Prefecture hotel of Oise, Departmental Prefecture and historical monument in Beauvais, France.
The Prefecture hotel of Oise is an administrative building in Beauvais built on former abbey structures with stone walls and red bricks. The structures combine baroque and neoclassical architectural styles.
The site was originally founded in 1069 as an abbey and underwent major changes later. During the French Revolution it was converted into a factory, before becoming a prefecture in 1824.
The building preserves a chapel from the 12th century and walls from an 11th-century abbey church. These remains show the religious past of the place, which you can still see in the architecture today.
The building is accessible from the main street of Beauvais and the various administrative services are spread across different areas. Keep in mind that this is an active administrative complex, so it is best to check ahead.
The prefecture garden is listed in the pre-inventory of notable gardens and displays a collection of modern artworks. This blend of historical grounds and contemporary art creates an unusual contrast that many visitors overlook.
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