If you would like to explore nature and architectural history in Laval-En-Laonnois, there are two clearly identified points of interest: the Les Glonards natural area and the church, whose main construction phase took place in the 13th century. Each has a different focus. Les Glonards is notable for its wetland habitats; the church offers a medieval construction phase and a precisely defined scope of later heritage protection. When planning your stay, you can weigh up whether landscapes or architectural history better match your interests.
Les Glonards and its habitats
Les Glonards is a 21-hectare natural area in the commune of Laval-En-Laonnois. It includes wet heathland, acidic fens and birch woodland with peat mosses. Access is free; check the latest access information before visiting. The habitat descriptions identify different habitat types and give the nature theme a clear focus: wet and boggy landscapes take centre stage. If you also choose travel destinations based on such landscapes, this gives you a specific point of reference for deciding what to focus on.
The Natura 2000 site
Another protected-area designation concerns part of the commune: the Natura 2000 site Collines du Laonnois oriental has the code FR 2200395 and is entirely terrestrial. Its designation is based on listed natural habitat types and wild animal and plant species. Terrestrial here means that the protected area is exclusively land-based. The Natura 2000 designation places part of the commune within a protected area; Les Glonards, by contrast, is a 21-hectare natural area with specifically named habitats. The two designations represent different classifications and should not be treated as equivalent.
Church: construction phase and heritage protection
The church in Laval-En-Laonnois offers a different historical point of reference. Its main construction phase dates to the 13th century, placing its defining building period in the Middle Ages. This date refers to the main construction phase, not to a single year of construction. For those interested in culture, this provides a historical link to the town that differs from the landscape context of the natural areas.
The heritage protection status can also be precisely defined. An order dated 18 January 1921 placed the choir and transept under partial protection as historic monuments. The choir is the area by the altar; the transept is the part of the building that runs across the nave. The protection designation therefore explicitly applies to these parts and not, in general, to the entire church.
The two dates answer different questions: the 13th century marks the main construction phase, while 18 January 1921 marks the partial protection of the choir and transept. This distinguishes the building period from the later legal protection, rather than conflating them into a single construction date. Together, they provide a specific cultural and historical context without extending the scope of protection beyond the church areas named.
Discover more destinations: Rogny, Courmelles, Braine, Laon, Jaulgonne, Missy-Sur-Aisne, Beaulne, Chevennes.
For the broader travel overview: Aisne.
