Dating in the Aisne, from the crowned mountain to the old cities

Laon, the crowned mountain

Perched on an isolated hill, Laon is nicknamed the crowned mountain, so clearly does its silhouette, topped by the five towers of its cathedral, dominate the landscape. The Notre-Dame cathedral, one of the first great Gothic cathedrals in France, shelters sculpted oxen high on its towers, honouring the animals that hauled up the stones. Ramparts and old town invite a romantic walk above the plain.

Soissons and its abbey

Soissons, one of the oldest towns in France, keeps two masterpieces: the Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais cathedral, and above all the imposing ruins of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes Abbey, whose twin-spired façade dominates the city. Around them, the squares and the banks of the Aisne offer fine breaks. The famous Soissons bean recalls a kitchen-garden tradition still alive in the town’s restaurants.

Saint-Quentin, Guise and Vervins

In the north, Saint-Quentin spreads a remarkable Art Deco ensemble around its basilica and flamboyant town hall. To the east, Guise preserves one of the largest fortified castles in northern France. Vervins, a small medieval town, completes the picture. On Lyad, Aisne residents share their favourite towns: it is up to you to find someone to plan the next getaway with.