Beauvais Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do and places to see in Beauvais. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, this ultimate guide covers it all for your next trip.


Introduction to Beauvais

Beauvais, situated in the heart of the Oise department in Hauts-de-France, is a hidden gem that attracts tourists from around the world. With its beautiful Gothic architecture, pleasant climate, and friendly locals, Beauvais is a must-visit destination.

This travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information for your trip to Beauvais, including a list of the best things to do, places to visit, hiking/biking routes, and much more. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, Beauvais has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Beauvais

Beauvais is a city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to visit in Beauvais:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cathedrale Saint-Pierre: The Beauvais Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in France. It is famous for its intricate architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
  • Musee de l’Oise: The Musee de l’Oise is a must-visit for history lovers. It features exhibitions that showcase the region’s art, history, and culture.
  • Maison de l’archidiacre: A Renaissance-style building, the Maison de l’archidiacre is home to the beautiful Tapestry Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of tapestries.

Natural Attractions of Beauvais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc Marcel Dassault: With its tranquil lakes, beautiful gardens, and walking trails, the Parc Marcel Dassault is a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
  • Foret Domaniale de Hez-Froidmont: The Foret Domaniale de Hez-Froidmont is a nature lover’s paradise. It features hiking trails, picnic areas, and is home to a variety of fauna and flora.
  • Plan d’eau du Canada: Plan d’eau du Canada is a beautiful lake and a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and boating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beauvais

Beauvais is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • La Véloroute du Pays de Bray: A 30 km biking route that allows you to explore the beautiful countryside of Oise.
  • Circuit des Lavoirs: A 10 km hiking tour that takes you through the picturesque villages of Le Mesnil-Theribus and Beaumont-les-Nonains.
  • Circuit des Eglises: A 14 km trail that explores some of the charming churches and small villages in the vicinity of Beauvais.

Best Things to Do in Beauvais: Activities and Tours

Beauvais is a vibrant city with plenty of things to do and see. Here are some of the best activities and tours that you should not miss:

  • Take a City Tour: Explore the city’s sights and landmarks on a guided city tour, which includes the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Tapestry Museum.
  • Food Tours: Indulge in some of the best local cuisine on a food tour, which takes you through the city’s markets and restaurants.
  • Visit the Beauvais Airfield: This historic airfield played a significant role in World War II. Visitors can explore the airfield’s museum and take a ride in a vintage plane.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beauvais

If you are planning to visit Beauvais for a week, here is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Guided city tour, visit the Beauvais Cathedral
Day 2 Visit the Tapestry Museum, have lunch at Le Pain de la Bouche
Day 3 Hiking or biking in the Foret Domaniale de Hez-Froidmont
Day 4 Explore the Parc Marcel Dassault, try the local street food at the market
Day 5 Take a day trip to Amiens to visit the city’s cathedral and museums
Day 6 Visit the Beauvais Airfield Museum, and take a flight in a vintage plane
Day 7 Relax at the Plan d’eau du Canada lake and try your hand at fishing

Food and Drink Scene of Beauvais

Beauvais is a food lover’s paradise. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to enjoy during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Andouillette: This traditional dish is made with pork sausage and is served with mustard and fries.
  • Pâté de Canard: A popular dish made with duck or goose liver, served with bread or crackers.
  • Tarte Tatin: A delicious dessert made with apples and caramel.

Local Beverages

  • Cidre: A hard apple cider, popular in Normandy and Brittany.
  • Champagne: The Champagne region is just a few hours from Beauvais, and Champagne is a must-try beverage for all wine lovers.
  • Café au Lait: A classic French beverage – coffee with milk.

Where to Stay in Beauvais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Beauvais has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Beauvais:

  • Mercure Beauvais Centre: A four-star hotel located in the city center and walking distance to major attractions.
  • Hotel de la Cathedrale: A budget-friendly option that is just steps away from the Beauvais Cathedral.
  • La Parenthese: A charming bed and breakfast located in a quiet neighborhood, just a short drive from the city center.

What to Buy in Beauvais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Whether you are looking for souvenirs or unique local products, Beauvais has a range of options. Here are some of the best things to buy in Beauvais:

  • Galette de Picardie: A buttery, flaky pastry that is a local specialty.
  • Tapestry: The Tapestry Museum in Beauvais is famous for its extraordinary collection of tapestries, and visitors can buy replicas as souvenirs.
  • Cidre: As mentioned before, cider is a popular local beverage and makes for a great gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Beauvais

Beauvais is a lively city with a rich cultural heritage. Here are some customs and traditions you should keep in mind while in Beauvais:

  • Greetings: It’s polite to greet people with a simple “bonjour” or “bonsoir”.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. It’s customary to leave a small tip if you receive excellent service.
  • Dress code: Dressing casually is acceptable in most places, but more formal attire is required when visiting cathedrals and other religious places.

Best Time to Visit Beauvais

The best time to visit Beauvais is between May and September. The weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, and accommodation and travel costs are likely to be higher. March and April are also an excellent time to visit as the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beauvais

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind while visiting Beauvais:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the city’s charming neighborhoods on foot.
  • Learn a few French phrases to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Be excessively loud in public places.
  • Wear swimsuits or revealing clothes in religious places.
  • Expect people to speak fluent English in the smaller towns.

Safety and Health

Beauvais is a safe city, with a low crime rate. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind during your visit:

Safety in Beauvais

  • Keep your valuables safe and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
  • Be cautious when walking around at night and avoid poorly lit areas.

Health in Beauvais

  • France has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors can access medical services if required.
  • Sunscreen is a must during the summer months, as the sun can be intense.

Getting to Beauvais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Beauvais is easily accessible by plane, train, or bus.

Airports Near Beauvais

  • Beauvais-Tille Airport is located just outside the city, and there are daily flights to and from major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Beauvais

  • The Beauvais bus station is located in the city center, and buses connect the city to Paris and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Trains from Paris run frequently and are an affordable option for travelers.
  • Rental cars are available from the airport and several rental companies in the city center.

How to Get Around in Beauvais

Beauvais is a small city that can easily be explored on foot or bike. Taxis and buses are available for longer journeys. Buses run frequently and are a cheap and efficient way to travel around the city and nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Beauvais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Beauvais is a great base for day trips to nearby towns and attractions. Here are some of the popular destinations:

  • Amiens: A city famous for its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral and beautiful riverside walks.
  • Gerberoy: A charming village with stunning floral displays and a rich art heritage.
  • Compiegne: A historic town well-known for its castle and royal hunting grounds.

Conclusion

Beauvais is a beautiful city with a rich historical and cultural heritage and an excellent destination for travelers. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and tasting local cuisine, there is something for everyone. Plan your trip to Beauvais today and experience the best of what this hidden gem in Hauts-de-France has to offer!

Rue Gui Patin and Rue Gambetta: view east into Rue du 27 Juin Rue Gui Patin and Rue Gambetta: view east into Rue du 27 Juin Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Église Saint-Étienne Église Saint-Étienne