Dieppe to Geneva walk 2023: DAY 14 - LA FÈRE to LAON (Sunday 30 April)

For the first time in a while, we did not follow a river or a canal at all in today's walk. We started off with a brisk 10 kilometre section on the road from La Fère to St-Nicolas-aux-Bois. We quite enjoyed being able to stride out on the undulating terrain.

Striding out through the undulating countryside

Walking towards St-Nicolas-aux-Bois

Racing past the sign asking people to slow down

After a welcome rest for morning tea, we continued on our way. We soon joined the GR145, which we followed for most of the way into Laon. The path was well signposted all the way.

Rest stop in St-Nicolas-aux-Bois

The GR145 - well signposted all the way

At one point we were approached by a trio of friendly French walkers who were out for a stroll in the woods. They engaged us in conversation for a while, and before moving on, took us into the forest to show us an old oak tree that was on a register of significant old trees.

A trio of friendly French walkers

A large oak in the forest. Our new friend is either hugging it, or demonstrating the width of its circumference

Going where the path takes us

We stopped for lunch at a conveniently-placed bench in Cessières-Suzy, before continuing on the GR145. As the old town of Laon is perched on top of a hill, we had a good view of it as we approached.

Coming into Cessières-Suzy

Perhaps starting to tire

A bench is always a welcome sight around lunchtime

On to Laon after lunch. We do enjoy our puddle photography.

Heading towards Laon, up on the hill ahead

German military ceremony, on the way in to Laon. The town was occupied by the Germans during World War I.

We left the GR145 to enter Laon via the Sente Gaillot. This was a clearly- marked path which ascended with the help of a few steps up to the old town wall. We walked around the wall for a while until we reached our evening's destination.