The best walks and hikes around Athies-Sous-Laon

There are over 60 hiking routes around Athies-Sous-Laon, offering a balanced mix of easy and moderate options for exploring the historic city of Laon and its surroundings.

The hiking routes around Athies-Sous-Laon are primarily easy to moderate, focusing on urban exploration and historic city walls. There are no routes classified as difficult in this area, making it ideal for relaxed walks and sightseeing.

Hikes in this region offer a unique blend of urban historical features and glimpses of the wider Picardy agricultural plains. You'll primarily experience routes along ancient city walls, providing elevated viewpoints over Laon and its surroundings.

Yes, many of the easy routes are suitable for families. The Circuit of the Ramparts of Laon, for example, is an easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) trail that follows historic city walls, offering engaging views for all ages.

The routes often pass by significant historical sites. You can explore the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, the ancient Porte d'Ardon, and the well-preserved Laon Old Town — Murals and Fortifications. The Notre-Dame Cathedral – Laon city walls loop from Laon is a great option to see many of these.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Porte de Soissons – Ramparts of Laon loop from Laon, which is a moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) path exploring the city's defensive structures.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking along ancient ramparts, the panoramic views, and the historical atmosphere of Laon.

Most hikes around Athies-Sous-Laon range from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. For instance, the Circuit of the Ramparts of Laon typically takes about 1 hour 41 minutes, while the Notre-Dame Cathedral – Porte d'Ardon loop from Laon is around 1 hour 54 minutes.

Laon, being the central point for many of these trails, is accessible by regional train services. From the Laon train station, many routes, particularly those within the city, are within walking distance. Local bus services may also connect to areas just outside the city center.

As many trails are centered around the city of Laon, parking is generally available in and around the city center. Look for public parking lots near historical sites or the train station, which often serve as convenient starting points for the rampart walks.

While the main rampart walks can be popular, exploring some of the slightly longer loops or trails that venture a bit further from the immediate city center, such as the Laon city walls – Porte d'Ardon loop from Laon, might offer a quieter experience, especially during off-peak hours.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, due to the urban nature of many routes, they can be enjoyed year-round, with winter walks providing a different, often quieter, perspective of the historic city.