Beauvais at a Glance
- Ideal duration: One day for the essentials, two days for a more leisurely pace.
- How to find us : gare SNCF reliée notamment à Paris-Gare du Nord ; aéroport Paris-Beauvais à Tillé.
- Best times: le printemps pour les balades, l’été pour le plan d’eau du Canada, l’automne pour les museums and the heritage.
- Without a car: Yes, for the historic district; buses or taxis are a good option for La Maladrerie and the Canada Lake.
- Trip Profile: architecture gothique, culture, familles, escapade urbaine et nature.
Is Beauvais worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you like cities where history unfolds in layers. Beauvais ne se résume pas à un décor médiéval intact : une grande partie de son centre a été reconstruite après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Cette particularité rend la promenade intéressante, car les grands monuments anciens, les places réaménagées et l’architecture du XX<>e The two centuries constantly echo one another.
The city boasts an exceptional landmark: Saint-Pierre Cathedral, whose choir rises to a height of 48.50 meters beneath its vaulted ceiling. But Beauvais’s appeal also lies in its former episcopal palace—now a museum—its remarkably well-preserved medieval leper colony, the contemporary Quadrilatère complex, and its large green spaces near the city center.
Great Reasons to Visit Beauvais
Beauvais is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to alternate between cultural visits and breaks in nature. Architecture enthusiasts will find an unfinished Gothic masterpiece here; families can enjoy accessible museums and a recreation center; and those curious about local craftsmanship can explore the history of Beauvais tapestry and local ceramics, particularly the works of Gréber.
The city is also a convenient gateway for exploring the Beauvais region and, more broadly, Discover more ideas for things to do in the Oise department.
How long will it take?
A few hours are enough to see the cathedral, the clock, and Jeanne-Hachette Square. A day allows you to add the MUDO or the Quadrilatère, as well as a walk through downtown. Two days are the best way to also visit the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare and the Canada Lake without rushing from one site to the next.
The 8 Must-See Attractions and Activities in Beauvais
| Activity |
Recommended duration |
Ideal for |
Location |
| St. Peter's Cathedral |
45 min to 1 h |
Architecture, First Visit |
Cathedral District |
| Astronomical clock |
35 min |
Families, Scientific Heritage |
Inside the cathedral |
| Downtown and Jeanne-Hachette Square |
45 min to 1 h |
Strolling, Urban Heritage |
Downtown |
| MUDO—Oise Museum |
1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes |
Art and History |
At the foot of the cathedral |
| Maladrerie Saint-Lazare |
1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes |
Medieval history, gardens |
Voisinlieu Neighborhood |
| Water Bodies of Canada |
1 hour and 30 minutes to a half-day |
Families, walking, outdoor activities |
West of Beauvais |
| Marcel-Dassault Park |
45 min to 1 h |
A leisurely walk, kids |
Northeast of the city |
| Tapestries, ceramics, and cultural sites |
1 to 2 hours |
Decorative Arts, Contemporary Design |
Downtown and the Cathedral District |
Admire St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral is the top attraction on any visit to Beauvais. Its Gothic choir, with a vaulted ceiling 48.50 meters high, is a testament to a particularly bold architectural project. The building remained unfinished: it never acquired the long nave typically expected of a cathedral. This unique silhouette is part of its identity.
Inside, take the time to admire the soaring ceiling, the stained-glass windows, the chapels, and the nearby Basse-Œuvre, an older building that highlights the site’s long history. Allow at least 45 minutes; an hour is better if you like to take in the details. Admission to the cathedral is free, but hours may change during services, concerts, or construction: check them before you go on the Official website of St. Peter's Cathedral.
If you're planning another heritage tour, keep in mind that St. Peter's Cathedral is one of France's most remarkable cathedrals.
See the astronomical clock
The astronomical clock is the most spectacular attraction in the cathedral. Created in the 19th centurye Created in the 19th century by Auguste-Lucien Vérité, it stands 12 meters tall and features nearly 90,000 parts, 52 dials, and 68 automatons. The exhibition explains the mechanisms, the astronomical displays, and the animation of the figures.
Plan on about 35 minutes and arrive about 10 minutes early. You can view the clock outside of the presentation times, but there is a fee for the presentation. Please check the cathedral’s official website before your visit for available time slots, prices, and any potential technical interruptions.
Stroll through the city center
It's easy to explore downtown Beauvais on foot. From the cathedral, head to Place Jeanne-Hachette, one of the liveliest spots in the city. In the center stands the statue of Jeanne Hachette, a local heroine associated with the defense of Beauvais in 1472. Today, the square is a popular meeting place that hosts occasional markets and cultural events.
