Encircled by centuries-old walls, Laon is a well-preserved medieval city in the Hauts-de-France region. It once served as the capital of the Carolingian Empire and was the site of an 1814 battle between Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher and Napoleon. Perched atop a limestone rock, Laon is dotted with historic monuments dating from the 12th century.
Things to do in Laon
Dominating the city centre is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon, an early French Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century. Gaze up at its elaborately decorated towers before stepping inside the vaulted interior with its magnificent rose window. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon is an important stop on the medieval pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela.
History buffs can visit the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie du Pays de Laon, which houses an impressive collection of regional artefacts and artwork. In addition to antique paintings, furnishings and earthenware, there are jewellery, weapons and figurines on display. Roman, Egyptian and Cypriot artefacts are exhibited as part of the Paul Marguerite de La Charlonie Collection.
Laon is home to one of the best-preserved Knights Templar chapels in France, the Chapelle des Templiers, which was established in 1140 shortly after the order settled in the city. It was originally designed as a funerary chapel, with a mosaic floor and a sculpted choir, plus gargoyles along its exterior walls. Take the time to relax in the flower-filled garden, which occupies the chapel’s former cemetery.
Getting around Laon
Laon is around an hour’s drive from Reims and 1.5 hours from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Laon railway station and buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.