Laon

Get in

By car, take interchange number 13 on the A26 motorway (from Calais to Reims)

There are regular train services from Paris, leaving from Gare du Nord. As of July 2012, prices from Paris to Laon average about €23 one way (second class). The way to Laon from Paris is covered in 1½ hours. There are also regular trains from Reims, or Amiens. The train station in Laon is in the new town, at the foot of the medieval city which is on top of a hill.

Get around

Walking from the new town to the medieval part of the city is certainly doable, but only if you're fit and don't have heavy luggage with you—the 300 ft climb is a steep one. If you're driving, park in the new town, as there is very little parking available in the medieval Haute Ville.

See

thumb|Two of the oxen at the northwest tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral

It's worthwhile taking a walk around the old town, admiring the houses—almost all built between the 12th and the late 18th centuries—and the spectacular view from the town walls out across the Picard plain or hills.

Do

Climb the cathedral tower. The tourist office (very warm welcome), in a twelfth century building next to the cathedral, arranges tours, and it is best to reserve your tickets before time as numbers are limited.

Visit the underground (see in tourist office)

Walk in the medieval city, marvellous.

Walk around the walls for views over the surrounding countrysie.

Buy

Pave de Laon sweet pastilles.

A famous local cheese: Le Maroilles. Strong and tasty.

Eat

thumb|Gothic stained glass windows in the Cathedral

Drink

Brasserie Le Parvis (outdoor)

Also close to the cathedral in a pedestrian plaza called "Marché aux herbes": Créperie Agora (outdoor)

Sleep

Modern hotels also, but not in historic city: Campanile, Ibis, Ibis Budget, Hotel Saint Vincent, Première classe, Fasthotel. You need a car.

Go next

Little beautiful villages, around south of Laon: Bruyeres, Nouvion le Vineux, Presles, Urcel (old churches), or Bourgignon (village of the LeNain brothers, both painters)