It’s best to take this stroll without a set plan. Take in the views of City Hall, the shopping streets, the reconstructed facades, and the older traces that remain around the cathedral district. Beauvais is less of a museum city and more of a living city, where its Gothic heritage coexists with postwar reconstruction.
Discover the MUDO—Oise Museum
The MUDO—Musée de l’Oise—is the perfect complement to the cathedral for understanding the region’s artistic richness. It is housed in the former palace of the Bishop-Counts of Beauvais, right at the foot of the church. The collections include paintings, sculptures, and works of art, and a program of temporary exhibitions keeps the visit fresh and engaging.
Allow one hour to an hour and a half. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day except Tuesday, generally from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gardens remain open during the midday closure. Some areas may be temporarily closed or less accessible due to construction: check the updated information on the page Practical Information from the MUDO—Musée de l’Oise.
Visit the Saint-Lazare Leprosarium
The Saint-Lazare Leprosarium is one of the most charming medieval sites in Beauvais. This former leper colony from the 12th centurye and XIIIe siècles conserve un ensemble hospitalier, religieux et landscaper rare : grande grange, chapelle, jardins et bâtiments historiques forment un lieu à la fois sobre et évocateur.
Located in the southern part of the city, it’s worth spending at least an hour there. Self-guided tours are available seasonally, while guided tours and workshops may be offered depending on the schedule. The site is committed to accessibility and has been awarded the “Tourisme & Handicap” certification for all four categories of disabilities. Check the opening dates and visiting guidelines on the Official website of the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare.
Enjoy Canada's Waterways
For some fresh air, head to Canada’s lake. This 45-hectare recreational area is centered around a 36-hectare lake and a 3.3-kilometer trail. It’s a great place to walk, run, bike, have a picnic, or simply enjoy a change of scenery after touring historic sites.
In the summer, water activities, supervised swimming, and family-friendly events are subject to the season and operating conditions. Therefore, don’t plan on a specific activity without checking the schedule and current rules. The site is especially enjoyable for families, but it’s also a great place for a late-afternoon stroll.
Taking a walk in Marcel-Dassault Park
Marcel-Dassault Park offers a quieter alternative to Canada Lake. Located northeast of Beauvais, it’s perfect for a break with the kids, a leisurely stroll, or a relaxing moment between sightseeing stops. Its main appeal lies in its role as a neighborhood park: make it your first choice if you’re looking for a green space without having to plan a full half-day outing.
As with all outdoor facilities, be sure to check with the City of Beauvais regarding access, parking conditions, and any seasonal events.
Explore tapestries, ceramics, and cultural sites
Beauvais has a strong identity tied to the decorative arts. The National Tapestry Manufactory carries on a historic craft closely associated with the city. When tours are offered, they provide a better understanding of the weavers’ work and the time required to create a woven piece.
Ceramics are also part of the local landscape. The Gréber dynasty left its mark on Beauvais with its artistic stoneware and architectural decorations; some of the city’s facades still bear traces of this legacy. The Beauvais region is also associated with Ponchon earthenware and Boulenger tiles from Auneuil.
At the foot of the cathedral, the Quadrilateral complements this cultural experience. Reopened after renovation, it houses an art center, an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center, an archaeological crypt, and contemporary exhibitions. It’s an excellent option if you want to understand Beauvais’s urban development over nearly 2,000 years.
Exploring Beauvais on Foot in a Day
You can spend a day in Beauvais without a car, as long as you stick to the downtown area. From the train station, you can easily reach Place Jeanne-Hachette and then the cathedral district. The MUDO, the Quadrilatère, and the cathedral form a particularly compact cultural complex.
Morning: cathedral, clock, and historic district
Start with St. Peter’s Cathedral as soon as it opens. Explore the choir at your leisure, then choose a showing of the astronomical clock if the times coincide with your arrival. Allow between an hour and a half and two hours for the entire visit, especially if you’re using an audio guide.
Continue through the Basse-Œuvre district and the area around the cathedral. Then head to Place Jeanne-Hachette, where you can see City Hall and get a feel for the downtown area.
Noon: Take a break downtown
Pour déjeuner, restez autour de la place Jeanne-Hachette, des rues piétonnes et des axes commerçants proches de la mairie. Ce choix évite les détours et vous laisse du temps pour l’après-midi. En weekend ou les jours d’événements, mieux vaut réserver si vous avez une adresse précise en tête.
Afternoon: museum or medieval heritage sites
There are two realistic options:
- Culture Option: MUDO—the Oise Museum—and then Quadrilatère if you’d like to explore archaeology and contemporary art further.
