Laon is a French city, préfecture (capital) of the Aisne département. Population: 26,265.

In Roman times it was known as Alaudanum or Lugdunum Clavatum.

The city contains many medieval buildings. One of the better known is the Laon Cathedral.

Laon was the birthplace of:

• Bertrada of Laon (720-783), mother of Charlemagne
• Anselm of Laon (d. 1117), theologian
• Jacques Marquette, (1636-1675), Jesuit missionary

External link

• City council website: http://www.ville-laon.fr