Sente des Valézys

This steep climb, running alongside the former Foch barracks, whose construction began in 1912, is very steep and largely shaded.
It has had several names, such as Ruelle des Valizys, or even Ruelle des Loups or Ruelle du Calmand in its upper section, and leads to the Square de la Tour Penchée and the fortified gate of Soissons.

It is said that this path - probably one of the oldest in Laon - was the scene of a resurgence of pagan cults in the first centuries of Christianity at the time of the summer solstice: a flaming wheel (or rouelle) was sent down the slope in honour of the deity of the Celtic pantheon Taranis...