Notre-Dame Cathedral – Porte d'Ardon loop from Athies-sous-Laon

Bike touring routes & trails

Notre-Dame Cathedral – Porte d'Ardon loop from Athies-sous-Laon

Moderate

5.0

(2)

riders

Notre-Dame Cathedral – Porte d'Ardon loop from Athies-sous-Laon

01:18

20.3km

200m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 3.19 km for 116 m

After 11.5 km for 91 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

7.58 km

Old Hôtel Dieu

Highlight • Other

The Maison des Arts et Loisirs stands opposite the palace, on the site of the third hospital (13th century). The hall of this municipal theatre hosts exhibitions of contemporary art

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7.63 km

The Palais de Justice in Laon, also known as the former Bishop's Palace, is a historic building that now serves as a courthouse. It is located on Place Aubry, next to Laon Cathedral. The building has a rich history dating back to the 6th century, when it was originally built as a bishop's palace. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and extensions, particularly after being damaged during the fiscal revolt of 1112.

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7.64 km

Viewpoint on the northern city wall

Highlight • Viewpoint

Viewpoint with bench and binoculars overlooking the vast surroundings.

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7.78 km

Notre-Dame Cathedral

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The Cathedral of Our Lady of Laon is one of the most important cathedrals of the early Gothic (12th C) in France in the northern French city of Laon, located on a witness mountain (cuesta).

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8.10 km

Templars' Chapel

Highlight • Religious Site

When you enter, take note of the well-preserved death statue of Guillaume de Harcigny (14th century). This healer learned his trade from Arab doctors in Syria. He was the personal physician of Charles VI and a psychoanalyst avant la lettre. The commandery of the Order of the Temple dates from the 12th century, housed the administration and served as a recruitment centre for monks-knights. After the order was abolished, the commandery came into the hands of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem. The cemetery of the Templars is now a garden. The Romanesque chapel with its bell tower and a choir that ends in an apse with a semi-dome are well preserved.
Inside, you can see two statues of prophets from the facade of the cathedral.

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9.17 km

Porte d'Ardon

Highlight • Monument

The Porte d’Ardon is one of the medieval city gates of Laon. The current structure dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally, this gate was called “Porte Royée” because of its proximity to the royal palace of Laon. The gate consists of a châtelet with a portcullis and used to have doors. There was also a barbican, but this has now disappeared. Under the gate there was a fountain and wash houses, some of which still exist. The Porte d’Ardon was classified as a historical monument in 1909.

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10.9 km

Cathedral viewpoint

Highlight • Other

picnic area and viewpoint of the cathedral. The cathedral stands out beautifully above the panorama.

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11.5 km

Leaning Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

The Tour Penchée in Laon, also known as the “Leaning Tower,” is a historic tower located in the city of Laon in the Hauts-de-France region. The tower is part of the city’s old fortifications and is located near the Porte de Soissons.
What makes this tower special is its distinctive leaning structure, reminiscent of the famous Tower of Pisa. Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city, including the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon.

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20.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types