Local Life and Culture

Immerse yourself in French life in the heart of Hauts-de-France

Studying at Hexagone Aviation School is about much more than just learning to fly or training in aviation. It’s also about enjoying a unique cultural experience in a vibrant and welcoming city. Located near Beauvais, our school allows every student to discover a rich region, an authentic culture, and a high quality of life on a human scale.

Beyond the classroom and flight simulators, local life plays a crucial role in our students' personal well-being, academic achievement, and social integration. Therefore, we encourage every individual to engage with their surroundings, explore the local area, establish connections, and forge lasting relationships with residents and fellow students.

A Human-Scale City,
Vibrant and Accessible

Beauvais and its surrounding region provide a living environment exceptionally well-suited for students. Its manageable size, optimal accessibility from Paris, and a cost of living significantly lower than major metropolitan areas make it a strategic choice for those seeking to balance professional ambition with a comfortable lifestyle.

Local amenities, markets, shopping centers, sports and cultural facilities, efficient public transportation, and abundant green spaces ensure an independent and enjoyable lifestyle. Whether one prefers the tranquility of the Oise riverbanks or the vibrancy of the city center, everyone can find a living environment that suits their preferences.

Beauvais also has an international airport, a well-connected train station, and intercity bus routes that make daily commutes and weekend getaways easy.

A Rich and Diverse Cultural Life

Beauvais is much more than just a quiet town. It boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, notably the famous Saint-Pierre Cathedral, recognized as one of the tallest in the world. Throughout the year, the city also hosts numerous cultural events that enliven local life and offer students opportunities to relax, explore, and socialize.

Highlights include:

  • The Pianoscope Festival, dedicated to classical music every fall
  • ASCA (Argentine Neighborhood Cultural Association), which offers concerts, independent films, exhibitions, and workshops
  • Elispace, a performance venue hosting comedians, international artists, and sporting events
  • TheMaladrerie Saint-Lazare, an iconic medieval site, also offers a diverse program of events, including exhibitions, concerts, markets, and guided tours.

By exploring these places, students immerse themselves in the local culture, meet new people, and fully enjoy an enriching cultural experience during their studies.

Beauvais City Hall - Local Culture

Aeronautical Cultural Heritage in Beauvais and its Surroundings

For aviation and history enthusiasts, Beauvais is ideally situated near museums dedicated to the history of civil and military aviation.
Here are some must-visit sites: 

Jacques Maillard Aviation Museum

Located a few kilometers from Beauvais, the Jacques Maillard Aviation Museum in Warluis is a treasure for history and aviation enthusiasts. Founded by Jacques Maillard, this private museum showcases the evolution of civil and military aviation, featuring a unique collection of artifacts, aircraft models, and historical documents. The museum offers an immersive dive into the history of global conflicts and allows visitors to discover the aircraft that flew over the Beauvais region during these periods. This immersive visit traces the major milestones of aviation and the region's role in global events.

  • Highlights: Period artifacts, aircraft replicas, historical documents, regional context of global conflicts
  • Location: Warluis, 10 km from Beauvais
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Air and Space Museum - Le Bourget

Approximately 70 km from Beauvais, the Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget is one of the largest aeronautical museums globally. This historic site offers a journey through the history of aviation and space exploration, featuring diverse collections ranging from early aircraft to modern rockets. Among its most iconic exhibits are the Concorde, the Ariane rocket, and a Boeing 747. Simulators and interactive exhibits enhance the experience, making it ideal for all ages.

  • Highlights: Concorde, Ariane rocket, Boeing 747, simulators, diverse collection
  • Location: Le Bourget, 70 km from Beauvais
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Somme 1916 Museum and Great War Aviation Circuit

In Albert, approximately 85 km from Beauvais, the Somme 1916 Museum is dedicated to World War I, with a particular focus on military aviation. This museum features period aircraft replicas, artifacts, and immersive exhibits that highlight the critical role of aviation during the conflict. It offers a captivating and educational visit for those wishing to explore military history interactively.

  • Highlights: Period aircraft replicas, immersive exhibits, detailed historical documents
  • Location: Albert, 85 km from Beauvais
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The Museum of the Epic of Industry and Aeronautics

Also located in Albert, the Museum of the Epic of Industry and Aeronautics pays tribute to the early days of military aviation during World War I. This museum showcases a unique collection of period vehicles, artifacts, and documents, illustrating the initial innovations in military aviation. With its aircraft replicas and artifacts, it allows visitors to explore the technical challenges and advancements made during this historical period.

  • Highlights: Collection of period vehicles, documents on Great War aviation, technical innovations
  • Location: Albert, 85 km from Beauvais
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Historical and Architectural Heritage of Beauvais

Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Beauvais' Saint-Pierre Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring an impressive vault that rises 48 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world. Constructed in the 13th century, it houses a unique astronomical clock with 90,000 components and animated figures. Its vibrant stained-glass windows and remarkable architecture make it an unmissable monument, exemplifying the grandeur of French Gothic art.

  • Highlights: Impressive Gothic vault, unique astronomical clock, vibrant stained-glass windows
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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Episcopal Palace and the Quadrilatère

Located in the heart of Beauvais, the Episcopal Palace is a former residence of bishops that has been transformed into a cultural space. It now houses the Quadrilatère, a venue dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions and artistic events. With its elegant architecture, this building serves as a space where Beauvais' historical heritage converges with the modernity of contemporary art.

