France: Beauvais – Bishop’s Palace & More
The town of Beauvais is not just about the UNESCO-listed cathedral. Right next to it stand a spectacular Bishop’s Palace, built in the 16th century on the sight of an old Roman fortress. It’s a museum now – Musée de l’Oise – with beautifully landscaped gardens and an amazing building full of gargoyles and statues. Also in Beauvais is the 11th century Saint-Étienne Church, a Romanesque-Gothic structure with elaborately carved portals. Also in town are the ruins the Collégiale de Saint-Barthélemy, a church from the 10th century, destroyed by bombing in WWII. And last but not least – a large and atmospheric Place de Halles square.
