Attractions and Places To See around Laons - Top 20

Every year, during the Heritage Days, the association "Au Cœur de Nos Villages" opens the doors of the Saint-Pierre church. A building from the 12th and 15th centuries, listed as a historical monument, whose bell tower, clock, and five renovated altarpieces, including Saint Michael slaying the dragon, are to be discovered. For the benefit of the Restos du Cœur Walkers will also be able to get to know the Atelier Arc-en-ciel (plastic arts) which exhibits the works of the adult group. Paintings, in red chalk, white pencil, sepia, etc., representing views of the church, statues, etc., will be put on sale for the benefit of the association Au Cœur de Nos Villages.

Its construction undoubtedly dates back to the Romanesque period but as it appears today it presents the characteristics of the Gothic style flamboyant period in which it was rebuilt after the destruction caused by the 100 Years' War. The date of March 23, 1511 inscribed on the entrance which surmounts the entrance to the choir gives a valuable clue to the period of its renovation. Another testimony is the coat of arms of Charles d’Ô Seigneur de Blévy and partly by Louise Gentil married in 1507 appearing on a stained glass window in the choir. The style of the tower porch, slopes of the gable of the nave and tracery of the windows clearly shows that we are in the presence of a building constructed in the first quarter of the 16th century at the twilight of the flamboyant Gothic style.

A “Renaissance” castle entirely made of bricks, where one of the favorites of the court of Henry III, Minister of Finance in exile, and above all an aviation pioneer lived: Hubert Latham landed here in August 1910. Although defenses were present on the site as early as 1383, the construction of the brick castle that we see today by Jean d'O, with its six towers and its chapel, dates back to around 1460. Guided tour of the castle and of the site is available. Adult prices start from 5 euros, the area is open in summer.

The Château d'Escorpain is a 16th century castle which belonged to the famous Firmin-Didot family of printers and publishers. You can admire the elegant facade and the imposing portal of the castle, classified as historical monuments. You can also discover the surrounding countryside, crossed by the Pluche, a tributary of the Avre. You will appreciate the green landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere of this rural village.

a pretty dungeon in a modern style...

Pretty Town Center of Nonancourt...

Buying this castle dating originally from the 15th century, Alfred Firmin-Didot, owner of the printing press at Mesnil-sur-l'Estrée, not far from here, undertook the restoration of the building in 1879. In particular, he had the sheepfold transformed into a library. which hosts the works published at the family printing house. His descendants remained the owners of this estate, which they bring back to life through various activities.

Small town steeped in history which was fortified at the beginning of the 12th century before its neighbor Verneuil s/Avre. Because the Avre valley has long been a disputed border between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Normandy. Destroyed by the English in 1417, Nonancourt was not rebuilt until 1451. Most of the Saint Martin Church, as well as many half-timbered houses in the town center date from this period. In the 19th century, this town was home to an important textile center with woolen and cotton mills powered by hydraulic power from the river. From this historical past, the town has managed to preserve its town center with its typically Norman appearance and, in addition to the central square, you can discover several old houses as well as the remains of the old ramparts.