Beauvais’ history and its surroundings
Beauvais is a town located in northern France, approximately 67 kilometers from Paris. It is home to the Beauvais-Tillé airport, which offers daily flights to destinations such as London, Dublin, and Marrakech. This area was one of the most significant cities in the Gallic kingdom. The name Beauvais has several Latin names attributed to its origin, including Civitas Bellovacorum, Caesaromagus, Belvacum, and Bellovacum. Beauvais has been the birthplace of notable personalities, including Vincent de Beauvais, Villiers de l'Ile-Adam, and Lenglet-Dufresnoy, who have made their mark on the history of the city and France as a whole.
The city of Beauval has uncovered remains from the Palaeolithic and Bronze Age. As the main place of arms of the Bellovaques, the city fell in 57 BCE. Before the Roman conquest, Beauvais was the capital of the Bellovaques tribe, one of the most significant tribes of Gaul, making it an essential location for the Gallic kingdom. The Bellovaques resisted the Romans for more than ten years, leaving a significant mark on the history of the country. The tribe eventually surrendered to the Roman emperor in 46 BCE. Beauvais was one of the forty-nine cities that formed the Bagaudes confederation in the 4th and 5th centuries to resist the abuses of imperial Rome.
At the current location of the city, Beauvais had temples, a theater, and arenas during the Roman occupation. At some point, the city was known as Caesaromagus, which means Caesar's castle or palace in English.
The true name of Beauvais is Bellovaques, which was modified into the form Belvacus or Belvagus, resulting in the final name of Beauvais. On the impulse of the Emperor Constantine during the medieval period, who encouraged the population to convert to the Catholic religion, Beauvais saw the birth of an important religious tradition. A mendicant convent was established in the east of the city, in the middle of a working-class neighborhood. Initially deprived of goods, they gradually became wealthy and played a significant role in the city of Beauvais.
Beauvais is one of the French cities that adopted the textile industry. It became a world-renowned exporter of cloth and developed the trade in woolen fabrics and exported sheets. However, this industry began to decline with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Beauvais was one of the localities that received the railway very late.
During the Second World War, Beauvais played the role of a hospital city, as it did between 1914 and 1918. However, at the beginning of June 1940, the city was attacked by the Luftwaffe, and bombs caused a gigantic fire. Two-thirds of the city was in flames, and half of the houses were destroyed. The city suffered greatly, losing almost all of the vestiges of its past during this black period between the two wars.
The reconstruction efforts focused on highlighting the local architecture, as 80% of the houses were destroyed. It was important to avoid imagining a new urban development of 1940. During the reconstruction years, it was necessary to rebuild public buildings, hospitals, and educational establishments. The redevelopment plans improved urban traffic in the region. However, it was not until the 1960s that the reconstruction was completed, and new cities were built on the plateaus, restoring dynamism to the city with new industries.
Beauvais, a touristic point known for its historical monuments
The city of Beauvais has a mark on the ground installed to identify itself among the most remarkable monuments of the city. Beauvais is particularly appreciated for its architectural and historical heritage consisting of cottages and religious monuments of the Gothic style. The important architectural heritage, as well as the nearby airport, gives the city of Beauvais an international reputation from a tourist point of view. Here is a list of the monuments to visit :
Notre-Dame de la Basse-Œuvre
Carolingian-style church located at the foot of St. Peter's Cathedral, it was built during the 5th century. The church was rebuilt in the 13th century, consecutively to the reconstruction of the choir. This church had almost been destroyed before being classified among the historical monuments of the world. It is not mentioned in any text and is not dedicated to any saint-patron.
Saint Peter’s Cathedral
An unfinished work classified as a Historic Monument, the present building dates back to the first half of the 13th century and was built on the remains of the 10th century one. Inside a cathedral, the Auguste-Lucien Vérité's Astronomical Clock is a must-see. Built in the 19th century, it reveals a decoration composed of nearly 70 characters animated on a stage of the Last Judgment. The Jessé Tree stained glass windows with a blue chromatic dominance, are equally interesting. It has an eclectic architecture mixing a Romanesque nave and a Gothic choir reconstructed in the 16th century. Adds to the eccentricity of the building.
Where to stay in Beauvais, not far from the airport ?
A trip planned to Beauvais? Remember to book your accommodation in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises on site. As one of the most popular travel destinations in France, the region has few luxury hotels which consequently suffers from the success of their region. Here are a few.
Hôtel de la cathédrale
Located in the heart of the region, the Hôtel de la Cathédrale remains one of the benchmarks for travel accommodation in Beauvais. It is a 3-star establishment that shines with its authenticity. Behind its somewhat old facade hide comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking family rooms with free Wi-Fi. Enough to ensure the comfort of all travelers. This establishment is one of the few in France that accepts pets, without supplements.
Hôtel Mercure Beauvais Centre Cathédrale
Another alternative would also be the Mercure Beauvais Center Cathédrale hotel. The latter benefits in particular from a more than strategic location that appeals to passing tourists. It is in fact close to the various tourist attractions of Beauvais. This is a modern hotel both inside and out that offers not only stunning views of the area, but also elegant and comfortable rooms furnished with care and featuring private air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi will also be available throughout the establishment, throughout your stay. Here you can take the mind as well as the body. The chefs offer various local specialties to the residents in the restaurant of this establishment.
Visit the MUDO - Musée de l'Oise in Beauvais
Major cultural equipment of the Departmental Council of Oise, the MUDO-Museum is located at the foot of the Beauvais cathedral. It is installed in the former episcopal palace of Beauvais, which became a courthouse and then a museum at the end of the 20th century. After a riot in 1305, the King of France ordered the bourgeois of Beauvais to compensate Simon de Nesle, episcopal lord. This compensation allowed him to build a fortified entrance gate flanked by two towers. With its 14th century doorway depicting musical sirens and fragments of paving as well as its 14th century doorway, it is a real remarkable architectural ensemble. Several artists have contributed to its decoration, modern art by Raoul Dufy, Henri Le Fauconnier, Félix Vallotton, Francis Picabia, Jean Dupas, Robert Lotiron, Zoum Walter; the staircase by Maurice Denis and the Art Nouveau dining room by Liège artist Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. In a building built in the 12th century on the Gallo-Roman ramparts of the city, the museum has been recently renovated. He knew how to enhance the historic heritage with contemporary developments. Since January 25, 2015, he has presented a selection from his 19th century collection, including selections by Camille Corot, Alfred Sisley, Paul Huet and Prosper Marilhat, as well as ceramics by Jules-Claude Ziegler and Auguste Delaherche. In the old sitting room, you will find an impressive unfinished painting by Thomas Couture "The Enlistment of Volunteers of 1792". Your visit will end under the gaze of the Virgin of Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, a selection of painted sketches and sculpted models expressing the revival of religious art of the time. Apart from that, the museum also organizes each year temporary exhibitions devoted to contemporary artists or artistic movements linked to the collections. Little ones can participate in workshops, conferences. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesday and certain public holidays.
How to go from Beauvais to Orly by car ?
To get from Beauvais to Orly quickly in your van, you have to take the A16, join the N104, then the A1, the A3 and the A86.
