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Communes of the Oise department facts for kids

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Oise-Position
A map showing where the Oise department is located in France.

The Oise is a special area in northern France, like a county or a state. It's named after the Oise River, which flows through it. In France, towns and villages are called communes. Think of a commune as a local community with its own mayor and local government. The Oise department has a lot of these communes – about 693 of them!

Some of these communes work together in groups called Communautés d'agglomération. This is like several towns joining forces to share services and make decisions together, especially in bigger areas. For example, the city of Beauvais and its nearby towns form one of these groups.

What is a Commune?

A commune is the smallest area of local government in France. It's like a city, town, or village. Each commune has a mayor and a local council. They help manage things like schools, roads, and local services for the people living there.

The Oise department is made up of many different communes. Some are big cities, and some are small, quiet villages. Each one has its own unique history and character.

Discovering Oise Communes

The Oise department is in the Hauts-de-France region. It's known for its beautiful forests, historic castles, and charming old towns.

Beauvais: The Capital City

Beauvais is the main city and the capital of the Oise department. It's a very old city with a rich history. One of its most famous landmarks is the Beauvais Cathedral, which has the tallest Gothic choir in the world! It's a truly amazing building to see. Beauvais is also home to a university and an airport.

Compiègne: History and Forests

Another important commune in Oise is Compiègne. This city is famous for its grand Château de Compiègne, a royal palace that was used by French kings and emperors. Compiègne is also surrounded by a huge forest, the Forêt de Compiègne, which is perfect for exploring nature. Many important historical events have happened in and around Compiègne.

Other Interesting Communes

While we can't list all 693 communes, many others have their own special features:

  • Senlis is a medieval town with narrow streets and an impressive cathedral. It feels like stepping back in time!
  • Chantilly is famous for its stunning Château de Chantilly and the delicious Chantilly cream. It's also a major horse racing center.
  • Noyon is another historic city with a beautiful cathedral and a long past, including being the birthplace of John Calvin.

These communes, big and small, all contribute to the unique feel of the Oise department. They show the variety of life in France, from busy cities to peaceful countryside villages.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Comunas de Oise para niños

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