Perched on a hilltop with wide ranging views over the countryside, the medieval town of Laon has been a place of refuge, a strategic target and a landmark of the region for many centuries.  Its famed Gothic cathedral attracts visitors year round, and is well worth a look.

Not the obvious place to walk the dog perhaps, but this is a good place to stop to enjoy a relaxing meal or snack in the partly pedestrianised Old Town, take in the medieval atmosphere, and give the dog a breather too.