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The major tourist attraction of the department is the Parc Astérix, which opened in 1989. Another very interesting site is Beauvais Cathedral.
Also to be seen is the Chateau de Pierrefonds, restored by Viollet-le-Duc.
Major towns and cities include
Beauvais
Beauvais lies at the foot of wooded hills on the left bank of the Thérain at its confluence with the Avelon. Its ancient ramparts have been destroyed, and it is now surrounded by boulevards, outside which run branches of the Thérain. In addition, there are spacious promenades in the north-east of the town.
In the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and in the old streets near the cathedral there are several houses dating from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries. The hotel de ville, close to which stands the statue of Jeanne Hachette, was built in 1752. The episcopal palace, now used as a court-house, was built in the sixteenth century, partly upon the Gallo-Roman fortifications.
Chantilly
Chantilly is made famous by the very picturesque Château de Chantilly, home of the princes of Condé, cousins of the kings of France. Chantilly is also known for its horse racing track, the Chantilly Racecourse, and the Living Museum of the Horse, with luxurious stables built by the Princes of Condé.
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