Charming village of Beauvaisis, Saint-Paul flourishes in a luxuriant nature. Composed of hamlets relatively scattered in the countryside, the town is a real haven of peace. Becquet, the most important hamlet, combines sports and school facilities as well as shops. A resplendent resort, resourcing is the order of the day. The hills, bristling with forest, rub shoulders with the meadows punctuated with groves. In this verdant landscape, water is also part of the game. The territory is crossed by Avelon which gives its name to the valley where the village is installed. Many rus come to complete the picture of this place where nature is definitely queen. One of them, the ru of Boyauval, passes not far from a fountain to the denomination charged with mystery: the fountain of water that boils. Ferruginous springs mark the countryside. The clay soil is not conducive to cultivation, but it is the happiness of ceramists, potters and tiliers. Further on, we find chalk and sandstone. It is in the XIth century that the village appears in the history, date when its church is built. The village thrives through the ages to arrive today as we know it.
It is in a bucolic landscape that lovers of nature will be delighted to meet in Saint-Paul. 16 kilometers of itinerary are proposed to walkers who will sink into the woods of the valley where a succession of diversified landscapes will unfold as their footsteps. It is through the wood of Froidmont, natural protected area, and the 45 hectares of communal wood, that the circuits unfold. Along the roads you will probably meet the locals. A varied fauna and flora await you in a magnificent setting where calm reigns supreme, far from the tumults of big cities. Near the hamlet of Becquet, the ponds dispute your favors. It is good to stroll along the shady banks while watching the ducks frolic in the water. The fishermen, casual or confirmed, will find there also their happiness. Just throw his line and wait patiently as the fish bites to the hook. It is also the place where painters like to exhibit their canvases. The beauty and calm of nature attract, indeed, all sorts of artists. Painters, writers or potters are lulled by the inspiration diffused by Mother Nature. And from time to time, the Van Hollebeke square, deliciously shaded, becomes the theater of an exhibition of vintage cars.
The rhythm changes and nature disappears to the delightful attractions of Park Saint-Paul. The amateurs of thrills will be filled all the same as the children who will no doubt find the rides to their taste. No less than 39 attractions are offered to the public. Each day you can attend four different shows, to catch your breath between two rides. On the water, on land or in the air, the attractions follow one another and offer you maximum sensations.
Finally, the aficionados of the old stones will find their pleasure in visiting two monuments. The old abbey, dating from the sixth century, has changed several times of destination over time. At first oratory, it was then an abbey of Benedictines from 1036 to 1792, to become, in turn, a prison, a barracks and finally a faience factory. Today, the restored building is open to the public. The ensemble also includes the portal of the abbey church dated 1042, a pigeon house of 1699 and the hostellerie des Dames. The latter is the oldest building in the Oise. The ruins of the abbey church are listed in the Historic Monuments. The church dating from the 11th century is also worth the detour. It has a splendid painted wooden arch.
Every Sunday morning, the market is held from 7h to 13h under the market in the hamlet of Becquet. The friendly place welcomes many stalls where cheerful fruits and vegetables rub shoulders with butchers and cheeses. This is an opportunity to fill your grocery basket, but also to discover the local produce and immerse yourself more in the culture of the village. It is the place where one discusses and laughs while shopping. The atmosphere is warm and the good mood is wise. For a little, it would stay well all day.
