Crépy-en-Valois offers two distinct focal points for a stay: cultural history, with its museum, abbey and preserved buildings, and outdoor experiences in its parks. To enjoy both, you can choose from a one-hour walking tour, a route for hiking and mountain biking, and a range of park activities.
A Museum with Two Historical Perspectives
The Musée de l’Archerie et du Valois has been recognised as a Musée de France since 17 September 2003. Its themes range from the development of the bow from prehistory to the present day to archery traditions found around the world and deeply rooted in the Valois. The museum also preserves sculptures of sacred art dating from the late 13th to the 20th century. The history of the bow and sacred art spanning several centuries thus offer distinct cultural points of interest.
Historic Buildings and Their Dates
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 and the warming room, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is also an extensive network of underground galleries. The Chapelle Saint-Aubin was built around 1170–1180 by Thibault III de Crépy-Nanteuil. The Porte Saint-Agathe dates from the 18th century and is one of two surviving town gates. Crépy-en-Valois has thirteen historic monuments in total.
Today, the surviving parts of the collegiate church of Saint-Thomas of Canterbury are 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 is closed to the public for works (as of 21 August 2026). Check access arrangements again before your visit.
Two Parks, Different Ways to Enjoy Nature
Parc Sainte-Agathe lies in the heart of the historic centre. Woodpeckers and squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) regularly find shelter in the hollows of its old trees. Parc de Géresme offers something different: this 21-hectare public urban park is recognised by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux as a refuge for biodiversity. Visitors can walk, picnic and observe the local fauna and flora. The park also has a fitness trail. Together, these features range from the hollows of old trees in the historic centre to a variety of ways to spend time outdoors.
Walking Tours and Getting Around
“Flânerie au cœur de Crépy-en-Valois” is a one-hour walking tour with a clearly defined time frame. For a different kind of outing, the “De l’Automne à la Sainte-Marie” route starts at Crépy-en-Valois SNCF station and is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The best option for your stay depends in part on whether you are looking for a timed walking tour or a route for hiking or mountain biking.
For planning, the Office de Tourisme du Pays de Valois offers guidebooks, tourist maps, walks, plans and hiking information. The Musée de l’Archerie et du Valois can be reached on Mobi Line 1, with stops at Michel Dupuy and République. Check the connection details again before setting off.
Dates to Consider When Planning Your Trip
If a festival fits your travel plans, take note of the Fête des cochons de Crépy: a tourism brochure from April 2025 lists it as an annual event held on the last weekend in August. Check the programme for your travel year. When choosing a hotel in Crépy-en-Valois, you can start by deciding what matters most: the museum and architectural history, nature and park activities, or a stay that takes in both.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Belle-Eglise, Pierrefonds, Cressonsacq, Bresles, Villeneuve-Sur-Verberie, Chamant, Cires-lès-Mello, Liancourt-Saint-Pierre.
For the main travel overview: Oise.
