Retrace the footsteps of King Louis XV in Compiegne, a picturesque town set on the River Oise. Visit the lavish Neoclassical palace built by the king and get lost in the magnificent gardens. Nearby is a monument that marks the place where the World War I armistice was signed.
Things to do in Compiègne
Visit Palais de Compiegne and peer into lavish rooms furnished by Louis XV and Napoleon III. The enormous palace has more than 1,300 rooms and once hosted magnificent parties attended by aristocrats from across Europe. Walk through the sumptuous royal apartments and step into the cavernous ballroom hung with sparkling chandeliers. Visit several museums housed within the palace and enjoy lunch in the flower-filled Jardin des Roses.
The palace’s beautiful, English-style gardens link up with the larger Grand Parc du Chateau and the Forest of Compiegne. Scenic trails criss-cross the sprawling park and take you past enormous oak, beech and hornbeam trees. Explore the trails on foot or rent a bike and cover more ground.
History buffs flock to Clairiere de l'Armistice to see the place where the treaty that ended World War I was signed. A replica of the original railway carriage stands in place of the original, which was destroyed by Hitler in 1945. The war memorial is set in the Forest of Compiegne and features a museum showcasing photos, newspaper clippings and World War I memorabilia.
From riverfront bistros to a cosy brasserie housed in a centuries-old salt store, it’s easy to find atmospheric restaurants in Compiegne. Enjoy traditional dishes from the Oise department like rich duck pate, “carbonnade” beef stew and “endives au jambon” greens wrapped in ham slices and baked in a creamy cheese sauce. Wash it all down with a glass of apple cider or a glass of Champagne from the Picardy winemaking region.
Getting around Compiègne
Compiegne is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Hauts-de-France region, a 1.5-hour drive from Paris and one hour by train. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 45-minute drive away.