Beauvais was known to the Romans as Caesaromagnus (though the post-Renaissance Latin rendering is Bellovacum) and took its present name from the Belgic tribe of the Bellovaci, whose capital it was. In the 9th century it became a countship, which in about 1013 passed to the bishops of Beauvais, who became peers of France from the twelfth century. At the coronations of kings the Bishop of Beauvais wore the royal mantle and went, with the Bishop of Langres, to raise the king from his throne to present him to the people.

Beauvais' main claim to fame is its fabulous Cathedral of Saint Pierre, dating from the middle ages. Much of the town was destroyed and rebuilt after World War II, but its cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture, once the largest in Christendom, remains intact.

There is a funny tale behind the building of the cathedral. After the Carolingian cathedral was partially ruined by a fire in 1255 the bishops wanted to build something to outdo local rivals by making it taller than any other church. However, the vaults were too tall and collapsed in 1272, were rebuilt and collapsed again in 1284. Thus St Pierre looks unfinished, has no nave or spire, but lovely glasswork, clocks and doorways to make up for it.

Inside, the cathedral has a superb collection of tapestries. A visit to the cathedral is not complete, however, without an inspection of its famous astronomical clock. Built in the 19th century by August Verite, it is said to be the largest in the world.

A short walk from the cathedral, the 16th century Church of St-Etienne is worth a visit. It has some remarkable Renaissance stained glass windows.

The Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie bears testament to Beauvais' important textile industry.

The Musee Departemental de l'Oise, housed in the ancient Bishop's Palace, with its formal gardens exhibits local history, archeology and fine collection of paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th century.

Beauvais is a good base for visits to the nearby 16th and 17th century grands chateaux of Troissereux and Boury-en-Vexin, the medieval town of Gerberoy and the Benedictine Abbey of St- Germer-de-Fly.

Beauvais lies at the foot of wooded hills on the left bank of the Thérain at its juncture with the Avelon. Its ancient ramparts have been destroyed, and it is now surrounded by boulevards, outside which run branches of the Thérain. In addition, there are spacious promenades in the north-east of the town.

Entertainment

The town offers visitors major sporting facilities, a new theatre and arts complex, and a busy street market where you can sample the local wines and food, including the famous goats cheeses of Berry. The market is in place de Halles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

There are plenty of some excellent bars and restaurants. At lunchtime try La Tourtière, 3 rue Ricard which has an excellent selection of savoury and sweet tartes. Le Marignan, 1 rue de Malherbe is a two-tiered eatery: the brasserie downstairs and the well-admired restaurant upstairs.

Sport

Beauvais is rich in leisure and sport facilities and offers many pituresque locations for walking, bike-riding, boating ...

Beauvais is home to AS Beauvais Oise, a soccer club playing in the Championnat National (as of 2006).

Beauvais (Oise) mini guide

Guide point Details
Location: Beauvais is located in the Oise department in the Picardie region in northern France.
Public Transport:

Beauvais is only one hour from Paris by train, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport, 45 minutes away from the town by rail, is popular with discount flight operators who fly there from the UK and Europe. There is a connecting bus from Beauvais airport to Porte Maillot in Paris.
Tourist information website: http://www.beauvais.fr/eng/
Tourist information contact email: ot.beauvaisis@wanadoo.fr
Tourist information switch board number: + 33 (0)3 44 15 30 30
Tourist information address: Tourism office of Beauvais, 1 rue Beauregard, BP 537 Beauvais, France