  • Highlights: Elegant architecture, exhibition space, contemporary art
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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Medieval Quarter and Gallo-Roman Remains

Beauvais' medieval quarter offers a journey into the past, featuring cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and Gallo-Roman remains scattered throughout the city. Strolling through this district, visitors will discover evidence of Beauvais' ancient history, marked by centuries-old architecture. This quarter transports visitors through different eras, preserving the charm of bygone periods.

  • Highlights: Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, historical remains
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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Museums and Cultural Centers of Beauvais

MUDO - Oise Departmental Museum

The MUDO – Oise Departmental Museum, housed in the former episcopal palace, showcases a remarkable collection of artworks spanning several centuries, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Its galleries feature paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects that trace the region's artistic history, while also providing an overview of the evolution of arts in France.

  • Highlights: Works from the Renaissance to the 19th century, sculptures, historic setting within an episcopal palace
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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National Tapestry Gallery

The National Tapestry Gallery is a unique venue dedicated to textile art and weaving traditions. It exhibits contemporary and historical tapestries, celebrating the expertise of local artisans and innovative textile creations. The gallery highlights the region's cultural richness and its history in the art of tapestry.

  • Highlights: Textile artworks, weaving techniques, regional heritage
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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Artistic Scenes and Performances in Beauvais

Théâtre du Beauvaisis

The Théâtre du Beauvaisis serves as the heart of Beauvais' cultural life, offering a diverse program of performances ranging from theater and dance to concerts and visual arts. Hosting nationally and internationally renowned artists as well as emerging talents, this theater is a dynamic platform that enriches the local artistic scene.

  • Highlights: Diverse programming, theater, dance, concerts, visual arts
  • Location: Beauvais city center
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Beauvais Festivals

Beauvais hosts several annual festivals, including the International Cello Festival, which attracts world-renowned musicians, as well as film and contemporary art festivals. These events bring together artists and culture enthusiasts, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere throughout the city all year long.

  • Highlights: Music festivals, cinema, contemporary art, festive atmosphere
  • Location: Beauvais, various city center venues
Visit the website
Pianoscope Festival

The Pianoscope Festival is a must-attend event for piano and classical music enthusiasts, held every autumn in Beauvais. Founded by the renowned pianist Boris Berezovsky, this festival offers a diverse program of concerts, featuring both international artists and promising young talents. Pianoscope highlights the world of piano in all its forms, from recitals to collaborations with other artistic disciplines, in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Highlights: High-level programming, international artists, intimate atmosphere
  • Location: Beauvais, various city center venues
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ASCA (Argentine Quarter Cultural Association)

The ASCA is a dynamic cultural center located in the Argentine Quarter of Beauvais, dedicated to promoting arts and culture. It offers an eclectic program, including concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops. ASCA plays an essential role in local cultural life by providing a space for expression for local artists and organizing events accessible to all, fostering exchange and sharing.

  • Highlights: Concerts, cinema, exhibitions, space for local artists
  • Location: Argentine Quarter, Beauvais
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Maladrerie Saint-Lazare

The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is a unique historical and cultural site in Beauvais, formerly a medieval leprosarium, now converted into a venue for exhibitions and performances. This center hosts a variety of artistic events, contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, all within an exceptional architectural setting. The Maladrerie offers a rich cultural experience, deeply connected to the region's history and heritage.

  • Highlights: Medieval architecture, art exhibitions, artistic events
  • Location: Beauvais, city outskirts
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Elispace

The Elispace is a multi-functional venue that hosts a diverse program, ranging from concerts to sporting events and public shows. With its significant capacity, the Elispace is one of Beauvais' primary entertainment venues, attracting nationally and internationally renowned artists for memorable performances. It is an essential destination for enthusiasts of music, sports, and large-scale events.

  • Highlights: Concerts, shows, sporting events, large capacity
  • Location: Beauvais, near the city center
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Local Life and Traditions

Beauvais Markets

The Beauvais markets are essential meeting places where one can discover local products, regional specialties, and local crafts. With a friendly atmosphere, these markets allow residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the region's flavors and traditions, while supporting local producers.

  • Highlights: Local products, regional specialties, friendly atmosphere
  • Location: Beauvais, Place des Halles and city center
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Traditional Events

Beauvais hosts numerous traditional events, such as Christmas markets, the annual medieval festival, and seasonal fairs. These events immerse visitors in the city's warm and festive atmosphere, while allowing them to discover local customs and regional artisanal specialties.

  • Highlights: Festive atmosphere, local crafts, cultural traditions
  • Location: Beauvais, various city center venues
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Nature and Relaxation around Beauvais

Canada Lake and Beauvais Gardens

The Canada Lake is an ideal natural space for an outdoor relaxing break. It offers various activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking, while the Beauvais Gardens provide a calming atmosphere in the heart of the city with their landscaped designs and well-maintained green spaces.

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Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The surroundings of Beauvais are ideal for outdoor activities, with hiking trails and cycling paths that traverse the Picardy countryside. These areas allow nature enthusiasts to discover the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, offering an escape into nature, far from the urban hustle.

  • Highlights: Hiking, cycling, countryside landscapes
  • Location: Beauvais and its surroundings
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Suggestions for visits
for a cultural day in Beauvais

  • Begin with a visit to Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the astronomical clock.
  • Explore the MUDO – Musée de l’Oise to delve into regional art.
  • Visit the National Tapestry Gallery to appreciate local craftsmanship.
  • Conclude with a musical evening at ASCA or a performance at Elispace.

With this diversity of venues and activities, Beauvais and its surroundings offer a rich cultural experience, blending history, art, music, and heritage for all tastes.