Plizio Visual Lab

Laon

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

—°10 6 3

ℹ️

Practical info — Laon

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Use the 'Grimpettes', the ancient stepped paths, to walk up to the upper town (Ville Haute) for a scenic workout.
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is less crowded early in the morning, letting you admire the famous stone oxen on its towers in peace.
Driving in the upper town is tricky due to narrow medieval streets; leave your vehicle in the car parks just outside the old walls.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the elevated position makes the Ville Haute breezier than the surrounding plains.
Book your guided tour of the subterranean tunnels (souterrains) at the tourist office in advance, as spots fill up quickly.

🍽 Food

🍽

Ficelle Picarde (savory crepe with ham, cheese, mushrooms)

Best enjoyed at a traditional brasserie near the cathedral.

🍽

Maroilles cheese dishes

Try a tart or sauce featuring this strong local cheese at a tavern in the upper town.

🍽

Macarons de Laon

Pick up these local sweet treats at a traditional patisserie near the main square.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Local Picardy cider

Available at regional produce shops in the Ville Haute.

🛍

Antiquities and crafts

Explore the small boutiques lining the Rue Châtelaine.

🧘

Remparts de Laon

Walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the Picardy plains.

🧘

Square de la Cathédrale

A calm spot to sit and admire the intricate Gothic facade, especially outside peak hours.

Highlights of 2026

2026-06-13

New Season Presentation at MAL

A free event in Laon to discover the upcoming cultural season at MAL. Don't miss this opportunity to preview the city's future program.

2026-06-13

Games and Books Sale in Laon

A great sale of games and books in Laon's lower town. Located just 25 minutes from Center Parcs, it’s a perfect stop for families.

2026-06-14

Flea Market in Laon

Traditional flea market in the lower town of Laon. Find unique vintage items just 20 minutes away from Center Parcs.

2026-06-28

Lower Town Flea Market

Flea market in Laon's lower town. A great place to find collectibles, located only 25 minutes from Center Parcs.

2026-07-0109:00

Nature Outing in Laon: "Flora and Fauna at Domaine de la Solitude"

Join a guided walk through the heart of the marshes to discover the abundant wildlife of these unique wetlands.

2026-07-05

Nature Rally in Laon: "The Pollinators!"

Discover the world of pollinating insects, their vital roles, and learn how to identify them during this field observation.

Laon, the historical capital of the Aisne department, rises majestically on a steep limestone outcrop and is affectionately known as the "crowned mountain" (Montagne couronnée). Even from a distance, the landscape is dominated by the striking Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Laon. This masterpiece of early Gothic architecture features remarkable towers adorned with life-sized sculptures of oxen, a tribute to the animals that legend says hauled the heavy stones up the steep hill. Walking through the medieval upper town feels like stepping back in time; the beautifully preserved city walls invite visitors to take a panoramic stroll that provides sweeping views across the vast plains of Picardy. Along the narrow, winding cobblestone streets, you will find more than 80 historically listed buildings. Beneath the town lies a fascinating secret: a labyrinth of ancient underground quarries and tunnels carves through the rock. Laon uniquely combines monumental sacred architecture with the heavily fortified character of an ancient citadel, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to experience early Gothic art and the deep historical roots of northern France.

Location: Hauts-de-France, France
Top sights: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon · Remparts de Laon · Chapelle des Templiers
Nearby: Tergnier (26 km)
Population: ~27.914

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	10	13	17	19	19	15	11	6	3
Rain mm	65	59	59	44	67	64	62	69	47	62	64	80

Geography

Population

28,688

Coordinates

49.56440, 3.62060

Facts

The medieval ramparts surrounding the upper town extend for about 7 kilometers.
The cathedral features 16 life-sized stone oxen perched on its western towers.
Laon was the birthplace of Bertrada of Laon, the mother of Charlemagne.
The limestone plateau of the upper town sits at 181 meters above sea level.
The Poma 2000, an automated cable transit system, operated until August 2016.
The city's historical sector covers 370 hectares, one of the largest in France.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Tergnier26 km · NWExplore →

📍Fismes29 km · SExplore →

📍Chauny29 km · WExplore →

📍Soissons30 km · SWExplore →

📍Guise37 km · NExplore →

📍Gauchy38 km · NWExplore →

Saint-Quentin40 km · NWExplore →

📍Tinqueux44 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Laon (6)

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon ⛪ religious

A 12th-century masterpiece of early Gothic architecture, renowned for its five towers and detailed ox sculptures.

Remparts de Laon 🛡️ fortress

Extensive medieval city walls surrounding the upper town, offering panoramic views over the Picardy plains.

Chapelle des Templiers 🏺 historical

A rare 12th-century octagonal chapel that once belonged to the Knights Templar, located near the city museum.

Abbaye Saint-Martin

A former Premonstratensian abbey featuring a beautiful 12th-century church and an impressive medieval cloister.

Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie 🏛 museum

Housed in a historic building, this museum displays significant archaeological finds and fine art collections.

Porte d'Ardon 🏺 historical

A monumental 13th-century city gate that serves as a grand entrance to the fortified medieval upper city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Laon?

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Laon, a masterpiece of early Gothic architecture with its distinctive five towers.

What is the best way to explore the upper city of Laon?

On foot along the 7-kilometer-long city walls, which offer a fantastic view over the plains.

Are there underground sights in Laon?

Yes, you can visit the medieval tunnels and quarries under the citadel through guided tours.

What is the 'Cité Médiévale'?

It is the historic district in the upper city with over 80 protected historical buildings.

Are there local culinary specialties in Laon?

Try the savory Maroilles cheese and local dishes from the Picardy region.

Laon: where is it located?

Laon is located in Hauts-de-France, France.

Laon: what is there to see?

Highlights include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon, Remparts de Laon, Chapelle des Templiers.

Laon: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Laon: why is it worth visiting?

Laon, the historical capital of the Aisne department, rises majestically on a steep limestone outcrop and is affectionately known as the "crowned mountain" (Montagne couronnée).

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in France →

Laon