Tourism
Things to do in Beauvais and the surrounding area
If you have a few hours before or after your flight, the town of Beauvais is just minutes from the airport and well worth a visit: an exceptional Gothic cathedral, museums, a lively centre and green spaces.
Heritage
Saint-Pierre Cathedral, its astronomical clock and the old bishops’ quarter.
Town centre
Place Jeanne Hachette, café terraces, restaurants and shopping streets.
Nature
Parc Marcel Dassault, next to the airport, and the lake at the Plan d'eau du Canada.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
This is the great symbol of Beauvais and the main reason to visit the town. Its 13th-century Gothic choir reaches 48 metres in height, the tallest ever built, and the architect Viollet-le-Duc went as far as calling it “the Parthenon of French architecture”. The nave was never finished: the project was so ambitious that it could not be completed. That is why the earlier cathedral, known as the Basse Œuvre, still stands next to it, a rare example of architecture from around the year 1000. Seeing the two side by side is one of the curiosities of a visit.
Inside is the astronomical clock, a 19th-century work 12 metres high with around 90,000 parts. It shows the seasons, the tides and eclipses, and several times a day it comes to life in a sound and light show in which its 68 automata move. You can visit the cathedral on your own or with a guide.
A walk through the historic centre
The old town sums up some 2,000 years of history, from the Gallo-Roman wall to the present day. The tourist office publishes a free leaflet, Parcours Beauvais, with several routes depending on how much time you have: they take in Place Jeanne Hachette, the church of Saint-Étienne, the remains of the town wall and the old streets. You can pick up a paper copy at the Office de Tourisme Beauvais & Beauvaisis (1 rue Beauregard) or look at it online before you arrive.
Museums and culture
The bishops’ quarter: MUDO and Quadrilatère
The MUDO-Musée de l'Oise occupies the former palace of the bishop-counts and brings together paintings, sculpture, ceramics and tapestries. Right next door, the Quadrilatère combines heritage, contemporary art and archaeology, with a crypt where you can see the remains of the ancient town.
Maladrerie Saint-Lazare
A few minutes from the centre by public transport, this medieval complex was founded to care for the sick and still has several buildings from the 12th and 13th centuries. It has a medieval-inspired garden and hosts exhibitions and cultural events. It is a peaceful place, ideal for a stroll away from the bustle.
Eating and drinking
Place Jeanne Hachette, overlooked by the town hall and the statue of this local heroine, is the town’s meeting point and is full of café terraces. The tourist office mentions places there such as Dolc' & Café, Brasserie Victor and La Grande Maison.
The centre has options for every schedule and budget. Among those recommended by the tourist office: EggC'Bon and La Mamma for something quick; Le Papotin and Prédici for local cooking; and Senso and La Gargouille if you are looking for something more gastronomic.
Shopping
The shopping streets in the centre mix department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette, with independent fashion, homeware and gift shops. The Jeu de Paume shopping centre is very close by.
Nature near the airport
Parc Marcel Dassault
A few minutes from the airport, this wooded park is a good place to stretch your legs during a stopover without going too far.
Plan d'eau du Canada
If you have more time, this leisure area around a lake, reachable by public transport, is perfect for walking and outdoor activities.
Getting from the airport to Beauvais
The centre of Beauvais is linked to the airport by the Corolis local bus network. You can also take a taxi. You will find all the information under train and regional bus and taxi. If you want to stay the night, see the hotels in Beauvais.