Abélard Fresco

The Abélard Mural, in Laon

The Abélard Mural is one of the touches of street art that brighten the streets of Laon, in tribute to the famous medieval philosopher. The Laon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this colourful work and the link of the town with Pierre Abélard, a great figure of thought.

The tribute to the philosopher Abélard

During a walk in Laon, you notice that the town is full of small touches of street art, that brighten the streets and the façades. One of them represents Abélard, in tribute to this great figure linked to the history of the town. Pierre Abélard was one of the most brilliant philosophers and theologians of the twelfth century, a major figure of medieval thought, known for his genius, his independent spirit and his bold ideas, but also for his tragic passion with Héloïse, one of the most famous love stories of the Middle Ages. Now, it is in Laon that Abélard came to study theology with the master Anselme, one of the greatest schools of the time, before becoming himself a renowned teacher. The town was thus a high place of knowledge in the Middle Ages. The mural pays tribute to this intellectual past and to this rebellious and brilliant figure. Mixing street art and historical memory, it illustrates the way in which Laon valorises its rich heritage with creativity. A colourful work and a nod to history, the Abélard Mural is a charming stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire one of the touches of street art that brighten the streets of Laon, representing Pierre Abélard, one of the most brilliant philosophers of the twelfth century, known for his genius and his tragic passion with Héloïse, who came to study theology in Laon, a high place of medieval knowledge; the mural mixes street art and historical memory. The Abélard Mural pays tribute to the intellectual past of Laon. It is a charming stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Abélard Mural is discovered in the streets of the upper town of Laon, reachable on foot. It is an open-air work, freely visible. You discover it during a walk in the city, in search of the touches of street art.

Who was Abélard, honoured in Laon?

One of the most brilliant philosophers and theologians of the twelfth century, a major figure of medieval thought, known for his genius and his tragic passion with Héloïse; he came to study theology in Laon with the master Anselme, one of the greatest schools of the time, and a street art mural pays tribute to him.

Where is the Abélard Mural in Laon?

In the streets of the upper town of Laon, in France.