Tour
4,2 km
1h40
16 audios
Text version
If I told you that we’re off to explore the French city with the largest protected area, Laon likely wouldn’t cross your mind, would it? But guess what – that’s exactly where we’re headed! Known only by few people, this town has an exceptional medieval heritage, mainly thanks to the creation of a bishopric under the Merovingians, and then the presence of the last Carolingian kings in the 10th century. Today, we’d like to take you on a journey in the heart of the old town, to discover the remnants of this great history. Let’s travel back in time, in a city fortified since Gallic times, to retrace the footsteps of Charlemagne, the mysterious Knights Templar and the miraculous oxen.
Laon may no longer be listed as one of France's major metropolises, but you should know that it once was a royal city, and the favorite residence of the Carolingians. This gate, which opens the entrance to the citadel, is called Ardon Gate. Read more
Enter the garden of Laon's archaeological museum on your right and come discover the mysterious Chapel of the Templars. The Knights Templar... their name alone is full of mystery. Our minds drift off to hidden treasures; the Freemasons; Crusades and heresy trials. Read more
The ancient gateway before you is the Citadel Gate. It was built in 1595, and at the time it overlooked the city on one side and the famous citadel designed by Henry IV on the other. So why a citadel in the city of Laon? Read more
Take a moment to cross over to the other side of the ramparts and walk along the Yitzhak Rabin Promenade. From here, you can easily picture what Laon looked like in ancient times, when the small Gallic fortress, perched atop the highest hill, overlooked the surrounding plains. Read more
You've reached Aubry square, with a sublime view of the imposing cathedral on one side and the Picardy plains on the other. Before I tell you more about Notre-Dame de Laon, let me draw your attention to the building on your right. Read more
You're standing in front of the beautiful Notre-Dame de Laon. Commissioned by Bishop Gauthier de Mortagne, it was one of the first major Gothic buildings in France, predating the Notre-Dame in Paris! The cathedral before you was built Read more
As you stroll through Laon, you'll notice that the town is full of little touches of street art depicting famous people. Here, you'll meet Abélard, whom you probably don't know - but then, he's been dead for nine centuries, so don't blame yourself. Read more
I'll quickly draw your attention to the ancient porch on your right. It's all that's left of Laon's former town hall. The building was constructed in 1736 to house the municipal services. Before that, it was the seat of the provost. Read more
You've reached General Leclerc square. Opposite you is the new town hall - well, it’s new compared to the old one, because otherwise it’s been here since 1831. And on your right, you'll see the annex of the town hall, housed in the former church of Saint-Rémy-au-Velours. Read more
The building on your left, with its two turrets facing the street, dates back to the 15th century. It's the Petit Saint-Vincent hotel, a townhouse that belonged to the monks of the Saint-Vincent abbey. The abbeys were quick to understand the importance of Read more
You're looking at yet another testament to Laon's medieval past: the Abbey of Saint-Martin. And it's quite imposing! It was built in 1124, on the initiative of the bishop of Laon and Saint Norbert, who had founded the Premonstratensian monastery 20 km away. Read more
You've just crossed Soissons’ Gate, which once was one of the main entranceways to the western part of the medieval city. Built in the early 13th century, it was topped with a guardhouse in 1562. You may have noticed that the rear part, facing the city, has collapsed. Read more
Now that you're heading up the Rue de la République back into the city center, let me introduce you to a local delicacy. Let's admit it; one of the most exciting parts of visiting a city is diving into local specialties and uncovering the treasures scattered across its foodie scene. Read more
From this small plateau, you have a lovely, unobstructed view of the city and its surroundings. In the distance, across the plains of Picardy, you can see the infamous Chemin des Dames. This French departmental road is known to us as the setting of one of the most horrific events of World War I. Read more
You may have noticed that the city of Laon loves to decorate and brighten up its streets. If you've been here during the summer, you may have had the chance to walk through streets decorated with multicolored umbrellas, floating silver ribbons, Read more
Découvrez Laon avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
15 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Relive the poignant history of the Battle of the Chemin des Dames from Laon.
You’d be mistaken for thinking that you’ve uncovered all of Laon’s hidden gems. Start by visiting the city’s secret underground passages, which will tell you all about its history, going back much further than you could have ever imagined.
If you like hiking, you can explore the mysterious Saint-Gobain forest, just 15 km from the city center; it’s a hilly woodland populated by stags and roe deer, and steeped with architectural treasures hidden in the undergrowth.
If fortresses are your thing, head to the medieval citadel of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. This 13th-century feudal stronghold is sure to thrill enthusiasts; during the summer, you can even attend medieval reenactments!
The Chemin des Dames, The Ladies’ Path, is another must-see in the region. This 30 km-long memorial route retraces the most horrific episode of World War I involving the French army. Today, you can visit a number of museums, cemeteries and memorials between Laon, Soisson and Reims.
If you’re willing to do the extra mile, you can visit Saint-Quentin, the city of art and history with its strong architectural heritage, or Soisson, the former capital of the Frankish kingdom.
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