Just a few kilometres north of Paris, the Parc naturel régional Oise-Pays de France stretches out like a giant, verdant tapestry. The Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park is a protected area, with an expanse of forestland over 20,000 hectares, offering a secluded haven for exploration and rejuvenation. This breath of fresh air, just a short journey from the bustle of the city, can be accessed easily by road, rail or air, thanks to the nearby airports of Roissy-CDG and Beauvais. The Parc is a captivating blend of nature and culture, a refuge for wildlife and a treasure trove of history.
The vast forests of the Parc are a tapestry of oaks, beeches and hornbeams, their branches reaching for the sky, providing shade for the hazelnut, holly and hawthorn trees that carpet the forest floor. The parc offers a sanctuary for a diverse array of animals: Roebuck, does, foxes, badgers, owls, bats, spiders and insects all find refuge here, making the Parc a haven for biodiversity.
The Parc naturel régional Oise-Pays de France is a true embodiment of France’s rich history. It is a place where the legacy of past inhabitants, from the Sylvanectes Gauls to the Romans, can be found. Traces of their presence are visible in the form of menhirs, arenas and oppidums. The Parc is also dotted with charming villages, each a testament to the region’s enduring traditions. The cobblestone streets, the flower-filled squares, the traditional washhouses and wells are all reminders of a bygone era, a time when life moved at a slower pace. These villages are surrounded by cultivated fields, forming a picturesque landscape that seems to have stepped out of a painting.
But the Parc’s history is not just about humans. It is also a testament to the enduring power of nature. The numerous streams and rivers that flow through the Parc, from the Trois Forêts massif to the chalky hills, from the wetlands to the heathlands, create a mosaic of unique natural landscapes. Every corner of the Parc offers a different perspective, a new vista.