We recently spent some time in and around Beavuvais (an hour outside Paris). As part of the trip we spent a day in Beauvais itself and had time to sample what it had to offer.

Market

When we arrived in Beauvais it was a Sat morning and the market was in full swing. We had time to wander round the market admiring the cheese, wine and olives and work up an appetite.

Walking

We spent the majority of the day wandering round and looking at the sights such as the cathedral and palace (in the images below).We must have walked for about 7 hours that day round the town a few times and backwards and forwards round the churches and cathedral. You need time to explore here but perhaps a full day was too much and we found we were walking for something to do rather than because we wanted to see a particular place or thing.

The culture bit

Beauvais cathedral is an impressive Gothic sight and staring straight up to the roof gives a massive feeling of space and height that a photo just can’t do justice to! The cathdral is home to the Organ of St Sulpice and the Astronomical clock.

Eating

Finding somewhere to eat and drink is as easy as your would expect. We found a fantastic cheese restaurant where cheese, bread and wine were exactly what we were looking for. Ironically, this can’t have been too common a request as it took several tries to get the waiting staff to believe that’s all we wanted and for the neighbouring table to stop laughing at us (did I mention the people aren’t the most friendly..?) Still, despite the difficulty and laughing we got the meal we wanted and I like ot think we had the last laugh too!

Would I go back?

I would love to go back to the area surrounding Beauvais as we were there for such a limited time. I’d go back to Beauvais for the market, stock up on good food and wine then go back to our farmhouse for a BBQ and to eat all the food!

My tips

• Ensure everything you would like to see is open as in March there were several attractions closed for winter.
• Know some French!
• Wear good walking shoes.

I recently found myself agreeing to a visit Beauvais in France. I knew nothing about Beauvais and had no idea of it’s location other than it being an hour or so from Paris.

As my friend and I had been to Paris we decided to stay away from there for this visit and to see Beauvais instead. Between arriving and leaving we had approximately 30 hours, this is where we chose to stay.

We left booking until two weeks before our arrival. We thought we’d be stuck in some grotty last-minute hotel on the outskirts of town. Nothing was further from the truth.

We ended up in a youth hostel in St Sulpice which was the picture of French living. Our rooms were spotless and homely and the living area was massive.

The hostel sleeps 14 and would be the ideal location for a family holiday/get together.

Food and Breakfast

The owners were great. We asked for a bottle of wine which they brought over with three bowls of snacks. You just wouldn’t get the personal touch in a hotel.

In the morning you have breakfast in the owners dining room and it’s amazing. The food is fresh with gorgeous bread and pastries and homemade preserves (even banana jam!).

Would I go back?

When I go back it will be with friends, lots of wine and good food. It will also be for longer, at the very least a long weekend! I would spend my Sat in Beauvais choosing nice wine, cheese and bread from the market before heading back to devour it all in the sun with friends!

Value for money?

The lift from the airport, lift back to the train station, bed, breakfast and wine cost in the region of £30 each for one night.

Links

Visit Les Glycines St Sulpice

Tip : St Sulpice is smaller than you may think. If you plan on going out for a meal when you arrive you won’t. The only option is to ask to stop on the way back from the airport. I believe the owners can provide dinner if you request it in advance. For us it was wine and snacks but a massive meal in the airport made this a decent alternative!