing gateways through the walls.

Cathedral Notre Dame of Laon

The cathedral in Laon is one of the earliest gothic cathedrals in France, and dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The chapter-house and the gothic style cloister are very impressive examples of early 13th century architecture. The facade is gothic in style and both the two towers and the entranceway are ornately decorated with numerous stone carvings.

The towers of the cathedral are visible for miles around, and since Laon sits on a hill it also has good views across the surrounding countryside. The brightly coloured stained glass windows in the cathedral are a particular highlight.

You can also see the chapel adjacent to the cathedral, while the medieval episcopal palace, also found next to the cathedral, is now a court-house. The Hotel-Dieu is another part of the ensemble, and one of the oldest hospitals in France (12th century).

Ramparts and gateways

Substantial parts of the original defensive walls are still intact in which you can see impressive gateways such as the Porte des Chenizelles, Porte des Soissons and the Porte d'Ardon*, an original drawbridge, carving on the wall where the armoury once stood, additional fortified elements such as the Morlot Laon Battery and the narrow slits through which soldiers could shoot in relative safety, and towers including a watchtower and the leaning 'tour penchée.

Part of the walk around the ramparts passes along tree-lined pathway outside the walls, and the walk also has nice views across the town and countryside.

* As you walk through the Porte d'Ardon you might remember that you are following in the footsteps of King henry IV, who entered through this gate after besieging the town in 1594.

Other monuments

The 13th century church and 17th century monastic buildings of the Abbey and Church of Saint-Martin are another highlight of a visit (and now home to Laon library), as is the smaller 12th century Templars Chapel, all that remains of an important 12th century templar settlement here.

The town around the cathedral has many other medieval buildings such as the Hotel du petit-Saint-Nicolas (Rue du 13 Octobre) and the Hotel du Petit-Saint-Martin (Rue Saint martin) and is well worth exploring.

Unexpectedly, the town also has a mini tram-metro system, recently put in place to replace the original tram system.

The Museum in Laon has an extensive collection exploring both regional history, but also with many ancient items from around the Mediterranean region, and also an extensive collection of fine arts. Highly recommended, with many unexpected and interesting items on display.

Tourist classifications for Laon: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*; Listed town of Art and History; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Laon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Noyon 45km; Reims 45km; Pierrefonds Chateau 52km; La Ferte-Milon 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Laon

Laon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Vivaise - ville fleurie 4* (8km) : Ebouleau - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Jardin de Bosmont-sur-Serre - remarkable garden (26km) : Eglise de Berzy-le-Sec (Berzy-le-sec) - religious monument (33km) : Jardins du château - remarkable garden (33km) : Gauchy - ville fleurie 4* (39km) : Cathédrale de Reims (Reims) - religious monument (45km) : Chamery - ville fleurie 4* (50km) :

French version: see Laon (Francais)