Looking for a medieval journey? Laon will wonderfully meet your expectations. You will discover an exceptional city nestled in northern France, more specifically in the Aisne department. A city highly appreciated by Victor Hugo himself, Laon is unanimously loved by those who venture there. This fortified city sits on a small hill and has no more than 25,000 inhabitants, allowing total immersion with the locals. You won't deal with mass tourism and can enjoy this charming city in perfect tranquility.

1- Discover an Important World War I Site

Category: Cultural

Description: Located about twenty minutes by car from Laon, you'll have the opportunity to discover one of the sadly symbolic places of World War I. This is where the Battle of Chemin des Dames took place. This devastating offensive launched by General Nivelle on April 16, 1917 ended six months later, on October 24. The toll was terrible. Human losses ranged between 100,000 and 200,000, French and Germans combined. During this visit, your guide will tell you in detail about this battle and its consequences. A striking and moving visit that helps you better understand, as a duty of remembrance, one of the tragic episodes that France experienced that year.

2- Let Yourself Be Guided to Discover Laon

Category: Cultural

Description: A surprising city with its medieval appearance, Laon has the largest preserved sector in France (370 hectares). This gives you a small idea of the beauty this city hides. Accompanied by your guide, they will tell you about the different landmarks of Laon. Contemplate the medieval monuments, private mansions, houses dating back several centuries while learning the history of this mythical city.

3- Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral of Laon

Category: Cultural

Description: Upon your arrival in Laon, there's one monument you cannot miss as it's so imposing - it's indeed Notre-Dame Cathedral of Laon. It overlooks the city as if watching over its inhabitants. This cathedral is very well-known in France and is even considered one of the most beautiful in our country, rightfully so we must admit. Construction began in 1150 and finished in 1235, making it one of the first Gothic-style buildings in the country.

4- Visit the Underground Tunnels of Laon

Category: Cultural

Description: When we tell you that Laon hides secrets, it's partly thanks to its underground network! Visiting the tunnels is a bit like learning the foundation of the city's history. By going there, you'll travel through the centuries. And I'd say even more than centuries, precisely 40 million years! Because yes, Laon was once submerged under water. You'll be equipped with an audio guide that will tell you the history of the different landmarks throughout your visit.

5- Discover Laon's Main Museum

Category: Cultural

Description: Labeled as a Museum of France, Laon's Museum of Art and Archaeology was created in 1861. With more than 2,200 exhibited works, it allows you to trace history through the centuries. The museum includes archaeological pieces from the region dating from prehistory to the Renaissance. The museum is also renowned for its extraordinary Greek collection, preserving 1,700 pieces related to this period. It's one of the most important collections of this type in France after that of the Louvre Museum.