Top 5 things to do in Compiègne

An imperial and royal city, Compiègne is a not-to-be-missed destination for those who love French history and royalty. Located in the department of Oise, Compiègne is nicknamed the “Imperial City” for its Second Empire past. It has also been the Royal Residence since the Merovingians, adding an extra charge to the history of this town with a population of just over 40,000. Here are five activities and places to visit in and around Compiègne to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

1- Discover Pierrefonds Castle

Category : Cultural

Description: If you have a car, you absolutely must visit the Château de Pierrefonds. It’s a fifteen-minute drive from Compiègne, and believe me, it’s well worth the diversions. This impressive building is a listed historic monument. Construction began at the end of the 14th century under the impetus of Louis I d’Orléans, son of King Charles V. Construction of the Château de Pierrefonds was completed centuries later, in 1885, after a certain Viollet-le-Duc undertook major renovation and decoration work. Viollet-le-Duc is also known for his restorations of religious buildings such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Mont Saint-Michel.

2- Take a walk in the forest of Compiègne

Category : Sports

Description: If the weather is right, you can get lost in the Compiègne forest, which covers more than 14,000 hectares. It is one of the largest forest areas in France. The forest has 17 walking loops and 11 cycle routes, giving you the chance to explore this vast area in a variety of ways. You can also organise a picnic in a truly rural setting.

3- Visit the Imperial Château of Compiègne

Category : Cultural

Description: The Château de Compiègne is a must-see when visiting Compiègne. It bears witness to the importance of Compiègne during the Second Empire. The château was built in the 14th century on the orders of Charles V. It was then refreshed under Louis XV, who commissioned a neo-classical reconstruction in 1751. Under Napoleon I, the château became an imperial residence, used largely for receptions and hunting. All the skills of yesteryear are showcased in this unique château.

4- Attend a play in a legendary venue

Category:Unusual / Cultural

Description: Did you know that the Imperial Theatre in Compiègne was unfinished for a long time? Napoleon began building it in 1866 to entertain his court. He also chose the site and the architect. Everything was going well with the construction, but an event disrupted its progress. The 1870 war against Prussia, and more specifically the Battle of Sedan, put a major brake on the theatre’s construction. It wasn’t until 1987 that an association raised the necessary funds to finally complete the building. Today, several theatrical performances take place in this highly symbolic venue in Compiègne.

5- Discover the internment and deportation memorial

Category : Cultural

Description: As a duty of remembrance, this museum is a must when you visit Compiègne. Initially, in 1913, this building was used as a military barracks before being requisitioned in 1939 to be used as a hospital. But in 1940, the Germans took possession of the site and turned it into a political prison where French and British officers were held prisoner. The latter only stayed in the prison for a very short time. They were then taken to the station to be deported to the Nazi camps. You may not know it, but it was from Compiègne that the first transport of thousands of Jews to Auschwitz-Birkenau took place.