The hill-top medieval city of laon

The cathedral:

You will be dazzled by the magnificence of the cathedral built in the early gothic period. You will climb to its highest pinnacle and gaze down with wonder on the graceful scene below.

Palais épiscopal,  place Aubry Hôtel-Dieu,  place du parvis de la cathédrale Les Abbayes Hôtel du Petit-Saint-Vincent, 1 rue Saint-Martin Hôtel du Petit-Saint-Nicolas, 8 rue du 13 octobre Chapelle des templiers, 32 rue Georges Ermant Les remparts.

In the lovely setting of the forest of Vauclair stand the romantic ruins of this Cistercian abbey with its medicinal herb garden. You will be charmed by the effect of the light at daybreak or sunset when rays of sunlight fall obliquely on the stone walls.

Watch the procession of the queen bee and her court, learn about the rituals and customs of the humming palace of the beehive. Join in the celebrations to honour heavenly nectar and taste the honey and mead that are derived from it. Make a beeline for it! Honey Festival on the last Sunday in August.

The "Chemin des Dames" is a ridge road running high above the valleys of the Aisne and the Ailette - a historical site and one affording fine views over the surrounding countryside. It was used by the daughters of king Louis XV, hence its name, but is most famous as the scene of terrible fighting in the First World War, particularly of the failed Nivelle offensive in 1917 which led to the first mutinies. Fort of la Malmaison Panorama of La Royère Cerny-en-Laonnois Caverne du Dragon (Museum) Monument to the Basques Plateau de Californie Craonne.

Hidden deep in this majestic forest, round a bend in a tiny forest road, lie its two great architectural treasures: the fortified priory of Tortoir and the Abbey of Saint-Nicolas.

Standing on a rocky spur overlooking the valley of the river Ailette, these magnificent ruins, with their vast array of walls, bear witness to the pride and power of those 13th century Lords. You will admire the splendid views before exploring the murky depths of the vast cellars that lie beneath the fortress.