Dating in the Oise, old towns and Picardy flavours

Beauvais and its unfinished cathedral

Saint-Pierre Cathedral of Beauvais holds the tallest Gothic choir in the world, left unfinished out of over-ambition. A visit leaves you speechless, eyes raised to vertiginous vaults. Right next door, the departmental museum occupies the former bishop’s palace. A date mixing art and architecture, followed by lunch on Place Jeanne-Hachette, extends the discovery pleasantly.

Noyon and towns of character

Noyon, where Charlemagne was crowned in 768, charms with its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and its cloister. Further south, Clermont and Pont-Sainte-Maxence preserve fine old houses. Creil, by the Oise, has embraced contemporary art. All day-trips that break the routine nicely: a ride, a walk and a coffee.

Markets and Picardy flavours

The markets of Beauvais, Senlis, Compiègne and Chantilly delight food lovers: leek flamiche, maroilles cheese, Noyon white sausage, craft beers. In the Oise, people know how to share a good table. On Lyad, members share their village addresses and outing ideas; it is up to you to find someone to raise a glass with.