Discovering Oise (Department 60)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Located just north of Paris in the Hauts-de-France region, Oise (department 60) offers an attractive blend of countryside, historic towns and excellent transport connections. Often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Île-de-France or Normandy, Oise combines beautiful forests, impressive châteaux, thriving market towns and easy access to the French capital.
Living in Oise appeals to a wide range of people. Retirees enjoy its peaceful villages and good healthcare, commuters appreciate the quick rail links into Paris, entrepreneurs benefit from its strategic location, and second-home owners find attractive properties in rural settings without being isolated. Whether you're considering moving to Oise, retiring in Oise or simply spending extended periods here, the department offers a practical balance between rural living and modern convenience.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Hauts-de-France |
Historic name | Part of historic Picardy |
Department number | 60 |
Department capital | Beauvais |
Largest towns | Beauvais, Compiègne, Creil, Senlis, Chantilly, Nogent-sur-Oise |
Population | Approximately 830,000 |
Area | 5,860 km² |
Climate | Temperate oceanic with mild summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Families, retirees, commuters, entrepreneurs, remote workers |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside larger towns |
English-speaking community | Moderate, with growing international and expatriate populations |
Lifestyle summary | Historic, green, well-connected and practical with a strong community feel |
Why Choose Oise?
Lifestyle
Oise offers a relaxed lifestyle without feeling remote. Residents enjoy access to countryside, forests and historic towns while remaining close to Paris. Many people work in the capital but choose to live in Oise for its lower property prices and quieter environment.
The pace of life varies depending on location. Beauvais and Compiègne provide lively urban centres, while villages offer a slower rhythm centred around local markets, cafés and community events.
Community
Community life remains important throughout much of Oise. Weekly markets, local festivals, sports clubs and cultural associations provide opportunities to meet neighbours and become involved.
International residents are increasingly choosing Oise because of its proximity to Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport and several international schools nearby.
Scenery
The department is known for its:
Ancient forests
Rolling farmland
Rivers including the Oise
Historic parks
Traditional stone villages
Large country estates
The Forest of Compiègne and Forest of Chantilly are among France's finest woodland areas.
Accessibility
One of Oise's greatest strengths is accessibility.
Residents benefit from:
Fast rail services to Paris
Easy motorway access
Beauvais Airport
Close proximity to Charles de Gaulle Airport
Excellent road connections across northern France
This makes the department particularly attractive for business owners and people who travel frequently.
Food
Traditional Picardy cuisine remains popular.
Expect to find:
Local cheeses
Fresh vegetables
Regional cider
Game dishes
Artisan bakeries
Traditional French markets
The department also benefits from being close to Paris, giving residents access to a huge variety of international food.
Culture
History is everywhere in Oise.
Highlights include:
Royal palaces
Medieval towns
Gothic cathedrals
Horse-racing traditions
Museums
Historic battlefields
Many cultural events take place throughout the year without the crowds found in more tourist-focused areas.
Property
Compared with Paris and much of Île-de-France, Oise generally offers considerably better value.
Buyers can choose from:
Village cottages
Farmhouses
Modern family homes
Townhouses
Character properties
Country estates
Property demand tends to be strongest around Chantilly, Senlis and areas with fast rail connections.
Pace of Life
Life in Oise is generally calm and practical.
You'll still find busy towns with excellent shopping, but most communities maintain a slower pace centred around family life, outdoor activities and local traditions.
Oise Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, peaceful villages and good transport make Oise very attractive. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong schools, parks, sports facilities and family-friendly towns. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Convenient access from the UK and Paris makes weekend visits easy. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strategic location near Paris with lower operating costs. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good internet coverage and excellent transport for occasional commuting. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Extensive forests, walking, cycling and equestrian facilities. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Larger towns offer amenities, but nightlife is quieter than major cities. |
Popular Places to Live
Beauvais
Description
The department's capital combines history with modern services and an international airport.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Entrepreneurs
Advantages
Excellent facilities
Airport nearby
Good shopping
Hospitals
Rail links
Things to consider
Some areas are busier than rural parts of the department.
Compiègne
Description
A beautiful historic town famous for its royal palace and surrounding forest.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
History lovers
Advantages
Attractive town centre
Excellent healthcare
Forest access
Strong local economy
Things to consider
Property can be more expensive than elsewhere in Oise.
Senlis
Description
A charming medieval town with cobbled streets and historic architecture.
Ideal for
Professionals
Second-home owners
Advantages
Beautiful surroundings
Close to Paris
Excellent restaurants
Prestigious atmosphere
Things to consider
Higher property prices.
Chantilly
Description
Internationally known for horse racing and its magnificent château.
Ideal for
Horse enthusiasts
Professionals
Families
Advantages
Easy Paris access
High-quality amenities
Attractive setting
Things to consider
Premium housing market.
Clermont
Description
A friendly market town offering good local services.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Affordable housing
Community feel
Good transport
Things to consider
Smaller employment market.