- Wealth Management Option: Maladrerie Saint-Lazare, accessible by bus, bike, or taxi, depending on the schedule.
If you're visiting on a sunny day and have already seen the museums, replace one of these stops with Canada's Lake. Keep in mind that this site is farther from the city center and requires transportation arrangements.
Alternative Route from Paris-Beauvais Airport
Paris-Beauvais Airport is not located in the historic center: plan for a dedicated shuttle service. The Corolis network connects Beauvais-Tillé Airport to downtown and the SNCF train station via Line 6. Schedules may vary depending on the time of year: check the latest information at the Corolis Network before you build your program.
If you’re only stopping briefly, stick to the cathedral, the clock tower, and a stroll to Place Jeanne-Hachette. Don’t plan to visit the lake or the Maladrerie if you don’t have much time before boarding.
What to Do in Beauvais in 2 Days?
Two days are enough to visit Beauvais without turning your trip into a race against the clock. The first day is devoted to the city center and its major landmarks; the second opens the door to nature, outlying sites, and local crafts.
Day 1: Heritage, Downtown, and Culture
- Morning: Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Basse-Œuvre, and the astronomical clock.
- Lunch: downtown, around Place Jeanne-Hachette.
- Afternoon: MUDO—Oise Museum.
- End of the day: A stroll through the Quadrilatère or the downtown streets.
Day 2: Maladrerie, Nature, and Local Experiences
- Morning: Saint-Lazare Leprosarium; self-guided or guided tours, depending on the season.
- Afternoon: Canada Lake for a 3.3-kilometer walk, a summer activity, or a picnic.
- Alternative: Marcel-Dassault Park and a search for facades or decorative elements related to Beauvais’s ceramic heritage.
Ideas for day trips in the surrounding area
Si vous disposez d’une voiture, Gerberoy est une belle prolongation. Ce village de la Picardie Verte, classé parmi les Most Beautiful Villages in France, est connu pour ses ruelles fleuries, ses maisons anciennes et ses ateliers d’artisans. Il se visite particulièrement bien au printemps et au début de l’été, mais demande une demi-journée au minimum.
To expand on this topic without repeating the information provided here, check out our guide to Discover the Oise, puis poursuivez éventuellement votre itinerary in the Hauts-de-France.
What can you do in Beauvais based on your interests?
Beauvais with the Family
For a family outing, combine a visit to the astronomical clock with a trip to a park. The clock’s automatons add a touch of fun to a visit to the cathedral. The MUDO regularly organizes workshops during school breaks, while the Canada Lake offers seasonal outdoor activities suitable for children.
The perfect schedule: the cathedral in the morning, lunch in town, then the Canada Lake in the afternoon. In winter or in bad weather, swap the walk for the MUDO or the Quadrilatère.
Beauvais: Architecture and History
Architecture enthusiasts can spend an entire day exploring the cathedral district. Commencez par Saint-Pierre, poursuivez avec la Basse-Œuvre, le MUDO installé dans l’ancien palais épiscopal, puis le Quadrilatère et sa crypte. Ajoutez l’church Saint-Étienne si elle est ouverte : elle complète utilement la lecture religieuse et urbaine de la ville.
The Saint-Lazare Leprosarium offers another glimpse into the Middle Ages: that of a shelter and care facility located on the outskirts of the city.
What can you do in Beauvais when it rains?
Rain doesn't stop you from enjoying a great visit to Beauvais. Be sure to visit the cathedral, the astronomical clock exhibit, the MUDO (Oise Museum), and the Quadrilatère. These sites form a cohesive cultural itinerary within a very compact area centered around Rue Saint-Pierre.
The schedule of exhibitions and tours changes regularly: check the’Official Calendar of the Beauvais Region Before you visit, especially for workshops, lectures, performances, and guided tours.
Car-Free Beauvais
Yes, you can explore most of Beauvais without a car. The train station is close to downtown; the cathedral, MUDO, the Quadrilatère, and Place Jeanne-Hachette are all within easy walking distance of one another. The Corolis transit system provides additional service to the airport, the Canada Lake, and certain outlying neighborhoods.
The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is accessible by public transportation, but it’s best to check the route and schedules for the day of your visit. For a very short day trip, stick to the historic center; for a weekend trip, plan to take the bus after checking the schedules.
Outings, Markets, and Exhibitions
Beauvais hosts concerts, exhibitions, gatherings, themed tours, and events year-round at Place Jeanne-Hachette, La Maladrerie, the MUDO, and the Quadrilatère. Checking the tourist office’s calendar is a good idea before you go: it helps you plan a visit to the Manufacture nationale de la Tapisserie, a family-friendly event, or a temporary exhibition.
