Hotels in Laon: Where to Stay in This Medieval City
Updated 10 August 2026 · 9 real hotels
Laon divides naturally into two zones: the medieval Haute-Ville on the ridge, where you are close to the cathedral and ramparts, and the modern Basse-Ville around the train station, which is quieter and more affordable. First-time visitors who want atmosphere should prioritize the upper town, while those traveling by car have good options in the surrounding countryside as well.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyriad Direct Laon ★★ | Laon | ★ 3.8 | 54 €/nuit |
| Hôtel Inn Design Laon | Laon | ★ 4.2 | 56 €/nuit |
| Kyriad Laon ★★★ | Laon | ★ 3.9 | 57 €/nuit |
| Hôtel du Tramway ★★★ | Laon | ★ 4.8 | 82 €/nuit |
| ibis Laon | Laon | ★ 3.9 | 85 €/nuit |
| Les Etangs du Moulin ★★★ | Laon : à 11,1 km | ★ 4.8 | 86 €/nuit |
| Hotel de la Banniere de France ★★★ | Laon | ★ 3.7 | 99 €/nuit |
| Hôtel du Golf de l'Ailette, The Originals Relais ★★★★ | Laon : à 11,2 km | ★ 4.5 | 162 €/nuit |
| Logis du Parvis | Laon | ★ 4.6 | 182 €/nuit |
Laon is one of northern France's most underrated stops. Perched on a narrow limestone ridge rising 100 meters above the Picardy plain, its medieval upper town has survived in remarkable condition: a Gothic cathedral that influenced Notre-Dame de Paris, intact ramparts, cobblestone lanes and a skyline visible from dozens of kilometers away. The city is compact enough to explore on foot in a day, yet substantial enough to reward a two-night stay.
Staying here feels nothing like a generic French provincial town. The Haute-Ville is genuinely historic without being a tourist trap, and the pace is calm even in summer. Laon sits on the Paris-Laon TER rail line (about 90 minutes from Gare du Nord), making it an easy long weekend from the capital. Accommodation options are modest in number but cover a clear range, from budget chain hotels in the lower town to rural chambres d'hôtes in the farmland just outside the city.
Which area to stay in Laon?
- Haute-Ville (Upper Town): The historic heart, built along the ridge. Ideal for travelers who want to walk to the cathedral, the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie and the medieval gates without needing transport. Parking exists but streets are narrow. The atmosphere in the evening, once day visitors leave, is genuinely peaceful.
- Basse-Ville (Lower Town, around the station): The commercial and residential flatland below the ridge. Convenient for arrivals by train, with the POMA cable car (the Laon Poma) connecting it to the upper town. Chain hotels and practical amenities are concentrated here. Less scenic but very functional.
- Zac du Moulin / Route de Soissons area: The main access road corridor on the southern approach to the city. Budget chain hotels and retail are clustered here. Good for drivers who want easy parking and straightforward access to both the A26 motorway and the city center.
- Bruyères-et-Montbérault (4 km south): A quiet village on the plain below Laon. Charming for those who prefer a rural stay with a car, with Laon's ridge visible on the horizon. The Chambre d'Hotes Lorengrain is located here.
- Surrounding countryside (10 to 15 km radius): The bocage and pond landscape around Laon offers genuine rural retreats. Properties like Les Etangs du Moulin and Au domaine du Pré Dieu sit in this belt, suited to travelers who want nature and calm over urban convenience.
Good to know
- Use the POMA cable car: Laon operates one of the few urban cable cars in France, the Poma 2000, connecting the train station (Basse-Ville) to the upper town. It runs frequently on weekdays and is free or very low cost. If you arrive by train, this is far easier than walking the steep slope with luggage.
- Book a parking spot if you drive: The Haute-Ville has limited and sometimes confusing parking. Check whether your hotel provides a dedicated space, particularly for properties inside the old walls. The Basse-Ville and outer hotels generally have free lots.
- Visit in spring or early autumn: Laon's ridge is exposed and can be cold and windy in winter. The months of April through June and September through October offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the ramparts and exploring on foot. July and August are warm but the city never feels overcrowded.
- Combine with the Chemin des Dames: The historic WWI plateau of the Chemin des Dames is roughly 20 to 30 km south of Laon. If you have a car, a half-day trip there pairs well with a Laon base. Plan this in advance as the sites are spread out and public transport is minimal.
- Book early for weekends in summer: Laon has a limited total hotel inventory. On summer weekends, when the cathedral hosts events or the medieval festival takes place, rooms fill quickly across all categories. The rural options outside the city are especially popular and tend to sell out first.
What to know about hotels in Laon?
What is the best area to stay in Laon for a first visit?+
The Haute-Ville is the most rewarding base for a first visit. Staying inside or close to the medieval upper town means you can walk to the cathedral, the ramparts and the main museums in minutes. If budget is the priority and you have a car or are comfortable using the POMA cable car, the lower town and outer hotels offer good value.
How do you get from the train station to the center of Laon?+
Laon's train station is in the Basse-Ville, at the foot of the ridge. The easiest connection to the Haute-Ville is the POMA 2000 automated cable car, which departs near the station and arrives at the upper town in a few minutes. Taxis are also available outside the station, and the drive up takes about five minutes.
What is the average price for a hotel in Laon?+
Based on available listings, Laon hotels range from around 55 euros per night for a budget option like the Hotel Inn Design Laon to 110 euros at the ibis Laon. The historic Hotel de la Banniere de France is priced at 99 euros per night. Rural chambres d'hôtes in the surrounding area can reach 115 to 161 euros, but typically include a more personal, high-quality experience.
What is the best season to visit Laon?+
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant seasons. The weather is mild, the light on the cathedral stone is excellent, and visitor numbers are manageable. Summer is also good but book accommodation early. Winter visits are possible and the city has a quiet charm, but the ridge can be cold and some smaller attractions may have reduced hours.
Is Laon easy to reach from Paris?+
Yes. Direct TER regional trains run from Paris Gare du Nord to Laon in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the service. By car, Laon is about 140 km from Paris via the A1 and A26 motorways, roughly a 90-minute drive in normal traffic. This makes it very practical as a day trip or short break from the capital.
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