Located in northern France's Picardy region, this medieval city has France's tallest Gothic cathedral and a traditional market square. An hour from Paris, with textile and art museums.
Beauvais sits 75 kilometers north of Paris, where you'll find the Saint-Pierre Cathedral with the world's highest Gothic choir vault. Walk through the medieval city center to visit the MUDO art museum in the former bishop's palace, or stop by the National Tapestry Gallery to watch artisans create textiles using centuries-old techniques. Shop at the twice-weekly markets, cycle on the city's growing network of bike paths, or take a short trip to the medieval village of Gerberoy with its timber-framed houses.
The Saint-Pierre Cathedral
The Saint-Pierre Cathedral rises above Beauvais with its 48-meter-high Gothic choir vault, the tallest of its kind worldwide. Despite multiple setbacks during construction, including collapses in 1284 and the 16th century, the partially completed cathedral remains a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Step inside to see the 19th-century astronomical clock with its 90,000 mechanical parts and 53 dials. The stained glass windows create dramatic light patterns across the interior throughout the day.
Museums and Cultural Heritage
You'll find the MUDO museum in a 16th-century episcopal palace, built partly on Gallo-Roman fortifications. The collections include medieval sculptures, Art Nouveau furniture, and local pottery. At the National Tapestry Gallery, you can watch craftspeople create new pieces using traditional methods, while learning about the city's textile-making history through exhibitions of historical and contemporary works.
Getting Around Beauvais
You can reach Paris and other destinations through Beauvais-Tillé Airport, a major hub for low-cost airlines. Trains run to Paris Nord in about 80 minutes, and 25 bus routes connect the city center with suburbs. The expanding network of bicycle paths, part of the city's Green Plan, makes cycling an practical way to explore the area.
Markets and Local Life
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, vendors fill the streets with regional products, fresh produce, and crafts. Place Jeanne Hachette, the main square named after a local medieval heroine, becomes the center of activity during these market days. In December, a month-long Christmas market takes over the square.
Day Trips from Beauvais
Several interesting destinations lie within easy reach. Visit Gerberoy, 20 kilometers northwest, to see its timber-framed houses and rose gardens. Take children to Parc Saint-Paul theme park just outside the city. The 17th-century Château de Boury-en-Vexin and the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly demonstrate the region's architectural variety from different periods.
