- The Beauvais Cathedral's choir is so ambitious that it collapsed during construction in 1284, leading to the use of heavy iron reinforcement to hold the structure together.
- Beauvais was a prominent center for the production of world-renowned tapestries starting in the 17th century under royal patronage.
- The city's historical layout reflects its strategic location on the ancient Roman road connecting Paris to the northern provinces.
- During the Middle Ages, the city was governed by a powerful prince-bishop, a rare political status that granted the local bishop secular authority.
- The 1940 aerial bombings during World War II destroyed much of the city center, resulting in an unusual mix of reconstructed post-war architecture and preserved medieval ruins.
About Beauvais
Beauvais is located in the Hauts-de-France region and is home to the Cathedral St Pierre of Beauvais, which possesses the tallest Gothic choir in the world. The city serves as a distinct historical hub where travelers can visit the MUDO - Oise Museum to explore regional art and archaeological findings. Beyond its religious architecture, the city offers diverse green spaces such as the Nautical base of the Canada waterbody. It balances its deep medieval heritage with cultural landmarks like the Théâtre du Beauvaisis.
Highlights of Beauvais
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Stand beneath the highest Gothic choir vault ever attempted in architectural history.
Museums
Browse an extensive collection of fine arts and ceramics housed within the former episcopal palace.
Places of interest
Explore this preserved medieval leprosarium which serves as a rare example of 12th-century hospital architecture.
Parks
Utilize this large artificial lake for swimming, pedal boating, and waterside recreation.
Temples
View the intricate stained glass windows that date back to the Renaissance period.
Amusement parks
Visit this large family-oriented amusement park featuring numerous rides and seasonal events.
Zoos
Walk through this zoological park focused on the observation and conservation of regional animal species.
Parks
Relax in this central public park named to honor the legacy of the former U.S. President.
Top things to do in Beauvais
The 30 highest-rated places in Beauvais, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Parc Saint-Paul is a family-oriented amusement park located in the Oise department of northern France, specifically desi...
2
Temples
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Beauvais is famous for possessing the highest Gothic choir in the world, reaching 48.5 meters...
3
Parks
The Plan d'Eau du Canada is a 45-hectare artificial lake located on the outskirts of Beauvais that functions as a multif...
4
Places of interest
The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is one of the best-preserved medieval leper hospitals in Europe, dating back to the 12th cen...
5
Zoos
Parc Saint Léger is a family-oriented animal park situated in the rural commune of Saint-Léger-en-Bray, approximately 15...
6
Museums
MUDO-Musée de l'Oise is housed within the historical Episcopal Palace, a structure classified as a French Monument Histo...
7
Temples
8
Venues
9
Parks
10
Venues
11
Museums
12
Temples
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Venues
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Venues
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Venues
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Venues
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Venues
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Temples
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Temples
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Historical places
23
Venues
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Temples
25
Places of interest
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Venues
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Amusement parks
29
Temples
30
Venues
Around Beauvais
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Beauvais on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Beauvais
Late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, as the temperate climate is most suitable for outdoor activities at the city's parks.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the cathedral, local museums, and peripheral leisure sites.
The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with a local bus network connecting visitors to outlying attractions.
The city center near the cathedral is ideal for walking access to historic sites, while areas closer to the train station offer convenience for regional travel.
Mid-range; while accommodation and dining are generally more affordable than in central Paris, transport and entry fees remain standard for France.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 30 curated attractions in and around Beauvais, ranked by traveller ratings.
Parc Saint-Paul is the highest-rated place to visit in Beauvais right now.
The largest category is venues, with 11 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
