Beauvais Cathedral
Religious Site Gothic cathedral with Europe's tallest medieval choir vaults
Beauvais Cathedral in northern France is noted for its exceptionally high Gothic choir vault and an unfinished nave. Visitors study the audacious engineering and the 19th‑century astronomical clock inside.
Beauvais Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Peter) is a Gothic cathedral in Beauvais, northern France, notable for its exceptionally high choir vault. Construction began in the early 13th century with an ambitious plan that was never completed.
The cathedral’s choir reaches a vault height of about 48 metres, which is among the highest in Gothic architecture. Large-scale structural failures during and after construction-including a partial collapse in 1284 and later structural problems-left the building without a completed nave and contributed to its unfinished character.
Construction, collapse and rebuilding episodes in the 13th and 16th centuries reflect the cathedral’s history of ambitious engineering and repeated failure to complete the original plan. The site also contains notable clocks and later restorations.
Beauvais Cathedral stands in the town of Beauvais in the Oise department, north of Paris, and dominates the local skyline.
- Tallest Gothic choir vault: Holds the tallest Gothic choir vault in Europe at approximately 48 metres, a record reached by the unfinished cathedral choir.
How to Get to Beauvais Cathedral #
Beauvais is about 75 km north of Paris and reachable by train from Gare du Nord to Beauvais station (roughly 1-1.5 hours); local buses and taxis connect the station to the cathedral, a short ride into the town center.
Tips for Visiting Beauvais Cathedral #
- Climb to the vault level if open-the choir was intended to be the tallest Gothic vault but the structure remains unfinished and fragile.
- Check openings for the medieval stained glass; small fragments survive and are easy to miss.
- Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain-the cliffside approach and surrounding streets can be slick.
Best Time to Visit Beauvais Cathedral #
Visit in spring or summer for better weather; winter visits offer quieter interiors but colder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Beauvais Cathedral #
Beauvais Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (664 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
