Laon

[lahn] /lɑ̃/
noun
1.
a town in and the capital of Aisne, in N France, E of Paris.

Aisne

[eyn; French en] /eɪn; French ɛn/
noun
1.
a river in N France, flowing NW and W to the Oise. 175 miles (280 km) long.
2.
a department in N France. 2868 sq. mi. (7430 sq. km).
Capital: Laon.
British Dictionary definitions for Laon

Aisne

/eɪn; French ɛn/
noun
1.
a department of NE France, in Picardy region. Capital: Laon. Pop: 535 326 (2003 est). Area: 7428 sq km (2897 sq miles)
2.
a river in N France, rising in the Argonne Forest and flowing northwest and west to the River Oise: scene of a major Allied offensive in 1918 which turned the tide finally against Germany in World War I. Length: 282 km (175 miles)
Encyclopedia Article for Laon

town, capital of Aisne departement, Picardy region, northern France. It lies northwest of Reims and northeast of Paris. The picturesque old town, situated on the summit of a scarped hill, stands high above the new town, which spreads out over the surrounding plain about 330 feet (100 m) below the old town. The railway station and the main industries are located in the lower town.

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