Practical Information for Planning Your Visit
Getting to Beauvais
If you're traveling by train, the Beauvais train station is the easiest way to visit the city center without a car. Elle dessert notamment Paris-Gare du Nord, Creil et Le Tréport–Mers-les-Bains. Les horaires et conditions de circulation doivent être vérifiés sur la page de la Beauvais Station on the TER Hauts-de-France website before departure.
By car, Beauvais is connected to the major highways of the Oise and Normandy regions. For a day trip, head to the downtown parking lots and finish your tour on foot. Avoid driving around the city center looking for a parking spot—it wastes time and doesn’t add anything to your visit.
Getting Around in Beauvais
The downtown area is pleasant to explore on foot. For the Canada Waterfront, the Corolis network indicates service via Line 8 as well as a dedicated shuttle depending on the season. Be sure to check the schedule and timetables on the page go to the lake in Canada : Services and schedules may vary throughout the season.
Cycling can be a convenient way to get between green spaces, but be mindful of distances, the weather, and the terrain along your route. If you’re arriving late from the airport or leaving early in the morning, a taxi or bus may be a better option.
Where to park and where to stay?
When looking for a place to stay in Beauvais, choose the downtown area if you want to get around on foot, the area around the train station if you’re arriving by train, or neighborhoods near the airport if your flight leaves very early. The area around Place Jeanne-Hachette is the most convenient for quick access to restaurants, shops, and the cathedral.
If you're coming by car, check the city's official sources for parking regulations, rates, and availability before you arrive, especially on market days or when events are taking place.
When is the best time to visit Beauvais?
Spring and early fall offer the best balance. Temperatures are generally pleasant for walking, the Maladrerie Gardens are coming back to life, and the downtown area is less exposed to the intense heat. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Canada Lake, but some activities are seasonal, and cultural sites may adjust their hours.
Winter is a great time for a trip focused on cathedrals, museums, and exhibitions. You just need to plan for shorter days and check the Maladrerie’s closing dates.
Hours, Prices, and Reservations
Before you leave, always make sure to:
- the cathedral's hours and the astronomical clock's shows; ;
- the MUDO's gallery hours and current exhibitions; ;
- the period of free admission to the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare; ;
- Corolis shuttle service to the airport, the lake, and La Maladrerie; ;
- the rules for swimming, rentals, and recreational activities at Canada Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beauvais
What is there to do in Beauvais?
The highlights include Saint-Pierre Cathedral, its astronomical clock, the city center, the MUDO (Oise Museum), and the Saint-Lazare Leprosarium. For a break in nature, check out Canada Lake or Marcel-Dassault Park.
What to see in Beauvais in one day?
In the morning, visit the cathedral, the clock tower, and the historic district; in the afternoon, choose between the MUDO and the Maladrerie. If the weather is nice and you have some extra time, finish up with the Canada Lake.
Why is Beauvais Cathedral famous?
It is famous for its bold Gothic architecture and for its 48.50-meter-long vaulted choir. Left unfinished after a turbulent architectural history, it also houses two astronomical clocks, including the large clock by Auguste-Lucien Vérité.
Is it possible to visit Beauvais without a car?
Yes, the main attractions in the city center are within walking distance of the train station. To get to the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare and the Canada Lake, use the Corolis network, a taxi, or a bike, depending on the schedule and the season.
How long does it take to visit Beauvais?
One day is enough to see the major must-see attractions; two days allow for a more thorough exploration. The second day is a good time to visit the Maladrerie, the parks, the Canada Lake, and the surrounding area.
What can you do in Beauvais when it rains?
Focus on the cathedral, the astronomical clock, the MUDO, and the Quadrilatero. These cultural sites are close to one another, making it easy to plan a fulfilling day out regardless of the weather.
Is Paris-Beauvais Airport close to downtown?
The airport is located in Tillé, outside the center of Beauvais; therefore, transportation must be arranged. Line 6 of the Corolis network connects the airport, the train station, and downtown. Be sure to check the schedule for your travel date before you leave.
Conclusion
Visiting Beauvais means discovering a city whose cathedral sets the tone, but doesn’t tell the whole story. From the Gothic choir of Saint-Pierre to the automatons of the astronomical clock, the collections at the MUDO, the ruins of the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare, and walks along the Plan d’Eau du Canada, the city is perfect for both a cultural getaway and a more leisurely weekend.
If you’re wondering what to do in Beauvais, stick to a realistic itinerary: explore the historic center in one day, then visit the green spaces and more distant sites the next day. This is the best way to appreciate the contrasts of this city in the Oise department, from its architectural heritage to its craftsmanship and urban nature.
