What to do and what to visit in Beauvais?
A soaring cathedral, medieval heritage, astronomical clocks, museums, architecture, live performances and green spaces: Beauvais deserves far more than a quick stopover.
Beauvais is more than just its airport
Whether you’re passing through before or after a flight, on a business trip, or spending a few hours or days in the Oise region, take the time to discover Beauvais.
Its historic centre brings together several exceptional monuments within a relatively small area: Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Notre-Dame de la Basse-Œuvre, the former bishops’ palace, now home to the MUDO – Musée de l’Oise, and the Quadrilatère.
A little further from the centre, the city reveals still more facets: medieval heritage, ceramic architecture, live performances and vast natural spaces.
The must-sees of Beauvais
Four highlights are enough on their own to reveal the extraordinary historical and architectural richness of the city.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it impresses from the moment you step inside, with the dizzying proportions of its choir. Stained glass, sculptures, furnishings and a turbulent history make it the emblematic monument of Beauvais.
Discover the cathedralNotre-Dame de la Basse-Œuvre
Standing right in front of the Gothic cathedral, part of Beauvais’s earlier cathedral still survives. It offers a striking shortcut through several centuries of architectural history.
Discover the Basse-ŒuvreSaint-Étienne Church
A few minutes’ walk from the cathedral, Saint-Étienne combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It is especially notable for its sculptures and its ancient stained-glass windows.
Visit Saint-ÉtienneThe astronomical clocks
The cathedral houses two extraordinary witnesses to the measurement of time: a medieval clock and the monumental astronomical clock built in the 19th century by Auguste-Lucien Vérité.
Discover the clocksTwo cultural sites just steps away
No need to get back in the car: right around the cathedral you’ll find two of Beauvais’s main cultural venues.
Other places to discover in Beauvais
If you have more time, Beauvais has several other sites that let you explore its history and heritage further.
Maladrerie Saint-Lazare
Founded in the Middle Ages to care for those suffering from leprosy, the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is an exceptional example of hospital architecture. Its chapel, farm buildings and medieval-style garden today form a remarkable heritage and cultural site.
Maladrerie websiteMaison Gréber
Its spectacular ceramic façade recalls the importance of Beauvais’s artistic and industrial production. Built in the early 20th century for the Gréber manufacturers, it is today one of the city’s most distinctive façades.
Théâtre du Beauvaisis
A national stage, the Théâtre du Beauvaisis offers a season-long programme of theatre, dance, circus, music and contemporary creations.
See the programmeStrolling through the historic centre
Place Jeanne-Hachette, the town hall, remains of the Gallo-Roman ramparts, old houses and architectural details all line a walk through the centre of Beauvais.
Plan the walkPlan d’eau du Canada
Just minutes from the city centre, the Plan d’eau du Canada offers a completely different side of Beauvais. The site is ideal for walking, running, enjoying the green spaces and, depending on the season, taking part in various leisure activities around its large lake.
Discover the Plan d’eauA suggested route through Beauvais
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
Start with Beauvais’s emblematic monument and its two clocks.
MUDO and Quadrilatère
Continue right away around the cathedral with the neighbourhood’s two main cultural sites.
City centre
Head to Place Jeanne-Hachette and then the streets of the historic centre.
Saint-Étienne Church
End your heritage walk with one of the most beautiful old churches in Beauvais.
Even more ideas around Beauvais
To find out about current events, guided tours, accommodation, restaurants and activities around Beauvais, also check the Beauvaisis Tourist Office.