Crépy-en-Valois
Description
A growing town with excellent commuter connections.
Ideal for
Families
Commuters
Advantages
Rail services
Schools
Shops
Things to consider
Increasing demand has pushed up some property prices.
Noyon
Description
Historic cathedral town with a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for
Retirees
Budget-conscious buyers
Advantages
Character properties
Lower house prices
Rich history
Things to consider
Fewer employment opportunities.
Cost of Living
Compared with neighbouring Paris and much of Île-de-France, Oise generally provides excellent value for money.
Property affordability
Property prices vary considerably.
Villages often offer excellent value.
Areas close to Paris command higher prices.
Character homes remain available at prices that would be difficult to find nearer the capital.
Shopping
Residents benefit from:
Weekly markets
Large supermarkets
Independent shops
Garden centres
Retail parks
Daily shopping costs are generally similar to much of northern France.
Utilities
Utility costs depend on property size and heating type. Older rural homes may require higher winter heating budgets, while newer homes tend to be more energy efficient.
Eating out
From village cafés to fine dining, Oise offers a broad choice.
Lunch menus often provide particularly good value, while local restaurants focus on seasonal ingredients.
General value for money
For many newcomers, Oise strikes an appealing balance between affordability and convenience. Residents enjoy excellent services without the exceptionally high costs associated with living close to central Paris.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of Oise's strengths.
Main hospitals
Major hospitals can be found in:
Beauvais
Compiègne
Creil
Senlis
These provide emergency departments, specialist services and maternity care.
Healthcare availability
Most towns have:
General practitioners
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Medical centres
As elsewhere in France, finding a GP accepting new patients may require some persistence.
Access to specialists
Specialists are available across the department, while Paris offers access to virtually every medical speciality within easy reach.
Pharmacies
Even relatively small towns usually have at least one pharmacy, with larger towns offering extended opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
Registering with the French healthcare system and organising complementary health insurance is recommended soon after becoming resident.
Education
Education standards are generally good throughout Oise.
Schools
The department offers:
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Both public and private options are available.
Colleges
Vocational and higher education facilities serve the department, while universities in nearby Amiens and Paris expand educational opportunities.
International options
Several international and bilingual schools can be reached within commuting distance, particularly towards Paris.
Language schools
French language courses are available through community organisations, private schools and adult education centres, making integration easier for newcomers.
Getting Around
Airports
Beauvais–Tillé Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (nearby)
Paris Orly Airport (within reasonable driving distance)
Rail
Excellent rail services connect:
Paris
Amiens
Creil
Beauvais
Compiègne
Northern France
Commuting by train is common.
Roads
Major routes include:
A1 motorway
A16 motorway
National road network
Driving across the department is straightforward.
Public transport
Larger towns have local bus services, while regional buses connect many smaller communities.
Is a car recommended?
Yes.
Although rail services are excellent, a car provides much greater flexibility, especially if living in villages or rural areas.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Beauvais | Saturday |
Compiègne | Wednesday & Saturday |
Senlis | Tuesday & Friday |
Chantilly | Tuesday & Saturday |
Clermont | Saturday |
Noyon | Saturday |
Crépy-en-Valois | Wednesday |
Creil | Thursday & Sunday |
Local Food & Drink
Oise celebrates the flavours of Picardy.
Local specialities include:
Ficelle Picarde
Flamiche
Maroilles cheese
Local goat's cheeses
Chantilly cream
Apple cider
Pâté de canard
Game dishes
Artisan breads
Honey
Seasonal asparagus
Local beers from independent breweries
Things to Do
Historic sites
Château de Chantilly
Palace of Compiègne
Beauvais Cathedral
Senlis Old Town
Numerous medieval churches
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
Horse riding
Golf
Fishing
Canoeing
Museums
Visitors and residents enjoy museums covering:
Art
Aviation
Horses
Military history
Local heritage
Festivals
Annual events include:
Medieval festivals
Music festivals
Christmas markets
Horse-racing events
Local food festivals
Nature
Popular natural attractions include:
Forest of Compiègne
Forest of Chantilly
Regional parks
River valleys
Nature reserves
Family attractions
Families enjoy:
Animal parks
Adventure parks
Historic castles
Cycling routes
Forest trails
Seasonal events
Good to Know Before You Move
Learning French will significantly improve everyday life, particularly outside the larger towns.
Rural villages can feel quiet during weekdays but often become lively during market days and community events.
Fibre broadband continues to expand and is available in many towns, though speeds may vary in more rural locations.
Oise experiences all four seasons, with mild summers, cool winters and regular rainfall throughout the year.
Some villages have limited public transport, making car ownership highly desirable.
Community associations are an excellent way to meet local people and integrate into village life.
Being close to Paris means some areas experience commuter traffic during peak hours.
Local markets remain an important part of everyday shopping and social life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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