Situated between the Aisne and Oise rivers, 45 km NW of Reims and 119 km SE of Amiens, the medieval walled city of Laon sits on a hill overlooking the plains of Picardy. Its magnificent Notre Dame cathedral, preserved ecclesiastical quarters, narrow cobbled streets and Renaissance buildings are best explored on foot. Visitors can climb from the lower city to the hilltop along the steep, stepped alleyways called grimpettes or take the automated cable railway, Poma 2000, which shuttles passengers up and down the rocky hill at 3-minute intervals. Departing from the rail station on place de la Gare, the railway ascends to the Hotel-de-Ville on place du General-Leclerc. From there, a left turn down rue Serrurier brings travelers to the cathedral.
Tourist OfficeHotel DieuPlace du Parvis de la Cathedrale02000 LaonPhone: 33 3 23 20 28 62Fax: 33 3 23 20 68 11