Built in the 13th century in the heart of the Oise, the abbey of Saint-Martin-aux-Bois is a former abbey for men. Founded at the end of the 11th century, it was partly destroyed during the Hundred Years War, leaving of the original building only a surrounding wall, a conventual building and the church.
Of the abbey rebuilt in the 16th century, only a fortified gate, remains of agricultural buildings and a dovecote remain. The church remains today one of the finest examples of mid-13th century Gothic architecture in northern France. Without a nave, it reveals a 12th century choir attached to the radiant Gothic. Visitors can also admire an apse revealing itself in the form of a huge seven-sided glass cage. It became a parish church following the disaffection of the abbey.
The ensemble is now classified and listed as a Historic Monument.
