Activities in Laon

Go to the Porte d'Ardon or the bandstand, then head for the medieval playground at the foot of the old citadel. A lovely 6 km walk will take you around it and then to the north side - take a look at how the fortifications are set against the jutting limestone rocks - and continue on your way, either up the ramparts or down.

To find out more

This is the oldest surviving hôtel-Dieu in northern France, dating back to the mid-XIIth century.

On the ground floor, also known as the "salle des malades", is the Tourist Office reception area, with direct access to :

all the information you need to discover Laon and the surrounding area; a shop area; a copy of the 19th-century relief map of Laon; the starting point for guided tours.

In the basement - also known as the "Passers-by Room" - is the Bernard-de-Clairvaux Gothic Room, which is now open to visitors and can be hired out for events, exhibitions and other purposes.

These two areas are normally accessible every day during Tourist Office opening hours, except for the Gothic Room if it is rented out at that time.