Discover Crépy-En-Valois

Crépy-En-Valois lies in the heart of the Automne Valley (Vallée de l’Automne). When planning your stay, you can choose between two distinct focuses: the Valois region’s architectural and collection history, or green spaces with opportunities for walking and observing nature. This lets you decide whether historic sites, art and archery traditions, or time in the park will shape your visit.

Art and architectural history

The Musée de l’Archerie et du Valois has been recognised as a Musée de France since 17 September 2003. Its collection includes sacred art sculptures dating from the late 13th to the 20th century. The museum also traces the development of the bow from prehistoric times to the present day and explores archery traditions that are widespread around the world and deeply rooted in the Valois region. A visit to the museum thus spans a long period of history while focusing on a subject closely connected to the region.

The history of the area can also be read in its other buildings. Chapelle Saint-Aubin was built around 1170–1180 by Thibault III de Crépy-Nanteuil. Saint-Arnoul Abbey was founded in 1008 to house the relics of Saint Arnoul. Its partially restored remains include a cloister gallery, the chapter house, the parlour, a warming room dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, and an extensive network of underground galleries.

Porte Saint-Agathe dates from the 18th century and is one of the two surviving town gates of Crépy-En-Valois. The surviving parts of the collegiate church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury include its 50-metre-high bell tower, part of the façade and the first bay of the nave. Following a partial collapse in 2019, the site of the collegiate church is closed to the public while work is carried out. Check the latest status before planning a visit.

Parks and nature

Parc Sainte-Agathe lies in the heart of the historic centre. It is home to mature trees with cavities that are regularly used by woodpeckers and squirrels. The park therefore combines a location in the historic centre with a specific connection to nature. For visitors interested in tree cavities and the habitats they provide, this offers a distinct focus alongside the town’s buildings.

Parc de Géresme covers 21 hectares and is recognised by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux as a refuge for biodiversity. Activities mentioned there include walking, picnicking, and observing wildlife and plants. A fitness trail also runs through the park. Compared with the historic focus of Parc Sainte-Agathe, this park emphasises its size, biodiversity and range of leisure activities.

Walks and routes

For a walk, there is the one-hour route “Flânerie au cœur de Crépy-en-Valois”. The “De l’Automne à la Sainte-Marie” route starts at Crépy-En-Valois SNCF railway station and is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

The Office de Tourisme du Pays de Valois offers guidebooks, tourist maps, walks and plans, as well as information about hikes. These materials can help you choose a suitable walk or hike as you plan your trip. The “De l’Automne à la Sainte-Marie” route starts at the station; the town’s visitor information also lists Mobi line 1, with stops at Michel Dupuy and République, for the Musée de l’Archerie et du Valois. Check service details before travelling.

Discover more destinations

You may also like: Compiègne, Romescamps, Maignelay-Montigny, Allonne, Litz, Avilly-Saint-Léonard, Mouy and Saint-Quentin-des-Prés.

Return to the main travel overview: Oise.