Holidays in France

Located in the west of Picardie, the department of Oise has something to offer any visitor. There are historical towns, buildings and important sites, dating from medieval times to the First World War. Families will be well entertained by the major amusement parks in the region, while horse lovers are well catered for with several equestrian centres. Other outdoor activities can also be enjoyed in the region's forests and lakes.



Beauvais

The highlight of the medieval town of Beauvais is the unfinished St Pierre cathedral, started in the 13th century and abandoned 300 years later. However, the architect and designers still had time to create the highest chancel in all of France, some exquisite stained glass windows and an amazing astronomical clock, with over 90,000 moving parts, which still works today. The town of Beauvais is also famous for the production of tapestries, many of which hang in the greatest houses and museums across Europe. The National Tapestry Museum is found in Beauvais, near to the cathedral, putting on a number of specialist temporary exhibitions as well as its permanent collection.


Amusement Parks

There are two amusement parks in the south of Oise that children and adults of all ages will enjoy. The famous Asterix park is inspired by the famous comic strip characters and features many cheap fairground rides and roller coasters, while the Mer de Sable park nearby is situated on a giant inland sand dune. It also features rides as well as live shows and entertainment. Both parks are located on the edge of the Oise-France Regional Nature Park, which can provide more sedate entertainment for those who don't enjoy thrill rides. The three forests that make up the Park are ideally suited for walking, biking and horse riding, and there are a number of trails of different lengths and difficulties that you can follow. The four Commelles Lakes are man-made bodies of water that also provide visitors with peaceful natural scenery and the opportunity to explore the buildings that the monks left behind too.

Not only can fans of equestrianism take a ride on a horse themselves, but they can also visit the famous town of Chantilly, where the famous races the Prix de Diane and the Prix du Jockey Club are held every June. There is a large stable in the town that trains top class racehorses and visitors can take tours around the Living Horse Museum, which often holds temporary exhibitions and shows.

The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Gites in Oise and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.

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