cathedrale notre-dame de laon

OnaNickle

The Cathedral Notre-Dame de Laon is one of the best, most accessible cathedrals in all the world. The cathedral, town and people of this beautiful area are the most friendly and helpful. While you can enjoy a tour of the cathedral in a short time, I would suggest that you extend your visit and stay awhile. I had the good fortune of a private tour of the cathedral with a wonderful individual who will always have a special place in my memories.

Wellfed

No payment on entry and no hassle. Just calm beauty. This cathedral is in a lovely setting. Its restoration has been achieved successfully and it is well maintained. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. Do not miss it.

jamesrobertsmith

Magnificent position dominating the countryside; fairly empty interior but we got a clear impression that this city was thriving in the middle ages, with perhaps too many clerics.

973MartinS

we have been to many countries and seen many churches but but this one is really special and worth a detour to visit

211judithn

The city is lovely and authentic to stroll around in. The cathedrale is worth a visit and the audioguide is interesting. We had breakfast in the brasserie next to the mayor house.

marcgrimbergen

Nice early-gothic cathedral with oldest stained glass windows of France, beautifully restored. A good audio guide is available at nearby tourist office for 5 euro. Only negative: the towers are only open if you book the guided tour that starts at 14:30. We where too late.

Boblarota

The cathedral dominates the plain around Laon and its unusual structure means you can see through the towers from afar. Close up it's best seen in the setting evening sun (there's a nice bar handily positioned in front!) with the statues of the oxen used to haul the stone immortalised on the top stories of the towers. Wonderful to see such a lay theme on a religious building

SheilaK190

Just looked at it from outside. Impressive on top of hill and can be seen for miles around. There is a funicular type railway system that runs up hill to cathedral.

LondonConstance

Being one of the most important Gothic cathedral of the C12 and C13 Laon is worth a detour. Beautiful rose window (1210) and stained glass windows. Magical life size oxen on the facade.

nykwilkyins

impressive, well looked after and well worth visiting........... what a trek up to Laon it must have been for all those pilgrims a thousand years ago...

IanHawkes

This Cathedral is a lovely, peaceful and interesting place to visit. It always amazes me as to how these buildings were built all those years ago.Everything about it is superb.

cuisinee

I had made a quick pit-stop between two trainrides, I had 2 hours to visit on a July sunday in the late afternoon. That is why it was very tranquille, but spectacular. Tip: You can make great pictures of the hill-top cathedral from the trainstation! Climbed the mount on the steep stairs, but 'have been avarded with a magnificent view of tha plain plains of picardy. You can see miles away, despite that I arrived after a huge summer-rain. The cathedral is impressive, worth a visit and had a lovely stroll trough the medieval town of Laon. If you have the occasion like I did, to have those 2 hours to spend there, don't miss it! It didn't cost me a dime extra, but I have been enchanted by magnificent views from uphill and downhill also.

RosyTee

The cathedral is located on a hilltop with fabulous views for miles around. There is a great tourist office next door to the cathedral, well worth popping in to. The cathedral itself is very impressive. There is also a tourist Tram/train which leaves from the cathedral on the hour from 2pm, it gives a great overview of the city.

473RichardG473

The old upper city of Laon rises out of the plain like a giant St. Michael's Mt. and the only way to get a photo of the cathedral while approaching is to stand in the middle of the road, which is how I nearly got run over. I wouldn't claim to be an expert on church architecture but I understand this gothic cathedral is considered to be second only to Notre-Dame de Paris, which is slightly later. Certainly it is beautiful, the very pale stone makes it feel light and airy. The rose window is stunning. Highly recommended viewing.

Peregrinators

Best cathedral we visited in region - if you are only going to visit one during your stay, this is the one to pick!Try a beer in the cafe opposite - very relaxing!