Visit Beauvais and Beauvaisis
Destination Beauvais & Beauvaisis: welcome to our home !
Ideal for a successful stopover, the Beauvaisis promises you great discoveries. Endowed with a remarkable historical and natural heritage, it will enchant your unexpected and perhaps even improvised getaway! Let the old stones tell you about the audacity of our builders, share the passion of our gardening artists at the heart of their creations, real open-air color palettes, relax in the heart of nature conducive to disconnection and vibrate in the rhythm of our events.
The Cathedral Quarter
In the historic center, explore 2000 years of Beauvais history from the Gallo-Roman rampart to the Quadrilateral, passing of course by Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral dominates the city of Beauvais with its prodigious dimensions: its 13th century Gothic choir, 48 m high, is the tallest in history and was considered the "Parthenon of French architecture" by the famous Viollet-le-Duc. If it had been completed, the cathedral of Beauvais would certainly be one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world, but the audacity of its builders prevented the construction of its nave. Unique consequence: in Beauvais, two cathedrals still coexist, as if suspended between two eras, the old cathedral called “la Basse Œuvre” offers precious testimony to the architecture of the year 1000.
The astronomical clock impresses with its height (12 m) and the wealth of information it presents: seasons, tides, eclipses... Recently restored, this 19th century masterpiece comes to life several times a day thanks to a sound and light, letting 68 automatons come alive in perfect synchronization.
The Cathedral is in an important phase of work to prepare for its 800th anniversary in 2025. However, it remains accessible and you can visit it by yourself or with a guide.
The MUDO - Oise Museum
This former palace of the bishops-counts of Beauvais, built from the 12th and 13th centuries on the Gallo-Roman ramparts by Henri de France, brother of the king, is a building steeped in history.
After the Revolution, it became a prefecture, a bishopric and then a courthouse before being officially transformed into a museum in 1981. Since 2012, it has been the subject of a vast restoration campaign. Work begins with the arches under the porch and the clock tower. After the renaissance palace in 2015, it is the turn of the gatehouse to benefit from a makeover. During this vast project, many craftsmen succeeded one another to restore their brilliance to its majestic towers. The MUDO-Musée de l'Oise presents a selection of 200 works from the 19th century: from landscape to decorative arts, from religious art to historical painting, culminating in the masterful work of Thomas Couture !
Find the program of exhibitions, visits, workshops, thematic meetings on mudo.oise.fr and on social networks.
The MUDO is currently undergoing renovation work on the second floor of the Episcopal Palace in order to highlight the 20th century collections. Nevertheless, this work has little impact on the public space. The building will remain partially open with temporary exhibitions and part of the 19th century collections in its current configuration.
The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare
The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is a key heritage and tourist site in Beauvaisis. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is a remarkable example of medieval hospital architecture. The dwelling, the Romanesque chapel, the barn and its original oak framework form the unique ensemble of what is one of the best preserved leprosaria in Europe. This garden although of medieval inspiration is a contemporary creation of the services of the Community of agglomeration of Beauvaisis. It is an enclosed garden, structured by hedges of hornbeam and beech. A place conducive to relaxation and meditation, it invites visitors to stroll and discover the different types of gardens and crops that existed in the Middle Ages. It includes several thematic areas: the contemplative gardens of Mary and the cloister, the garden of simple plants, that of vegetables, cereals, small fruits and vines. To complete your discovery of the place in a playful way, ask for the Sonopluie walk. This sound discovery under a connected umbrella is made on the field thanks to the testimonies of historians and inhabitants. To know more about it learn More +
The Plan d’eau du Canada
A haven of peace and greenery, the site is open all year round and is "the place to be" for outdoor sports and leisure activities! In a natural and green setting of 45 hectares, the leisure center of the Canada water plan, in Beauvais, invites you all year long to walk, run, swim, fish, to various nautical activities, to adventure in the woods...
With an area of 36 hectares for the basin, and more than 3km of paths, lovers of water activities, walking, jogging or mountain biking find at the Plan d'Eau du Canada an ideal place to practice their favorite leisure activities. In addition, the numerous green spaces offer a much appreciated place of leisure and relaxation for all. During the summer months, there are many activities available for visitors of all ages: sandy beach and swimming, pedal boats, kayaking, children's playground equipment, tree runs, from reading to racquet sports, from foosball to fishing, from beach volleyball to trampolines, and much more! Whatever your desires, the leisure center allows everyone to take a breath of fresh air and nature, so take advantage of it.
Downtown shopping
Located in the heart of downtown Beauvais, the Jeu de Paume shopping center is your family shopping destination. Just a 5-minute walk from the city center, it offers its visitors original brands. The Jeu de Paume has 84 stores and restaurants and a parking lot with 830 free spaces for 2 hours.
A fashion specialist located in the heart of the city, Galeries LaFayette is a world reference in fashion retail. They contribute to the promotion of a certain French Art de Vivre through all their brands and offer a range of products in the areas of Women's, Men's, Children's, Beauty and Accessories (leather goods, shoes, glasses, jewelry).
