Hotels in Laon: Where to Stay in This Medieval City
Updated 12 October 2026 · 13 real hotels
The best place to stay in Laon is the upper city (Laon-Haute), the medieval walled district perched on its iconic ridge, where you walk to the cathedral, ramparts and historic lanes on foot. Visitors who prefer budget-friendly options or easy car access can choose the lower city (Laon-Basse) and still reach the upper town quickly by the free POMA cable-car. The city is compact, calm and very manageable whatever your base.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel Inn Design Laon | Laon | ★ 4.1 | 35 €/nuit |
| Premiere Classe Laon | Laon | ★ 3.3 | 42 €/nuit |
| Kyriad Direct Laon ★★ | Laon | ★ 3.8 | 49 €/nuit |
| Kyriad Laon ★★★ | Laon | ★ 3.9 | 57 €/nuit |
| ibis Laon | Laon | ★ 3.9 | 70 €/nuit |
| Hôtel du Tramway ★★★ | Laon | ★ 4.8 | 82 €/nuit |
| Hôtel du Golf de l'Ailette, The Originals Relais ★★★★ | Laon : à 11,2 km | ★ 4.5 | 89 €/nuit |
| Hotel de la Banniere de France ★★★ | Laon | ★ 3.7 | 94 €/nuit |
| Logis du Parvis | Laon | ★ 4.6 | 96 €/nuit |
Our hotel profiles in Laon
Why stay in Laon?
Laon is one of the most overlooked gems in northern France. Perched on a narrow ridge rising 100 metres above the surrounding Aisne plain, its medieval upper city has remained almost intact for eight centuries. The Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Laon, completed around 1230, is considered one of the finest in the country and was a direct inspiration for the builders of Notre-Dame de Paris. Cobbled streets, Romanesque chapels, medieval gateways and panoramic terraces over the plain make every walk feel like a step back in time.
What the city feels like
Laon is a quiet, authentic French provincial town with a population of around 24,000. It lacks the tourist crowds of Reims (60 km south-east) yet sits on the same high-speed rail corridor, making it a smart base for exploring the Champagne and Picardy regions. The atmosphere in the upper city is genuinely unhurried: a handful of restaurants, independent shops and centuries-old facades. Evenings are calm, the air is clear, and the views over the plain at dusk are quietly spectacular.
Which area to stay in Laon?
- Laon-Haute (Upper City): The historic heart, enclosed within its medieval walls. Ideal for visitors who want to be steps from the cathedral, the Musée de Laon, the rampart walks and the best restaurants. Most charming accommodation is found here. Walking is the main mode of transport.
- Laon-Basse (Lower City / Station District): The commercial and administrative lower town surrounding the train station. Practical for early departures or late arrivals, with the POMA cable-car connecting to the upper city in under two minutes. Better suited to business travellers or road-trippers.
- Quartier de la Citadelle: The eastern tip of the upper city ridge, near the former citadel and open parkland. Quieter and more residential, with commanding views to the east over the plain. A good choice for those who enjoy a short walk to sights rather than being right in the thick of them.
- Zone Commerciale (Laon Sud, near the bypass road): The suburban retail and hotel strip along the southern approaches to the city. Mainly practical budget stops with easy parking. Not atmospheric, but very convenient for motorists.
- Village de Semilly / Rural surroundings: Small villages within 10 km of Laon offer chambres-d'hotes and rural gites for those combining Laon with a wider driving tour of the Chemin des Dames battlefields or the Aisne river valley.
Good to know
- Use the POMA cable-car: Laon operates one of the rare urban funicular-style cable-cars (Poma 2000) in France, running free of charge between the train station and the upper city. It departs every few minutes and saves a steep 15-minute uphill walk, especially useful with luggage.
- Book well ahead for summer weekends: Laon has a limited hotel stock. The city hosts heritage festivals and pilgrimages in June and July, and the handful of quality properties in the upper city fill quickly. Midweek availability is generally much easier.
- Choose spring or early autumn for the best experience: April to June and September to October bring mild temperatures, manageable visitor numbers and beautiful light on the cathedral stonework. July and August are warm but the city can feel busier than usual on weekends.
- Plan for parking: If you are arriving by car, the upper city has limited and sometimes steep access roads. Several free car parks sit just outside the medieval gates. The lower city is much easier for parking and the cable-car does the rest.
- Combine with Reims and the Chemin des Dames: Laon makes an excellent overnight stop on a circuit combining the Champagne cellars of Reims, the First World War memorial ridge of the Chemin des Dames (about 20 km south) and the forests of the Aisne. A rental car gives you maximum flexibility for this itinerary.
What to know about hotels in Laon?
What is the best area to stay in Laon?+
For atmosphere and convenience, the upper city (Laon-Haute) is the clear choice. You wake up inside the medieval walls, a short walk from the cathedral, the ramparts and the main restaurants. If you arrive late by train or need easy parking, the lower city near the station is perfectly functional and the free cable-car gets you up to the historic district in minutes.
Which hotel in Laon has the best guest rating?+
Among the properties currently available on RoomForNight, the Hotel du Tramway leads with a rating of 4.8 out of 5, priced at 82 euros per night. The Logis du Parvis follows closely at 4.6 out of 5 for 105 euros per night. Both are well-regarded options for a quality stay in Laon.
What is the best time of year to visit Laon?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable periods, with mild weather, long daylight hours and fewer visitors than in high summer. Winter is quiet and atmospheric around the cathedral but some smaller restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours.
How do I get from the train station to the centre of Laon?+
The Poma 2000 cable-car departs from directly outside Laon railway station and arrives at the edge of the upper city in under two minutes. It runs free of charge during operating hours, typically from early morning to late evening. Taxis are also available at the station for those arriving with heavy luggage outside cable-car hours.
What is the average budget for a hotel night in Laon?+
Based on current availability, budget options in Laon start at around 43 to 66 euros per night, while mid-range three-star hotels typically sit between 82 and 96 euros. The most highly rated smaller properties in the upper city reach around 105 euros per night. Overall, Laon is notably affordable compared to nearby Reims or Amiens.
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