Jaux combines architectural history with walking trails through forests, along the Oise and through several hamlets. The Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul makes an architectural statement with its unusual floor plan. The Chapelle de Boucquy tells the story of a former pilgrimage site and is now used for agricultural purposes. There is also a cinema, other leisure activities and a history of winegrowing. When planning your stay, you can choose how to balance culture, walking routes and leisure activities.
Church and chapel: different stories
The Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul in Jaux has a long history of construction: its oldest parts date from the 12th century, and it was partially rebuilt in the 16th century. Its floor plan is also unusual. The hall choir comprises three bays and is considerably larger than the nave. If you are interested in church architecture, there are two specific features to look out for: the different construction phases and the relative sizes of the choir and nave.
The church’s furnishings include a rare rood screen beam from the late 16th or early 17th century. Its polychrome sculptures depict Christ and the Apostles. If you would like to see this feature, check the current access arrangements for the church before visiting.
The Chapelle de Boucquy offers a different historical perspective. Religious members from Saint-Corneille built it in the 12th century; it was once a frequently visited pilgrimage site. The building still stands, but is now used as an agricultural shed and no longer serves its original purpose. Both its former pilgrim tradition and its present-day use are part of the chapel’s history.
The area’s former winegrowing also shaped its history. Winegrowing on the hills of Jaux and in the surrounding area of Venette is mentioned in texts from 1218 and 1340. Wine production was one of the commune’s former activities. This historical trace complements the religious buildings with a glimpse of the work once carried out in the landscape.
Walking trails through forests, river scenery and hills
The walking routes in Jaux are between 6 and 10 km long. They start at the tennis court near the sports hall and can be downloaded using a QR code. The length and starting point give you an idea of the route before you set out; check current trail conditions before setting off.
The trails pass through forests, follow the Oise, cross Mont Saint-Pierre and go through Port Varenne and the hamlets of Dizocourt, Les Tartres and Varanval. The routes offer a choice of different landscapes and settings: forest, river, hill and several hamlets.
The “Autour de Jaux” walk follows the Oise Valley through the hilly landscapes of Bois du Bocquet and the hamlet of Varanval. The valley and hills are the main landscape features along this route. Compare the route length with the landscapes that interest you along the way, and download your chosen route in advance using the QR code.
Leisure activities and getting there
The Jacques Tati leisure area is home to the Le Majestic multiplex cinema. Check the current listings separately if you are planning a specific cinema visit. At Place Jacques Tati, Speedpark Jaux–Compiègne offers karting, bowling and laser activities; check current operating details in advance. The cinema and Speedpark add further leisure activities to the cultural and walking options.
If travelling by car, Jaux is connected to the A1 (Paris–Lille) via the Compiègne Nord and Compiègne Sud exits. Both exits are around 10 km away. This is an approximate distance; traffic and actual journey times vary. Check the route for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Paillart, BĂ©thisy-Saint-Martin, Jaulzy, Cuigy-En-Bray, Mureaumont, Allonne, Noyon, Romescamps
For the regional travel overview: Oise.
