Oise in PicardyThe Oise was once the very cradle of France and still harbours many of its old values and traditions. Here kings and noblemen cultivated an exquisite way of life. With its immense forests, châteaux and cathedrals, half-timbered houses, sporting and leisure activities and meandering rivers, it could be hundreds of miles from Paris … instead of a mere 45 kilometres.
Although not usually seen as a holiday destination, its peace and quiet, its beauty and cultural diversity make the Oise an ideal place for a break. The department of the Oise is like a breath of fresh air on the very doorstep of Paris !
The Jewels in the Crown
Renowned for its builders, the Oise has no less than 3 cathedrals. Gothic architecture literally reached its highest point in Beauvais, whose cathedral boasts the “tallest Gothic chancel in the world”. From the château of Chantilly to the imperial palace of Compiègne, not forgetting the imposing castle of Pierrefonds, no less than 300 châteaux were built between the reigns of François I and Napoleon III. Today many of them are home to superb museums. In the Condé museum, housed within the château of Chantilly, is the second largest collection of paintings in France after that of the Louvre !Defying the march of time, some towns are like living museums. The royal town of Senlis is one such and visitors can tour it by horse and carriage to admire its narrow cobbled streets and stone houses.
Fun & Entertainment
The Oise has a number of theme parks of interest to young and old alike. They range from the oldest, the “Mer de sable” (inland desert) to the famous Parc Astérix (2nd largest theme park in France), not forgetting the Parc St Paul very popular with families and young children.The Oise offers an unending stream of public celebrations, events and shows - horse racing (Prix de Diane Hermès, Prix du Jockey Club), rainbow coloured nights (the Nuits de Feu de l'Oise international fireworks competition), towns that reveal their secrets for a weekend (the Rendez-Vous de Septembre) and the joys of nature (Red Fruit Festival).
Breathe in the fresh air of the Oise
The Oise is the green lung of the Ile de France region, with its 120,000 hectares of ancient forests, amongst the loveliest in France. There are 13 national hiking trails (Grandes Randonnées). 12 signposted cycle tracks including the very pleasant one from Compiègne to Pierrefonds. Around Chantilly, France’s most important equestrian centre, a dozen horse riding schools offer lessons and rides.There are 10 golf courses, including two of the oldest and finest in France. Invest in a Golf Pass which will get you playing on 4 courses all very close to each other, as well as giving you a discount on individual green fees.
Enjoy its great food
The cuisine of the Oise is based on natural products, on a certain lightness of touch and a refinement, perfectly symbolised by Chantilly cream. Did you know that this smooth, sweet cream dish was created in 1663 by Vatel, right in the château of Chantilly? You can still try the original recipe at the Hameau in the middle of the château park. On the first Sunday of July there is a red fruit festival at Noyon. You can however enjoy local specialities all year round (foie gras, mushrooms, wild game, watercress, fresh water fish..).
Villages and traditions : our living heritage
A host of villages nestling amidst hilly fields in a seemingly timeless landscape.The Oise is a land of craftsmen who continue the old traditions – pottery in the Pays de Bray (Pottery museum at La Chapelle-aux-Pots), mother-of-pearl in the Vexin Thelle (museum of Mother-of-Pearl and ‘Tabletterie’ at Méru), and brush-making (Brush-making Museum and Mill at Saint-Félix),At Crépy en Valois archery is still practised as it has been since the Middle Ages and its history is traced in the local Archery museum. Nearby in the green valley of the river Automne, along a 35 km stretch, stand 35 towers – church, chapel and abbey – ranging from the simplest Romanesque through to the most flamboyant Gothic. Further West are villages with ceramic tile covered houses, others with stone and cob houses, the most famous of which is Gerberoy, classed as one of the 100 loveliest villages in France.Visit our website : www.oisetourisme.com
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| 29/09/2011 Freedom of the city of London for ABTOF Member |
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| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Online |
The winning article from the online category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Sharron Livingston
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| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Magazines |
Winner of the magazine category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Eve Kerswill
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| 24/08/2011 Le Weekend 20 & 21 August 2011 |
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| 02/11/2010 Collection of Snippets from ABTOF members 1st Nov |
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Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
October (Annual)
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Paris
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| Held at the world-renowned Longchamp racecourse, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees equine athletes from around the world competing to take away the €4 million prize fund, making it the world's most richly rewarded turf race. |
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Paris Gay Pride
June (Annual)
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The romantic, enchanting city of
Paris celebrates Gay Pride at the end of June with a massive parade that draws more than 500,000 spectators and participants as well as a series of parties, balls, and other lively events.
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Rallye Paris - Deauville
October (Annual)
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| The Paris - Deauville rally is an annual event which sees the gathering and exhibition of pre-1940s vintage cars, cabriolets and coupés. |
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Carnaval de Paris
February
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Paris, Ile-de-France
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Parisians ome out in force to participate in this cheerful annual procession, which runs from the Rue le Vau to the Hôtel de Ville.
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Chinese New Year Parade
January - February
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Paris -Throughout the 13th arrondissement in Paris
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| Chinese New Year in Paris has become one of the city's most popular annual events. Paris has a large and thriving French-Chinese community whose cultural influence grows stronger all the time. |
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