Highlights
- Chemin des Dames ridge
- WWI historical sites
- Views from Laon
Stage conditions
| Section | France |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Moderate |
| Shade | Partial |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Laon station, in the lower town, has trains to Paris-Nord, Reims, Amiens and Aulnoye-Aymeries, with a minibus shuttle up to the medieval upper town where the stage begins. Corbeny, a village of about 850 people on the Chemin des Dames, has no station and we could not confirm a bus, so plan to walk through or arrange a taxi back to Laon. The route leaves Laon on the GR142 towards Vorges before farm tracks and minor roads take over, according to the LightFoot guide.
What the season does
April to October, partial shade. The stage data flags exposed ridgeline sections along the Chemin des Dames, where wind is constant and there is little shelter from rain or sun. The LightFoot guide warns that the woodland sections can be very muddy, so spring and autumn walkers should expect slow going after rain. Hunting is open in the Aisne forests from mid-September to the end of February, and the forest roads on the approach to Corbeny are typical battue country at weekends.
Safety on this stage
Exposed ridgeline and limited services, says the stage data. The forest near Corbeny is crossed on the D62 and D18 according to the LightFoot guide: walk facing traffic and be visible. In hunting season respect 'chasse en cours' signs and keep to the marked route. The Chemin des Dames is a former battlefield; leave any metal object you find where it lies and report it at the mairie. Muddy woodland can hide roots and ruts.
Water and food
Water is moderate and Corbeny has limited services, so leave Laon with the day's food and a full bottle. The villages along the ridge are small; do not count on an open café. The campsite at Corbeny has facilities, and the hotel has a restaurant, but there is no supermarket to rely on for an evening meal. There are no fountains on the route.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory lists the Hôtel du Chemin des Dames and the Camping Le Moulin at Corbeny. The LightFoot guide adds chambres d'hôtes in the villages between Laon and Corbeny, for instance at Chérêt, for those who want to shorten the day. With such a short list, book ahead; the FFVF booklet, updated each January, is the place to look for any homestay in the village. Reims, with its pilgrim office, is the next big stop.
Sources: Wikipedia — Gare de Laon · Wikipédia — Poma 2000 de Laon · Wikipedia — Corbeny · LightFoot Guide to the Via Francigena, Canterbury to Besançon (PDF, 2014 edition) · Le Montagnard — Calendrier chasse France 2025-2026 · FFRandonnée — Via Francigena 'Hébergements et Services'
Common questions
How long is the Laon to Corbeny stage?
It is 22.0 km (13.7 mi) and takes about 6 hours of walking, from Laon to Corbeny.
How hard is Laon to Corbeny?
It is rated easy with 200 m of ascent and 280 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Laon to Corbeny stage?
There is a moderate amount of water along this stage — carry enough between resupply points.
How do I get to Laon and away from Corbeny?
Laon station, in the lower town, has trains to Paris-Nord, Reims, Amiens and Aulnoye-Aymeries, with a minibus shuttle up to the medieval upper town where the stage begins. Corbeny, a village of about 850 people on the Chemin des Dames, has no station and we could not confirm a bus, so plan to walk through or arrange a taxi back to Laon. The route leaves Laon on the GR142 towards Vorges before farm tracks and minor roads take over, according to the LightFoot guide.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Corbeny?
Our directory lists the Hôtel du Chemin des Dames and the Camping Le Moulin at Corbeny. The LightFoot guide adds chambres d'hôtes in the villages between Laon and Corbeny, for instance at Chérêt, for those who want to shorten the day. With such a short list, book ahead; the FFVF booklet, updated each January, is the place to look for any homestay in the village.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.