Visiting Beauvais Cathedral (Saint-Pierre)
Opening hours, admission, audio guides, guided tours, astronomical clock shows, accessibility and practical information: everything you need to plan your visit to one of the boldest Gothic monuments in France.
Everything you need to plan your visit
Beauvais Cathedral (Saint-Pierre) is famous for its Gothic choir, which rises to 48.50 metres beneath the vault. It is also home to two exceptional astronomical clocks, including the imposing clock built by Auguste-Lucien Vérité, animated by 68 automata.
Whether you come alone, with family, with a school group, an association or a tour group, this page gathers the essential information to make the most of your visit.
Opening hours
1 November to 31 March
- Every day10 am – 12:15 pm
- Afternoon2 pm – 5:15 pm
1 April to 31 October
- Every day10 am – 6:15 pm
- Continuous openingNo midday closure
Admission and tour prices
Entry to the cathedral is free. To deepen your visit, you can rent an audio guide or book a guided tour with the Beauvais Cathedral Association.
Audio guides are available in French, English, German, Italian and Spanish.
| Service | Audience or conditions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Self-guided visit of the cathedral | Individual access without commentary | Free |
| Visit with audio guide French, English, German, Italian and Spanish |
Adult | €5 |
| Child aged 6 to 15 | €2 | |
| Child under 6 | Free | |
| Group, per person | €4 | |
| Guided tour of the cathedral | At 3 pm on the 2nd Saturday of the month, and on request | €8 / person |
Astronomical clock show in Beauvais
Standing 12 metres tall, the astronomical clock built by Auguste-Lucien Vérité comprises around 90,000 parts, 52 dials and 68 automata. An audiovisual presentation explains how it works and lets you watch its figures come to life.
Usual show times
April to September: additional shows at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
| Presentation | Audience | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Audiovisual presentation Average duration: 35 minutes | Adult | €5 |
| Group of 10 or more | €4 / person | |
| Child aged 6 to 15 | €2 | |
| Child under 6 | Free | |
| Self-guided visit of the clocks | Outside show times, without commentary | Free |
The proceeds from the presentation go directly toward the upkeep and restoration of this privately owned clock, cared for by the Beauvais Cathedral Association.
The highlights of your visit
The tallest Gothic choir in the world
Look up at vaults rising 48.50 metres and discover an exceptionally daring piece of architecture, begun in the 13th century.
Discover the cathedral
The astronomical clocks
The cathedral houses the medieval clock of Canon Musique and the monumental Vérité clock built in the 19th century.
Discover the clocks
Notre-Dame de la Basse-Œuvre
This former 10th-century cathedral, preserved precisely because Saint-Pierre was never finished, is a rare surviving example of early architecture.
Discover the Basse-ŒuvreHow much time should you allow?
For a first visit
- 45 to 60 minutes to tour the cathedral;
- 35 minutes for the astronomical clock presentation;
- 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit of the whole site.
To make the most of the site
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the clock show;
- take time to explore the Basse-Œuvre;
- round off your visit with Saint-Étienne church;
- check the calendar for concerts and events.
Groups, families and accessibility
Free admission lets you explore the cathedral at your own pace. The automata show on the astronomical clock is a particular highlight for families.
The association welcomes groups by prior booking and can tailor a visit to their age, interests and available time.
Plan a group visitAdapted access is available. To best prepare your arrival and the use of the access equipment, please see the dedicated page.
See accessibility informationVisiting the Basse-Œuvre and Saint-Étienne church
Notre-Dame de la Basse-Œuvre
The Basse-Œuvre is open during the same hours as the cathedral. Its entrance is inside Saint-Pierre, through the door located beneath the great organ.
Free entry.
Learn more
Saint-Étienne church, Beauvais
Saint-Étienne church is usually open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm. Guided tours are offered at 3 pm on the second Sunday of the month, and on request.
Guided tour: €6 per person.
Discover Saint-ÉtienneAddress, access and contact
Beauvais Cathedral (Saint-Pierre)
- Address:
Rue Saint-Pierre, 60000 Beauvais, France - Phone:
+33 3 44 48 11 60 - Email:
association.beauvais.cathedrale@orange.fr - Mass times:
See the dedicated page
Planning your visit to Beauvais Cathedral
Is admission to the cathedral free?
Yes. Entry to the cathedral (Saint-Pierre) and the self-guided visit are free. Audio guides, guided tours and audiovisual presentations of the astronomical clock are paid services.
Do I need to book to visit the cathedral?
Individual visitors can enter freely without booking. Booking is recommended for groups, schools and any request for a guided tour.
How long does the visit take?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the cathedral and around 35 minutes for the astronomical clock’s audiovisual presentation. A full visit generally takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
What are the astronomical clock’s show times?
Regular shows take place at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. From April to September, two additional shows are offered at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Is the cathedral accessible to visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, an access arrangement is in place. We recommend checking the Accessibility page or calling ahead so we can prepare for your visit.
Are pets allowed?
Out of respect for this place of worship and to ensure the safety of visitors and artworks, pets are not permitted inside the cathedral, the Basse-Œuvre or the visitor areas.
Only guide dogs and assistance dogs accompanying a person with a disability are allowed.
Can I visit during a service?
The cathedral remains first and foremost a place of worship. Tourist access may be limited or suspended during Mass, a ceremony or a religious event. Please respect the silence and reserved areas.
Where can I find Mass times?
Service times are listed on the Mass times page, with links to up-to-date parish information.
Ready to discover Beauvais Cathedral?
Plan your visit, book a guided tour, or support the upkeep of the astronomical clock to help pass on this exceptional heritage.