Stroll in Beauvaisis
On the program: take the time to admire the heritage, the landscapes and to make beautiful discoveries in the heart of Beauvaisis.
Take the time to discover the Beauvaisis in video.
Stroll in the gardens of Beauvaisis
The discovery of the remarkable gardens will stop you at the soothing garden of the painter André van Beek. Water is omnipresent through its bridges, its water lilies, its streams... Breathe in the sweet scent of the flowers that constantly inspire and amaze the artist, you will see it at the bend of an alley.
Opening of the garden from May 1st to October 31st 2024
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 2pm to 7pm.
- Saturday from 2pm to 5pm (after 5pm please ask)
- other days and the rest of the year: by appointment
This flowery stroll takes you to the small village of Herchies where you will find a haven of peace on the banks of the river. Both floral and nourishing, the Jardin du Brule reveals its secret corners: a vineyard, an orchard, abundant flowering groves... Follow quietly the bank of the Thérain before discovering an extraordinary vegetable garden where more than 250 varieties of tomatoes grow.
The garden is open from May 1 to October 31, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (appointment required).
Finally, not far from there, another atmosphere with the park of the castle of Troissereux and its ornithological reserve. Designed by Bernard Palissy in the 16th century, it still has trees from that period, oriental plane trees, classified as remarkable trees of France, but also bald cypresses brought back from the Americas by the Marquis de Lafayette in the 18th century.
The park is open from January 1 to December 31, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by reservation, closed on Tuesday).
Fun for the whole family
Parc Saint Paul, the amusement park for the whole family! Nestled in a park in the middle of nature, Parc Saint Paul welcomes you for a day of relaxation and fun. Come and share with your family or friends the pleasure of getting away from everyday life with the 43 attractions of the park designed to be accessible to the greatest number of people, young and old.
Discover also the two shows and let the artists take you into their world for a while. Inside the park, you will find numerous picnic areas, green spaces and a 3 hectare lake... everything to allow you to take a real "breath of fresh air".
Parc Saint Paul has 5 savory/sweet restaurants, including an all-you-can-eat buffet open every day to satisfy the appetites of even the most demanding gourmets. Parc Saint Paul also offers various services for everyone's comfort: stroller rental, microwave, changing tables, authorized temporary outings, free parking....
Places full of history
Warluis Aviation Museum
1,000 square meters, 1,000 authentic objects, 1,600 photographs and documents: the Warluis Aviation Museum bears passionate witness to the history of aviation, but above all it tells the story of the airmen at the heart of the tragedy of the Second World War. Behind the pennants, there were men, heroes! New pieces are regularly added to a collection that is unique in France and retraces a part of the history of the region. A place of meeting, exchange and sharing, managed by an association of volunteers, a meeting of enthusiasts, a lesson of courage, a historical fresco accessible to all audiences.
Steam train of Beauvaisis
A new living museum on the territory! For 5 years, the volunteers of the Museum of steam tramways and French secondary railroads have cleared nearly 4 km of railway platform, dismantled and re-laid the track, of which 3.2 km are open to the public. It is there that evolves "the steam train of Beauvaisis", trains classified Historic Monument. You will be able to take time to observe the nature and the Picardy landscape. Possibility to book a train.
Beauvaisis ideally located in the heart of the Oise region
The largest city in the Oise region, Beauvais is at the crossroads between Paris-Amiens and Rouen-Compiègne via the A16 freeway and the Nationale 31, which also takes you to Senlis and Chantilly, cities renowned for their exceptional heritage. Beauvais is located 1 hour by car from Parc Astérix.
Highlights all year round
All year long, Beauvaisis offers cultural and sporting events of national and international renown.
Foire aux puces de Crèvecœur-le-Grand (May-June)
Flea market of Crèvecœur-le-Grand welcomes you from 3 am and gathers more than 2000 exhibitors. It is one of the biggest flea markets in the north of France.
Jeanne Hachette Festival (June)
Beauvais is transformed into a medieval village, with its tavern, its camp and its medieval market. During the weekend, several processions bring together more than 1000 extras in period costumes, about fifty horses and some international bands that come to give rhythm to the parades.
Malices et merveilles (summer)
Malices et merveilles is a festival dedicated to circus and street arts. It takes place every year in the green setting of the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare. It offers a rich and varied artistic program around clowning, theater, dance, music and singular forms.
International Cello Festival
Since 2009, the festival has welcomed the greatest names in international cello playing and has taken on the mission of promoting musical practice by participating in the educational contribution of the youngest to the most experienced. Musical creation is also honored by the commissioning of works each year to one or more composers.
Blues around the Zinc Festival
The roots of the festival are in the blues but the present is also, by its anchoring in the music of today and its small sisters that are the current musics: funk, electro... About fifty concerts in Beauvais, of course, historical birthplace of the event but also through the territory, in atypical places whose vocation is not the music.
Festival Pianoscope (in the fall)
Edition after edition, the Pianoscope festival has become a fixture in the musical landscape and is now an unmissable event for piano and music lovers.
