With a fascinating history and a range of quaint towns just outside Paris, Oise is a peaceful contrast to the French capital. Its stunning riverside views and pristine countryside have captured the minds of impressionist painters, most notably Vincent van Gogh. To see what inspired him and others, visit the villages and experience their pastoral charm.
The largest town in the region is Beauvais, which centers on the 13th-century Saint Pierre Cathedral. Admire its gothic style and notice the tall spires of the façade. Get a sense of the beauty surrounding the town with a trip to the Plan d’Eau du Canada, a lake surrounded by undulating grassy terrain.
In the nearby town of Compiègne see Oise’s namesake river. Marvel at the imposing pediment and columns of the Château de Compiègne and visit the Compiègne Hotel de Ville, the Mémorial de l’Internement et de la Déportation and the Musée de la Figurine Historique. Travel to the town’s southeastern outskirts to trek through the Compiègne Forest and see the extraordinary Château de Pierrefonds.
Among the region’s main attractions is the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. Walk along gorgeous riverbanks to understand what inspired the painter and fellow artists including Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Norbert Goeneutte.
Study the vast art collections of the Château de Chantilly. For an activity suitable for the little ones, have fun in the Parc Astérix, with its labyrinth of rides based on the comic books.
Oise lies in the northern outskirts of Paris, in the Picardie region of northern France. Take a train from central Paris to Beauvais or Compiègne to arrive here in about 1 hour. You can also drive, but it’ll take a little longer. If you feel like traveling further, continue toward the northern coast and visit other intriguing towns such as Amiens, Arras and Calais.
The majestic palaces, forests and greenery of Oise combine to leave a lasting impression.