Oise department

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Oise County

Located just 40 kilometers from Paris, the department ofOise in the Hauts de FranceIt offers an exceptional wealth of cultural and natural treasures. With its historic towns, varied landscapes and delicious gastronomy, the Oise region is a must-see destination for heritage and nature lovers, among others. departments of France.

Main towns in the Oise department

Visit Oise department is home to a number of important towns that stand out for their heritage, dynamism and natural surroundings. Visit Oise's five main townsDiscover them for their history, culture and tourist attractions.

Beauvais - The historical and cultural capital

Presentation

Beauvais is Oise prefecture and one of the department's most emblematic towns. It's known for its medieval heritage and vibrant culture.

Main attractions

  • Saint-Pierre de Beauvais Cathedral An unfinished Gothic masterpiece, renowned for the world's tallest choir.
  • Astronomical clock Located in the cathedral, it fascinates with its complexity and detail.
  • National Tapestry Gallery The city's emblematic textile art.
  • Maladrerie Saint-Lazare Former medieval hospital, a unique heritage site.
  • Parc Marcel Dassault : Ideal for a family outing.

Local specialities

Beauvais is known for its artisanal shortbread and its local products sold at the Saint-Quentin market.

Compiègne - Imperial city and legendary forest

Presentation

Situated on the banks of the River Oise, Compiègne is famous for its imperial castleits role in history and its magnificent forest.

Main attractions

  • Château de Compiègne Former royal and imperial residence of Napoleon I.
  • Compiègne Forest The "Clairière de l'Armistice": Ideal for hiking and cycling, it is home to the "Clairière de l'Armistice".
  • Clairière de l'Armistice Historic site where the 1918 Armistice was signed.
  • Town Hall Magnificent Gothic building, witness to the town's rich past.
  • Museum of Historical Figurines Perfect for military history buffs.

Local specialities

Compiègne's restaurants feature regional dishes such as ficelle picarde and the Maroilles.

Senlis - Medieval city and royal heritage

Presentation

Senlis is a former royal town that charms with its medieval centerwith its ramparts and historic ambience.

Main attractions

  • Notre-Dame de Senlis Cathedral A remarkable Gothic gem.
  • Gallo-Roman ramparts Testimony to the town's ancient past.
  • Museum of Art and Archaeology : Presents works from Prehistory to the XIXᵉ century.
  • Halatte Forest An unspoilt setting, perfect for nature walks.
  • Old cobbled streets Ideal for a walk through the heart of the Middle Ages.

Local specialities

Senlis is renowned for its handcrafted macaroonsa delicious sweet speciality.

Chantilly - The city of horses and refinement

Presentation

Chantilly is a elegant cityrenowned for its majestic castlehis racecourse and, of course, the famous Chantilly cream.

Main attractions

  • Chantilly Castle Château Condé: Home to the Condé Museum, it is one of France's most beautiful châteaux.
  • Grandes Écuries and Musée du Cheval A world reference in equestrianism.
  • Chantilly racecourse One of France's leading horse racing venues.
  • Chantilly Forest Perfect for walking or horseback riding.
  • Le Potager des Princes A remarkable garden to delight young and old alike.

Local specialities

  • Chantilly cream An essential sweet treat.
  • Game and forest products Very present in local cuisine.

Creil - Industrial town and economic crossroads

Presentation

Creil is a industrial and working-class townlocated on the banks of the river Oise. It plays a key role in the département's economy, thanks to its rail network and commercial activity.

Main attractions

  • Musée Gallé-Juillet : A testament to the XIXᵉ century with its art and ceramics collections.
  • Île Saint-Maurice A pleasant setting for waterside walks.
  • Saint-Médard Church A historic monument in the heart of the city.
  • Saint-Leu-d'Esserent leisure center A place for relaxation and nautical activities.

Local specialities

Creil, although more urban, offers a cuisine influenced by the culinary diversity of its inhabitants, with markets offering local and international products.

Major tourist sites in Oise

The Oise region is home to many tourist attractions that bear witness to its rich past and natural beauty. Here is a selection of the must-sees.

  • Chantilly Castle : This jewel of Renaissance architecture is surrounded by sumptuous gardens and houses the Musée Condé, rich in works of art. ​

  • Parc Astérix : Located in Plailly, this amusement park on the theme of the famous comic strip offers thrills for all the family. ​

  • Beauvais Cathedral : Renowned for having the world's highest Gothic choir, this cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. ​

  • Compiègne Forest : Ideal for hiking, this historic forest is also the place where the 1918 Armistice was signed. ​

  • Royaumont Abbey : Founded in the XIIIᵉ century, this Cistercian abbey is a place of culture and serenity. ​

Landscapes and towns of Oise

The Oise offers a diversity of landscapes, from dense forests to agricultural plains and picturesque valleys. The department's towns and villages reflect this natural and historical wealth.​

  • Beauvais : Prefecture of the Oise department, this town is famous for its Saint-Pierre cathedral and its astronomical clock.​

  • Chantilly : Renowned for its chateau and Grandes Écuries, the town is also a mecca for French equestrianism.​

  • Senlis : This medieval city is enchanting with its cobbled streets, ramparts and Notre-Dame cathedral.​

  • Pierrefonds : Dominated by its fairytale castle, the town offers an idyllic setting on the banks of the lake.​

Region and surrounding departments

The Oise region is surrounded by departments with a wide range of attractions, offering enriching opportunities for discovery.​

  • Sum : In the north, this département is known for the Baie de Somme, one of the world's most beautiful estuaries, and its First World War battlefields.​

  • Aisne : To the east, it is home to historic sites such as Laon Cathedral and the familistère de Guise.​

  • Seine-et-Marne : In the south, this département offers treasures such as the Château de Fontainebleau and Disneyland Paris.​

  • Val-d'Oise : To the west, the region's picturesque villages, such as Auvers-sur-Oise, inspired many Impressionist painters. ​

Gastronomy and specialities of the Oise region

Oise's gastronomy reflects its rich and varied terroir. Here are a few specialities to try during your visit.

