Loitering in Laon

Our peregrination through France a few weeks ago took us to Laon, a city in Picardy and not too far from Reims. I wanted to see its cathedral, and we did. But we spent more time pottering about the streets of this walled city, its prosperity dating from the 12th century. We were particularly taken by its street art, perhaps more formal and commissioned than most …

… and by one of its characterful main shopping streets in the Old Town, where every shop had a metal sign above it, describing in the mediaeval manner what kind of an enterprise it was. You can have a guess for yourselves, but in a couple of cases, I’ve forgotten the answers.

And then there were always the little touches of whimsy: as in this letter-box in a front door down a back street, and a slightly battered wall with a portrait of some inhabitant from centuries ago …

We liked Laon a lot. We’d go again. Lots more to explore.

For Natalie’s Exploring Public Art Challenge

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

48 thoughts on “Loitering in Laon”

    1. I think there’s a lot that might inspire you … such as wonderful 18th century houses crumbling away as they begin the long slow tumble down a steep cliffside …

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  6. I like it too, especially those characters loitering in the alleyways. The little boy sleeping is beautiful. Happy weekend, Margaret, Bank Holiday and all 🤗💗

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  9. Love the street art and the signs. I love things like that and Český Krumlov (Czechia) and Montreux (Switzerland) had rather a lot. I spy a greengrocer? barber or hairdresser, toyshop? blacksmith/glassblower/pizzeria?? no idea about the swan unless a bar and goodness knows what the medieval helmet represents!

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    1. Baker, not pizzeria, and as I remarked to Sarah, no well-dressed man should be without his helmet, so that’s what the helmet’s for. Swan? Forgotten. And now you’ve given us two more towns to visit!

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  12. Ooh, I like the look of this city a lot! The stylish street art and those old shop signs would keep me clicking happily for hours! I can definitely see a greengrocer, barber and baker, but the others I’m not so sure about. Maybe a metalworker (the knight’s helmet) and toy shop (rocking chair) but the swan has me stumped!

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    1. You’re right about the toyshop, but the helmet is a gents’ outfitters. Every well-dressed man should have a helmet! And the swan … erm … I’ve forgotten.

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  13. Thank you for your PPAC contribution. I love the ‘tromp l’oeuil’ effects of the murals and the old shop signs. The sleeping boy mural and all the metal signs are beautiful.

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  15. OK, the barbershop is easy. So is the greengrocer, what else could a shallot, an artichoke, and a – that circle has me stumped – signify. I see a pizza shop and a hobbyhorse maker. Maybe an armorer. But that swan is beyond me. Calls for a trip, doesn’t it? Thanks for a delightful experience.

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    1. Thanks Ludwig. Not a hobbyhorse maker, just a toy shop,. And a baker rather than a pizza shop. The armourer is a gents’ outfitter!. And I’ve gone and forgotten te others! A trip would be worthwhile.

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  18. Is that a medieval pizza maker I see? Some of the signs are fairly obvious, like the hairdresser, but some I haven’t a clue what they’re supposed to represent. Fun, though!

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