Stage 19 Friday 10 Oct: Laon to Neuville sur Ailette (19km/11.8m)

Another pleasant hike today with perfect walking weather. Lynn & Hans took today off as Hans was unwell overnight so Gary & I Ubered up to Laon to the starting point in LeClerc Place outside the Town Hall.

Before we start though… a couple of photos I forgot to include yesterday.

Today:

Out through a tiny alleyway we originally missed!

Slowly down a cobblestone road… put to shame as a group of fire fighters ran past on a training run

No, not the cathedral… the monumental 12C St Martin’s Church about 1km down the road

This gate, which was built from 1217 to 1236 under Philippe-Auguste, defends the town’s southern entrance. This is where the old royal road to Paris ran. Part of the gate collapsed in 1895. All that remains is the external façade and traces of the two beautiful guard rooms with ogival vaulted cellings above the entrance.

As of its construction in the 13th century, the weight of the tower, which was built on the edge of the plateau, caused its foundations to sink onto the clay layer. Soissons Gate, located nearby, weathered the resulting landslide better.

Looking back again… it remained a feature for miles

Into the forest… leaves starting to change colour now

A play area for littlies as we entered Bruyères-et-Monberault, including a running track, basketball hoops and a mini soccer pitch

Lunch at a friendly Tabac (he’s not that exhausted)

Our guide book states: Martigny-Courpierre was completely destroyed in WWI bombardments. Its current buildings are all post-war, including the lovely art-nouveau church.