Attractions and Places To See around Clacy-Et-Thierret - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Clacy-Et-Thierret center on this small commune in the Aisne department of France, located near the city of Laon. The region is characterized by its rural setting and proximity to significant historical and architectural sites. Laon, just 4 kilometers away, offers a rich collection of medieval landmarks and cultural institutions. The broader Aisne department also provides access to various natural reserves and other towns of historical interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Clacy-Et-Thierret
…Last updated: May 9, 2026
Notre-Dame Cathedral
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Porte d'Ardon
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Laon Old Town — Murals and Fortifications
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Notre-Dame Cathedral of Laon
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Porte de Soissons
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For its opening hours, the cathedral is open every day from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and can be visited free, however, there is an audioguided tour for 7 €
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The present Notre-Dame de Laon cathedral is the heir to an ancient building, built under the Carolingians and destroyed during the communal insurrection of 1112. Completed around 1235, the cathedral underwent a major restoration in the 19th century, and again in the 2000s. Note that since September 3, 2021, the building has been home to a “Blueberry of Memory” (a work of art by artist Matt Seaward) offered by the Bishop of Durham (UK) in memory of the soldiers who fell in the First World War.
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Here, visitors will find an early masterpiece of Gothic architecture, a style often found in this part of France – Chartres and Reims, for example, attract enthusiastic international visitors and are far more famous than Laon. In the following 13th century, many Gothic churches were built, not only in their country of origin, France, but also beyond the country's borders, where this skyward-striving, light-filled architectural style was now in great demand for new churches (for example, the laying of the foundation stone for Cologne Cathedral in 1248).
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The Porte d’Ardon is one of the medieval city gates of Laon. The current structure dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally, this gate was called “Porte Royée” because of its proximity to the royal palace of Laon. The gate consists of a châtelet with a portcullis and used to have doors. There was also a barbican, but this has now disappeared. Under the gate there was a fountain and wash houses, some of which still exist. The Porte d’Ardon was classified as a historical monument in 1909.
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The Porte de Soissons is a medieval city gate in Laon. It is one of the three remaining city gates of Laon and was built at the beginning of the 13th century when the fortifications were resumed. The gate is located in the south-west of the medieval city and is built of sandstone and limestone. The gate was originally known as the Porte Saint-Martin or Soibert, but was later renamed after the nearby town of Soissons. The rear of the gate (which was demolished in 1895) offers a cross-section of this type of defensive system: a vaulted room on the first floor, giving access to the harrow and the machicolation.
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Here, the city walker will find an early masterpiece of Gothic architecture, a style often found in this part of France – Chartres and Reims, for example, attract enthusiastic international visitors and are far more famous than Laon. In the following 13th century, many Gothic churches were built, not only in their country of origin, France, but also beyond the country's borders, where this sky-high, light-filled architectural style was now in great demand for new churches (for example, the laying of the foundation stone for Cologne Cathedral in 1248).
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Loan is a medieval town on a mesa. A trip is very worthwhile! I would always prefer visiting Reims.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I visit near Clacy-Et-Thierret?
Clacy-Et-Thierret is very close to Laon, a city rich in history. You can explore the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, an early Gothic masterpiece from the 12th century. Don't miss the medieval city gates like Porte d'Ardon and Porte de Soissons. The Laon Old Town — Murals and Fortifications offers a glimpse into the city's fortified past with many medieval buildings.
Are there any natural attractions or outdoor spaces to explore?
While Clacy-et-Thierret itself is rural, the broader region offers natural beauty. The commune is drained by the Sart Labbe stream. For larger natural areas, you can visit the Réserve naturelle des Landes de Versigny, about 14 km away, or the Réserve naturelle du marais de Vesles-et-Caumont, approximately 20 km distant. The Forêt Domaniale de St-Gobain is also a significant forest in the region, where you can find the historic Croix Sézinne.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Clacy-Et-Thierret?
The area around Clacy-Et-Thierret is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Notre-Dame Cathedral – Laon city walls loop' or the 'Chenizelles Gate – Notre-Dame Cathedral loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'View of Lake Ailette – Vauclair Abbey loop' for gravel biking or the 'Centre Parcs – Vauclair Abbey loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, gravel biking, and MTB trails.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Many of the historical sites, particularly in Laon, can be engaging for families. Exploring the medieval Laon Old Town — Murals and Fortifications with its ancient walls and gates like Porte d'Ardon can be an adventure. The nearby natural reserves and forests also offer opportunities for family walks and picnics, allowing children to enjoy the outdoors.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' near Clacy-Et-Thierret?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting the Croix Sézinne, a historic cross-shaped monument located in the Forêt Domaniale de St-Gobain, commemorating a medieval conflict. The ruins of Vauclair Abbey, founded in 1134, also offer a serene and historically rich experience with visible remains of buildings and a garden of medicinal plants.
What other towns of interest are easily accessible from Clacy-Et-Thierret?
Clacy-Et-Thierret serves as a good base for exploring other historical towns in the Aisne department. Soissons, about 26 km away, is known for its abbey and cathedral. Saint-Quentin, around 40 km distant, features a 16th-century town hall. Noyon, approximately 42 km away, boasts a medieval center dominated by its cathedral. Reims, about 46 km away, offers three UNESCO-listed sites.
What is the best time of year to visit Clacy-Et-Thierret for outdoor activities?
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Winter can be cold, but exploring the historical sites in Laon remains an option year-round.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for beginners near Clacy-Et-Thierret?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, the 'Chenizelles Gate – Notre-Dame Cathedral loop from La Neuville' is an easy 6 km hike. Many of the trails around Laon's old town are also accessible and offer moderate difficulty, allowing for enjoyable walks without strenuous effort. Check the hiking guide for more options.
What makes Laon Old Town a significant attraction?
Laon Old Town — Murals and Fortifications is significant because it is a historic fortified town perched on a table mountain, recognized as having the largest contiguous protected area in France. It features numerous medieval buildings, including the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral and ancient city gates, offering a rich historical experience.
Can I find routes for gravel biking near Clacy-Et-Thierret?
Absolutely! The region provides excellent opportunities for gravel biking. Routes like the 'View of Lake Ailette – Vauclair Abbey loop from Pargny-et-Filain' (37.9 km, moderate) and the 'Lac de l'Ailette – Lake Monampteuil loop from Montbavin' (45 km, moderate) are popular. There's also an easier option, the 'Lake Monampteuil – Cycleway - Gravel Section loop from Pargny-et-Filain' (23.7 km). More details can be found in the gravel biking guide.
What are the highlights of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Laon?
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Laon is an early Gothic masterpiece from the 12th century, making it one of the oldest Gothic structures in France. Its distinctive features include five majestic towers (two on the front facade, one each at the side walls, and a fifth at the intersection of nave and transept), detailed facades, soaring vaults, and colorful stained glass. It's a significant example of early Gothic architecture and can be seen from afar.
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