Three years ago, on a trip to Portugal, I met a lady who used to work in a news agency as the chief international editor. A year after I met her again while in England and Scotland. We had a loose conversation about making photos on sightseeing trips. She told me (quite bluntly, probably used to criticize the young and inexperienced) that it was not essential to make overall views unless I wanted to make a reportage. That what counts these are the impressions. Although I still keep a habit of documenting the whole trip, I try to have in mind her words and to be blunt, I enjoy it. Below some photo impressions from the French Beauvais.

BEAUVAIS – A HISTORICAL NOTE

Beauvais has a long and rich history dating back to the Roman era, when it was known as Caesaromagus. During the Middle Ages, Beauvais was an important center of the woolen textile industry and the seat of a powerful bishopric. One of the most notable events in Beauvais’ history was the building of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in the 13th century. The cathedral was designed to be the largest in France, with a height of 153 meters. However, due to structural problems and financial difficulties, only the choir and transept were completed, leaving the cathedral with a distinctive and unusual appearance.

During the Hundred Years’ War between France and England in the 14th and 15th centuries, Beauvais suffered greatly. The city was sacked several times and much of its architecture and infrastructure was destroyed. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Beauvais experienced a period of relative peace and prosperity, during which time many of its most impressive buildings were constructed, including the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Beauvais became an important center of the textile industry once again, specializing in the production of fine tapestries and carpets. The city also played a significant role in the French Revolution, with many of its citizens actively participating in the revolutionary movement.

During the World War II Beauvais was subjected to bombing raids by Allied forces, particularly in the lead-up to the Normandy landings in June 1944. Many buildings, including the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, had suffered damage during the war and required extensive repairs. The historical city of Beauvais is big and to some extent reconstructed after World War II bombings. But some parts are preserved as they used to be hundreds of years ago.

GALLERY OF PHOTO IMPRESSIONS

A view onto the enormous Gothic cathedral of Beauvais seen from a street with well-preserved old buildings. Buildings constructed of half-timbered walls are typical for this part of Europe. It is one of my favorite pictures from last year’s trip to France.

A wall of one of the houses in the street on the photo above. The half-timbered walls are filled in a very decorative way. The style is rather unusual.

And yet another one, less decorative but typical for this part of France.

Half-timbered houses houses are a type of building construction that were common in Europe during the medieval period, specifically between the 12th and 16th centuries. These buildings are characterized by their wooden frames, which are filled in with materials such as brick, stone, or plaster, often arranged in decorative patterns like herringbone or chevron. The technique of half-timbering allowed for the construction of sturdy yet flexible structures, which could better withstand the natural movements of the ground and changes in temperature and humidity. The wooden frame is left visible on the exterior of the building, creating a distinctive pattern of exposed timbers, often referred to as “black and white” when dark-stained wood contrasts with white infill. This method was not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, and it became a hallmark of medieval European towns and cities.

The main square of the city known as the Place Jeanne Hachette. Place Jeanne Hachette is surrounded by a blend of historical and modern architecture, reflecting the town’s medieval origins and its evolution over the centuries.

Jeanne Hachette (the lady with an ax) – a local female hero. A statue that can be seen in the main square of the city.

Jeanne Hachette, also known as Jeanne Fourquet, was a French heroine who lived in the 15th century. She was born in Beauvais and is best known for her heroic defense of her city against foreign invaders. In 1472, the city of Beauvais was under attack by the troops of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. The invading army had breached the city walls and was advancing toward the center of town. Jeanne, who was a resident of Beauvais, picked up a pike and rallied the women of the town to defend their homes and families. According to legend, Jeanne rallied the townspeople by shouting “Aux armes, citoyennes!” (“To arms, citizenesses!”) and led a charge against the invading army. She is said to have killed one of the enemy soldiers with her own hands, and her bravery inspired the people of Beauvais to fight back and ultimately drive the invaders out of the city.

Still of old half-timbered houses in the quarter around the cathedral. On both photos, it is the same house but seen from the opposite perspectives. The house is located Abbé Gelée Street and dates back to 15th century. It was originally built in 1410.

The house was reconstructed in the late 20th century by the Association “Maisons Paysannes de l’Oise“. The house opened to the public in 1994 and now serves as an exhibit space. “Maisons Paysannes de l’Oise” is an association dedicated to the preservation and restoration of rural and vernacular architecture in the Oise department of France. Founded in 1965, the organization focuses on saving and maintaining traditional buildings that are integral to the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

The cathedral from the front side.

Inside the cathedral – the extraordinary stained glass work. The window is Gothic style, quite different from the one in the picture below that represents the Roman style of architecture and belongs to the Roman part of the Cathedral that was not replaced by the Gothic structure.

The Beauvais Cathedral was never really finished. It is neighboring the elder Roman church that was never incorporated into the cathedral. The photo shows a window typical of the Roman style of architecture.

The old Grand Hall, today converted into a museum

XVI century carpentry supporting the roof of the old Grand Hall.

The Old Grand Hall (la Vieille Halle) in Beauvais is a historic building that dates back to the 12th century. Originally built as a covered market, the Old Grand Hall was a hub of commerce and trade during the medieval period. It was used for buying and selling a wide range of goods, including textiles, food, and livestock. Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations and modifications. In the 16th century, a new roof was added. The roof carpentry of the Old Grand Hall in Beauvais is considered a masterpiece of medieval timber framing. It is a complex network of wooden beams and trusses that support the building’s roof and create its distinctive shape. It is made up of a series of intersecting gables, each with its own pitched roof. The large wooden trusses that span the length of the building. These trusses are supported by wooden pillars and braces, which help to distribute the weight of the roof evenly. Today, the roof carpentry is carefully maintained and preserved to ensure its continued longevity.