I thought I had already seen the most photogenic places in France, but nothing could be further from the truth. On a very rainy day, I visit the village of Gerberoy in Picardy, a region that was merged with Nord-Pas-de-Calais a few years ago and is now known as Hauts-de-France. Gerberoy is like an open-air museum; it is filled with centuries-old half-timbered houses whose facades are covered with roses and climbing plants. This medieval gem is definitely worth a visit.
Where is Gerberoy in France?
Gerberoy is located in the Oise department, about 100 kilometers north of Paris. The municipality, which covers an area of 4.5 km² and has around 85 inhabitants, lies in the foothills of the Pays de Bray, a region known for its authentic French countryside charm and rolling, lush landscapes. The views are breathtakingly beautiful. It’s no surprise that several Impressionist artists stayed in this region to find inspiration.
The History of Gerberoy
The history of Gerberoy dates back to the Middle Ages. The village is first officially mentioned in the 11th century. Over the years, Gerberoy has witnessed many historical events. There were moments of glory, such as during the construction of the castle in the 12th century. However, the periods of decline during the Hundred Years’ War were much longer, as Gerberoy was part of the front line between France and England. Due to its high position, the village was an interesting stronghold and was repeatedly exchanged between both countries for decades. During that time, Gerberoy was the scene of many plundering, sieges and attacks. After the Hundred Years’ War, Gerberoy faded into obscurity.
Henri Le Sidaner in Gerberoy
For centuries, Gerberoy seemed to be in a deep sleep. That was until the early 20th century, when the painter Henri Le Sidaner appeared in the village. Henri Le Sidaner was a prominent representative of the Intimism movement in art. He was born in Mauritius in 1862, moved with his family to Dunkirk and studied art in Paris and Étaples. Through his good friend Rodin (the sculptor), Le Sidaner came to Gerberoy. It turned out to be a great source of inspiration for the painter.
What not to miss in Gerberoy? Sights and tips
Simply walking around Gerberoy is enchantingly beautiful, even on a rainy day! The colors of the half-timbered houses, the lush greenery, the winding cobbled streets… it’s truly a joy to stroll through the village. Naturally, there are several spots in Gerberoy worth mentioning; places that have contributed to its inclusion on the list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
The gardens of Henri Le Sidaner
The gardens of Henri Le Sidaner may be the most famous attraction in Gerberoy. After Le Sidaner settled in Gerberoy at the beginning of the 20th century, he immediately began creating the beautiful gardens on the ruins of the old castle. The garden is lushly designed, with many corners featuring colorful flowerbeds, pavilions and pergolas.
Climbing roses in Gerberoy
Henri Le Sidaner left behind more than just his gardens. He proposed to the villagers that they plant climbing roses, a suggestion that was warmly embraced. The already picturesque Gerberoy became even more colorful with the many blooming roses in the streets. Le Sidaner’s proposal led to an official decision that required all residents to grow roses. The Fête des Roses, a festival in Gerberoy that attracts many visitors annually, could thus be seen as part of Henri Le Sidaner’s legacy.
Le Jardin des Ifs
If you’re not yet satisfied with the natural beauty after visiting the gardens of Henri Le Sidaner, you can visit Le Jardin des Ifs. This garden, also known as the yew garden, is home to the unique L’if Igloo, a yew tree shaped like an igloo. In 2017, the tree won the L’Arbre de l’Année award, a prize given annually to the most beautiful tree in France. In addition to the beautiful yew trees, Le Jardin des Ifs also features 300 different modern and botanical rose bushes. Le Jardin des Ifs is certainly a must-see in Gerberoy, alongside the gardens of Henri Le Sidaner.
Collégiale Saint-Pierre
The Collégiale Saint-Pierre church is a must-visit when in Gerberoy. The church was built in 1015, destroyed in 1419 and rebuilt between 1451 and 1468. The oldest parts of the church are Romanesque, while the newer sections are Gothic.
La Ruelle Saint-Amant, the Most Picturesque Street in Gerberoy
One of the most picturesque streets in Gerberoy is undoubtedly La Ruelle Saint-Amant. The street resembles more of a wide alley and almost gives you the feeling of stepping into a nostalgic postcard. La Ruelle Saint-Amant is paved with cobblestones and on both sides, you’ll find crooked half-timbered houses covered with climbing plants, colorful flowers and roses. Truly a picture-perfect spot!
The Blue House
Perhaps the most famous house in Gerberoy is the blue house at the beginning of La Ruelle Saint-Amant. This house was a beloved subject for Henri Le Sidaner to paint and when you stand in front of it, you immediately understand why.
La Tour Porte
In the heart of Gerberoy, just past the blue house, you’ll find the remnants of the old city gate: La Tour Porte. The city gate was once an important part of the fortifications. Today, the gate stands as a silent witness to the strategic position Gerberoy once held.
Remnants of the City Walls
If you walk under the gate and up the hill, you can take a stroll along the former city walls. From here, you get a view of a part of Henri Le Sidaner’s gardens. On the other side of Gerberoy, you can also walk along the remnants of the city walls; here, you’ll find a beautiful path flanked by tall trees.
Hôtel de Ville and the Water Well
Where Rue Henri Le Sidaner and Rue du Logis du Roy meet stands Hôtel de Ville, the 18th-century town hall. If you enjoy photography, this is a beautiful spot, as the arches in the building offer stunning viewpoints. Right next to the town hall is the village’s 70-meter-deep water well.
Eating and drinking; restaurants in Gerberoy
In Gerberoy, you’ll find a number of good and, above all, charming restaurants. At Le Restaurant du Jardin des Ifs, you can enjoy a good menu and also stop for a coffee break with some treats. On a sunny day, you can sit outside with a view of the garden. L’Atelier Gourmand de Sarah is known for its courtyard in a brocante style and its tea salon. Here, you can enjoy the finest homemade pastries and cakes, but it’s also a great spot for lunches and brunches. At the restaurant of Hostellerie Du Vieux Logis, they serve authentic dishes with a modern touch. At Les Remparts, you can enjoy more traditional fare. There’s something for everyone in Gerberoy!
Tips for a visit to Gerberoy
There aren’t many specific tips to give for a visit to Gerberoy. Simply enjoy strolling around this beautiful village! There is plenty of parking just outside Gerberoy, but I can’t speak from experience about how it is on busy summer days. From what I hear, it can get quite crowded. Perhaps the best tip is to visit Gerberoy when the weather is bad, as you’ll practically have the village to yourself. Plus, the village is especially lush and beautiful right after a heavy rain shower.
Don’t miss Gerberoy during your visit to Picardy
Are you visiting (formerly) Picardy, now known as Hauts-de-France? Be sure not to miss Gerberoy. A visit to Gerberoy pairs well with other attractions in the region, such as the Château de Pierrefonds and Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Ourscamp. You can also easily include Gerberoy in your trip if you’re vacationing in Normandy. It’s just outside this region, but otherwise, it would definitely have been on the list of beautiful cities and towns in Normandy!
