Laon

The first view of Laon is dramatic, from the highway, because it lies upon the top of a narrow ridge, hovering over flat farmland. There is the ville haute (high city) and the ville basse (low city). Laon has a cable car to reach the old town in the high city for those who do not choose to climb or drive.

Laon's Cathédrale de Notre-Dame was completed in 1235. This early Gothic church sustained damage during the French revolution, losing two of its original seven towers. Still, it was our first recognition that even the smallest medieval towns had large and magnificent cathedrals. We were to discover more as we continued our travels.

Reims

Reims is the site of the German surrender in 1945, in Eisenhower's French headquarters during World War II.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Reims is famous for its harmony and architectural integrity. The present cathedral was begun in 1211 and was the preferred site for the coronation of French kings from medieval times until 1825. In 1429, Joan of Arc attended the coronation of Charles VII here.

No matter where you turn inside or outside the cathedral, you'll see the repetition of the Gothic arch, even surrounding the rose window.

Even medieval churches do not remain constant. Marc Chagall, half-French (and all Jewish) designed these windows in the 20^th century, which were then constructed by local craftsmen.