  • La ficelle picarde : Pancake filled with ham and mushrooms, baked au gratin.​

  • The beaten cake : A light brioche from Picardy, ideal for breakfast or dessert.​

  • Maroilles cheese : This soft, washed-rind cheese is a veritable institution in the region.​

  • Noyon's red fruits : The town is famous for its strawberry and raspberry crops, used in many pastries.​

Culinary specialities and gastronomy of the Oise: an authentic and gourmet terroir

Visit Oise departmentnestled in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region generous gastronomy that reflects the richness of its terroir. From local produce to traditional recipes and Picardy influences, Oise seduces gourmets with its tasty dishes and local delicacies. Here's a roundup of the must-try specialties to be sampled during your visit.

Traditional Oise dishes

Oise is part of the Picardy region, and shares with it a number of typical dishes. rustic and comforting.

La Ficelle Picarde

A true emblem of Picardy, the ficelle picarde is a crêpe topped with ham, sliced mushrooms and shallotsAll topped with crème fraîche and baked au gratin with cheese. This convivial dish is served as a starter or main course.

Flamiche with leeks

Native to the agricultural plains of northern France, the Picardy flamingo is a tart garnished with creamy leeks. This gourmet pie is often compared to a quiche, but is distinguished by its lightly sweetened brioche dough.

La Rabote Picarde

Visit planer is a simple but delicious traditional dessert. It is a whole apple wrapped in puff pastry or shortcrust pastry and baked in the oven. It can be accompanied by a caramel sauce or a touch of powdered sugar.

The Baie de Somme Salicorne

Although more widespread in the Somme, the glasswort is also consumed in the Oise region in the form of as a salad, condiment or fish accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Oise department

Where is Oise located geographically?

L'Oise is a department in the Hauts-de-Francenorth of Paris. It is surrounded by the Sum, l'Aisnethe Seine-et-Marnethe Val-d'Oise and theEure. Its proximity to the capital makes it an attractive area.

What are the main towns in Oise?

The five main towns in Oise are :

  • Beauvaisthe prefecture, famous for its Gothic cathedral.
  • Compiègnean imperial city with its castle and historic forest.
  • Senlisa medieval city with a well-preserved heritage.
  • Chantillyfamous for its castle, racecourse and Chantilly cream.
  • Creila major industrial and rail hub.

What are the must-see tourist attractions in Oise?

The Oise region abounds in remarkable sites, including :

  • Chantilly castlewith its Condé museum and gardens.
  • Saint-Pierre de Beauvais Cathedralknown for its impressive Gothic choir.
  • Parc Astérixone of the region's star attractions.
  • The forest of Compiègneideal for hiking and rich in history.
  • Royaumont Abbeya peaceful site steeped in spirituality.

What are the culinary specialities of the Oise region?

The gastronomy of the Oise region features such tasty specialties as :

  • La ficelle picardeA crêpe au gratin stuffed with ham and mushrooms.
  • Flamiche with leeksA rustic, gourmet pie.
  • The beaten cakean airy brioche typical of Picardy.
  • Compiègne macaroonsa local almond sweet.
  • Rollot cheesea soft cheese with character.

When is the best time to visit Oise?

The Oise can be visited all year round, but the ideal seasons are :

  • Spring and summer to enjoy gardens, castles and outdoor festivals.
  • Autumn to admire the colorful forests.
  • WinterChantilly and Senlis, for their illuminations and Christmas markets.

What events and festivals take place in Oise?

The department hosts a number of cultural and festive events:

  • The Forest Festival in Compiègne (music and nature).
  • Chantilly Plant Daysa not-to-be-missed event for botany enthusiasts.
  • Beauvais Film Festivalwhich showcases international cinema.
  • The Grandes Écuries de Chantillywith exceptional equestrian shows.

What are the neighboring départements of Oise?

The Oise is bordered by :

  • The Sommeknown for the Bay of the Somme and its First World War historic sites.
  • The Aisnewith the town of Laon and its vineyards.
  • Val-d'Oisewhich offers charming landscapes and artists' villages such as Auvers-sur-Oise.
  • Seine-et-Marnehome to Disneyland Paris and the Château de Fontainebleau.
  • Eurewith its Normandy landscapes and forests.

How to get to Oise

Oise is easily accessible:

  • By car via the A1 and A16 freeways.
  • By train with direct services to Paris, Lille and Amiens.
  • By plane thanks to Beauvais-Tillé airport, which serves several European destinations.

Is Oise a family destination?

Yes, the Oise is ideal for a family holiday with a wide range of activities:

  • Visit Parc Astérix and the Mer de Sable for children.
  • Forest walks and leisure centres (Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, Canada Park in Beauvais).
  • Visits to castles and museums family-friendly.

Where are the best places to go hiking in Oise?

The Oise region boasts some magnificent hiking trails:

  • The forest of Compiègnerich in history and biodiversity.
  • Ermenonville forestideal for nature walks.
  • Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Parka preserved green setting.
  • The Commelles pondsperfect for a relaxing outing.
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