LAON: VERTIGINOUS TOUR OF THE CATHEDRAL
Destination : Laon and its area
Laon's set-up reaches new heights.
If there is too much wind, or if it's raining hard, this is not feasible... i.e. climbing stone filigree aereal towers at the top of the cathedral is adventurous! But for Elise Tanneur, a passionate guide from the tourist office, there's no danger. She has the serene smile of those who 'have it covered'. So we follow her. 'It's true that this tour is quite exceptional', comments Elise. 209 steps to climb to a height of almost 60 metres, with breathtaking views of the city surrounded by 8 kilometres of ramparts, towers, doors and gates, as well as the plain all around it. 'It's not only about climbing the tower, there is also an element of discovery in this visit, always at a height: the cathedral's south gallery, a characteristic feature of early Gothic architecture which is only found in the first Gothic cathedrals. A lapidary museum has also been set up, consisting of around a hundred stones and sculptures collected during restoration campaigns'. Magnificent pieces which, until now, nobody had been able to see any more. As we descend, we wonder where this particular light comes from - a kind of milky clarity - bathing the inside of the cathedral. Another trip, less dramatic but equally unusual, is the Poma. 'This funicular connects the old town to the station below, replacing the old rack tramway, in operation until 1978. Ecological and fun, it runs from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm. The Poma provides a unique view of the city, including, in particular, the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace and the old Colombier de l’Evêque (bishop's dovecote), today hidden among the houses. The view of the small church of Vaux, in the lower town, is also very pleasant.'
Did you know? Laon has 80 listed buildings, which make up the largest protected area in France...
Laon Tourist Office
Tel: +33 (0)3.23.20.28.62
Subject to weather conditions.
Booking obligatory.
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