What to do in Oise: essential activities less than an hour from Paris

The Oise is a concentration of castles, forests, villages of character and preserved natural sites less than an hour from Paris. Between Senlis, Chantilly, Compiègne, the villages of Pierrefonds and Gerberoy, the villages of Pierrefonds and Gerberoy, the large forest areas, the Sacy marshes or even the leisure parks, the department offers many ideas for outings for a weekend or a short stay. Les Cabanes des Grands Chênes, on the Château de Raray estate, are one of the possible starting points for exploring the surrounding territory, at your own pace.

Emblematic cities: Senlis, Chantilly and Compiègne

A stay in Oise often starts with the discovery of its three flagship cities.

Senlis seduces with its medieval atmosphere, its cobbled streets, its cathedral and its ramparts. People come here to stroll, visit museums and enjoy the atmosphere of a small town on a human scale, only a few kilometers from the surrounding countryside.

Chantilly is inseparable from its castle, its renowned museum and its gardens. Between visiting the castle, discovering the park and the large stables, and a gourmet break around whipped cream, the city offers a full day combining culture and walking.

Compiègne, a former royal and imperial residence, offers a castle, museums, beautiful old neighborhoods and direct access to a vast national forest. It is an ideal stop if you like to combine history, architecture and long shaded walks.

Villages of character and unusual heritage

Oise is not limited to its big cities: its villages and more confidential sites are among the most beautiful surprises in the department.

In Pierrefonds, the neo-Gothic castle dominates the village and its pond. This fortress restored in the 19th century offers a spectacular setting, which appeals as much to architecture lovers as to families looking for an exotic outing.

Gerberoy, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, can be discovered by taking your time. Half-timbered houses, flowery streets, intimate gardens: everything invites you to stroll, especially on sunny days.

Other places complete this heritage: The House of the Stone, located in a former underground quarry, the Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp and its majestic ruins or the Armistice Clearing, a place of memory dedicated to the armistices of 1918 and 1940. So many ideas for visits to compose a rich and varied stay.

Forests, hikes and major natural sites in the Oise

Oise is a department of forests and water, ideal if you are looking for nature activities.

The forests of Halatte, Ermenonville and Compiègne offer hundreds of kilometers of trails for walking, cycling or horseback riding. Some loops lead to viewpoints, natural curiosities or Gallo-Roman remains, others run along ponds and rivers for more contemplative walks.

The swamps of Sacy constitute one of the largest wetlands in the country, with remarkable biodiversity. The Etang des Aulnes, in Longueil-Sainte-Marie, is popular for fishing, picnicking and days at the water's edge. The Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park, in Ermenonville, offers an English-style park landscape, punctuated by factories, viewpoints and paths inspired by the philosophy of the 18th century.

Between hikes, wildlife observation and breaks at the edge of the ponds, it is easy to organize a stay where you spend more time outside than on the road.

Family activities and thrills in Oise

The department is particularly suitable for families, thanks to a wide range of fun activities.

Amusement parks like The Sea of Sand offer shows and attractions surrounded by nature, in an exotic western atmosphere. Tree climbing parks — Like Grimp at the Arb — allow you to test your vertigo on various routes in the trees, just a few dozen minutes from the main tourist sites.

To vary the pleasures, all-terrain electric scooter rides are organized around certain villages, while equestrian centers offer horseback riding in the forest, accessible to beginners as well as experienced riders. These activities are naturally added to castle visits, hikes and gourmet breaks to build a complete program.

Gourmet workshops and local crafts

Oise can also be discovered through its producers, its breweries and its artisans.

Local breweries organize tastings and workshops around food and beer pairings. Distilleries offer guided tours, initiations to the distillation of gin, pastis or even whiskey, often punctuated by guided tastings.

Other workshops allow you to get your hands dirty: pastry classes to leave with your creations, craft courses such as jewelry or stained glass in partnership with specialized platforms. These experiences are a perfect complement to more traditional visits and offer great memories to bring back.

Where to sleep to explore the Oise: the Cabanes des Grands Chênes Chênes

To bring all this program together without multiplying the changes of accommodation, it is convenient to choose a central point of departure. In Raray, in the heart of the Oise — Pays de France Regional Natural Park, Les Cabanes des Grands Chênes offer comfortable tree houses, nestled in a vast forest surrounding Raray Castle. The huts, some equipped with a private Nordic bath, combine the comfort of high-end accommodation and the feeling of sleeping in the middle of nature. The domain, labeled “Accueil Vélo” and committed to an environmental approach, makes it easy to reach the emblematic cities, villages of character and the major natural sites of Oise, while finding a peaceful atmosphere in the trees in the evening.

Program ideas for a weekend in Oise

Over two or three days, it is possible to combine several facets of the department without haste. A first day can be devoted to an emblematic city — Senlis or Chantilly — complemented by a walk in the forest. A second day can take you to Compiègne, the Armistice Clearing or Pierrefonds, depending on your heritage desires. A third day, if you extend your stay, allows you to explore the Sacy marshes, enjoy a leisure park or book a gourmet or craft workshop.

By centralizing your accommodation in the same place, you can enjoy the best of Oise while maintaining a smooth pace: visits during the day, moments of calm at the end of the day, and the freedom to adjust the program according to the weather and your desires.

Key Information

• Emblematic cities to discover: Senlis, Chantilly and Compiègne.
  
  
• Villages of character: Pierrefonds and Gerberoy, as well as sites such as the Maison de la Pierre and the Abbey of Ourscamp.
  
  
• Large natural areas: forests of Halatte, Ermenonville and Compiègne, Forests of Halatte, Ermenonville and Compiègne, Marais de Sacy, Étang des Aulnes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park.
  
  
• Family activities: leisure parks, tree climbing, all-terrain electric scooters, horseback riding and hiking.
  
  
• Gourmet and craft workshops: breweries, distilleries, pastry classes, Chantilly workshop, jewelry, stained glass.
  
  
• Recommended central accommodation: Les Cabanes des Grands Chênes, comfortable tree houses on the Château de Raray estate.
  
  

FAQS

What are the essential activities in Oise for a first stay?
For a first stay, it is recommended to combine an emblematic city (Senlis, Chantilly or Compiègne), a visit to a village with character such as Pierrefonds or Gerberoy, a walk in the forest and possibly a gourmet workshop or a fun family activity.

Where to go in Oise to enjoy nature?
The large forest areas of Halatte, Ermenonville and Compiègne, the swamps of Sacy, the Etang des Aulnes or the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park offer varied landscapes for hiking, biking or simple walks in the fresh air.

Which cities to visit first in Oise?
Senlis for its medieval charm, Chantilly for its castle, gardens and equestrian heritage, and Compiègne for its royal and imperial history are a trio of essential stops to include in your itinerary.

Is Oise suitable for family stays?
Yes, the department offers many activities for all ages: castles, leisure parks, forests, tree climbing, horse riding, hiking and fun workshops. It is an easy destination to organize for a weekend or a short family vacation.

What type of accommodation should you choose to visit Oise?
Central accommodation, close to Senlis and Chantilly, makes it possible to limit trips. Les Cabanes des Grands Chênes, in Raray, offer comfortable tree houses in the heart of a natural park, with easy access to the main sites of the department.

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