Laon is an interesting historic town situated around 2 hours northeast of Paris. Some time before you reach the town, you will see the towers of the beautiful Cathedral of Notre Dame de Laon, one of the earliest (and finest) Gothic cathedrals on French soil, dating back to the 12th century.

In addition to touring the cathedral and admiring the superb stained-glass windows and the ornate towers, you can also visit the adjacent domed Templar Chapel and the medieval Episcopal Palace, which now serves as a court house. The 12th-century Hotel-Dieu of Laon, the oldest hospital in France, is another must-see site. You can also tour the substantial remnants of the defensive town walls, which include three impressive gates, a draw-bridge, and a defensive tower.

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