Laon _ Cathédrale Notre-Dame de style gothique © Hemis.fr - René MattesTake to the heights of Laon’s crowned hilltop
Northern France _ Laon © OT Pays de Laon - Société des 4 Vents“This morning I came away from Laon, an ancient cathedral city within a city, an immense cathedral which should have six towers but has only four; four rather Byzantine towers with ornamental apertures like 16th century spires. Laon is full of beauty, its churches, its houses, its surroundings, everything.”
Ault Villa Aultia Statue Victor Hugo ©CRTC Hauts de France Nicolas Bryant
Laon Porte ArdonLet yourself be transported back to the Middle Ages to an atmospheric labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, secret passages and tales from another time. Visit the Chapelle des Templiers, France’s oldest hôtel-dieu (a hospital for the poor), where the tourist office now nestles, and Rue Chatelaine, brightened up by a colourful roof of 150 parasols. Laon is like an illuminating manuscript that hides the mysteries of France’s history. It’s up to you to discover them!
