🇫🇷 Beauvais Cathedral: France’s Ambitious Gothic Giant
#westerneurope
The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Beauvais is one of France’s most awe-inspiring yet unfinished marvels. Known for having the tallest Gothic choir in the world, this cathedral is a bold symbol of medieval ambition, architectural brilliance, and the delicate balance between glory and gravity. It may not be complete, but what stands is breathtaking.
📍 Address: Place Jean XXIII, 60000 Beauvais, France
🕰️ Opening Hours:
• Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:15 PM
• Sun: 2:00 PM – 5:15 PM (may vary on holidays)
🎫 Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
🏰 What to See at the Cathedral:
• ⛪ The Choir: Soars to 48 meters — the tallest of any Gothic structure in the world
• 🕰️ Astronomical Clock: A masterpiece of mechanics with 90,000 parts and intricate moving figures (free guided presentations available)
• 🏗️ Unfinished Nave: Ambitious plans collapsed multiple times — a humbling lesson in architectural risk
• 🌈 Stained Glass Windows: Bright and detailed — some date back to the 13th century
• 📜 Historical Exhibits: Panels inside explain the cathedral’s turbulent construction history
🌟 Tips:
• 🕓 Check for clock showtimes — the 19th-century astronomical clock is best viewed during demonstrations
• 📷 Best light for photography: late afternoon, when the sun hits the stained glass
• 🚉 Easy day trip from Paris — ~1 hr 15 mins by train
• 💡 Combine with a walk through Beauvais old town, or visit MUDO – Musée de l’Oise nearby
• 🧭 Less crowded than major cathedrals — peaceful and atmospheric
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