The village of Gerberoy is located towards the west of the Oise department of northern France (hence in the Picardy region). It is found close to Rouen (to the west), Amiens (to the north-east) and Beauvais (to the east).
Explore Gerberoy
Officially classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', Gerberoy is best known for its picturesque 17th-18th century cottages. Many of these are half-timbered while others are built in traditional brick.
The narrow streets and alleys through the village also contain an abundance of flowers and gardens (especially roses and wisterias) that line the streets and clamber up the buildings.
Together these elements combine to make Gerberoy a very attractive village to explore with the period from late spring to the end of July the best time to visit if possible, to see the flowers at their best. Even better, visit on the third Sunday in June when the Gerberoy flower festival takes place.
Interestingly, the transformation of the village from quiet backwater to popular tourist attraction took place at the start of the 20th century and was due to one man, an artist called Henri le Sidaner. Sidaner moved here and planted roses both in his own garden, elsewhere in Gerberoy, and around the ruined fort, starting a trend among the villagers and the re-birth and rediscovery of this once important medieval town.
Today you can visit his lovely terraced garden which is laid out in various colour themes. He has also added a kiosk based on the 'temple of love' built for Marie Antoinette in the Trianon gardens. This has been built on the ruins of the ancient fortress that once defended Gerberoy.
Even today you are likely to see artists following in Sidaner's footsteps and quietly painting pictures of the pretty streets.
Apart from the pleasures of simply strolling through Gerberoy, there are also a few historical buildings to see, including the 15th century Collegiale Saint-Pierre. The houses in Rue du Logis du Roy are some of the oldest in the village. The Maison Henri IV sheltered Henri IV when he was hurt in a battle in 1591.
In the centre of the village is the Hotel de Ville. Underneath is the covered market, and above the market is a small museum featuring items relating to the history of Gerberoy. No 7 Rue Henri le Sidaner was once the home and workshop of Henri Le Sidaner.
You can also follow the walk around the ramparts that originally defended Gerberoy, from where you get a good view of the terraces of Le Sidaner's garden.
It is hard to believe now but up until the 15th century Gerberoy was the scene of many battles and onslaughts. It sits on the ancient border between Normandy, which was once English, and France. The village was surrounded by ramparts and entered only through a fortified stone gateways which still remains.
At the top of the village the fortress dominated the village but little now remains. Instead the fortress forms a suitable site for Le Sidaner's lovely Italian style garden.
Attractions nearby
While you are here you can visit the small town of Lyons-la-Foret, a pretty town to the south-west of Gerberoy.
If you are looking for something more exciting, the children will enjoy a visit to the theme park at Parc Saint-Paul, south-east of Gerberoy and near the town of Beauvais.
Explore elsewhere in the North East France. You can find more travel ideas in the Oise guide and the Picardy guide.
Photos of Gerberoy
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Arrange a visit to Gerberoy
Hotels in Gerberoy
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Map of Gerberoy and places nearby
Visit near Gerberoy with France This Way reviews
Parc Saint-Paul
Parc Saint Paul is one of the most popular theme parks in the north of France
Parc Saint-Paul guide
Beauvais
In Beauvais you can see the important (if often rebuilt and renovated) cathedral with its famous astronomical clock and several medieval houses
Beauvais guide
Lyons-la-Foret
The half-timbered buildings in the village of Lyons-la-Foret make it one of the prettiest places in Normandy
Lyons-la-Foret guide
Chateau Gaillard
The evocative ruins of Chateau Gaillard, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, are one of the most imposing sites in Normandy
Chateau Gaillard guide
Amiens Cathedral
The 13th century cathedral in Amiens is a fabulous example of gothic style architecture and the tallest cathedral in France
Amiens Cathedral guide
Amiens
As well as the remarkabe gothic style cathedral which attracts most visitors, Amiens also has several other sites of interest and museums
Amiens guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Oise
Tourist classifications for Gerberoy
Gerberoy is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Gerberoy, Songeons, Beauvais, Picardy, 60380, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 49.535, longitude 1.850556
Plan your visit to Gerberoy, Oise
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye Saint Germer de Fly (Saint-Germer-de-Fly): religious monument (11 km)
- Mureaumont: ville fleurie 4* (12 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale des Larris et Tourbières de Saint-Pierre-es-Champs: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Forêt du Parc de Saint-Quentin: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Parc Saint Paul: theme park (16 km)
- Plan d'eau du Canada: site of natural beauty (18 km)
- Cathédrale Saint Pierre (Beauvais): religious monument (20 km)
- Beauvais: ville fleurie 4* (21 km)
- Forges-les-Eaux: recommended detour (24 km)
- Hortillonnages d'Amiens: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Parc du château de Digeon: remarkable garden (27 km)
- Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais de Gisors (Gisors): religious monument (29 km)
The French version of this page is at Gerberoy (Francais)