Maladrerie Saint-Lazare, Medieval leprosarium in Beauvais, France.
The Maladrerie Saint-Lazare is a medieval complex with three sections: a farm to the north, monks' quarters with a Romanesque chapel in the center, and patient housing to the south. The layout reveals how a medieval facility for treating leprosy was organized and operated.
The facility was founded in the 12th and 13th centuries to care for those with leprosy and provide them shelter. It remained under church administration for centuries and was one of the few institutions of its kind in the region.
The medieval garden displays herbs and plants that monks once grew and used in caring for the sick.
The site is within walking distance of the city center and sits in a quieter neighborhood away from the busier parts of town. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as pathways cross uneven ground, especially throughout the garden areas.
The location regularly serves as a venue for arts festivals that blend historical ruins with modern performance. This transformation shows how medieval sites continue to serve as active spaces for contemporary creative expression.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.