Palace of Compiègne
Palace of Compiègne – a model of Neo-classical architecture !
50 minutes from Paris, the Palais de Compiègne is one of the finest Neo-classical châteaux. The former summer residence of the court, the palace had its heyday during the Second Empire, when Napoléon III and the Empress Eugénie organised their famous “Séries de Compiègne” there.
Enter the private world of the sovereigns by visiting the imperial apartments, a splendid ensemble of First and Second Empire decors, restored exactly as they were before. Marvel at the collections of the Musée du Second Empire, created in 1953, which retraces this glittering period and the Musée de la Voiture which follows the history of road transport from carriages to the beginnings of the motor car.
Finally, enjoy a stroll through the landscaped grounds, classed as a “Jardin Remarquable” and don’t miss the amazing ""Percée des Beaux Monts"", a 4km long avenue, 60m wide, which runs through the Forêt de Compiègne !
Have a family day out exploring this palace with many attractions. There is a special audio guide and/or booklet for children aged 6 -12 so they can learn while having fun !
The Palais de Compiègne, its festivals and famous Rose Garden
Opening times
PALACE :
Mid-March – end of October : open every day except Tuesday. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 25 December and certain public holidays.
Imperial Apartments : 10.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15).
Musée du Second Empire : Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 12.00.
National Motor Museum : Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 14.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15).
Beginning November – mid-March : open every day except Tuesday. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 25 December and certain public holidays.
Imperial Apartments : 10.00 – 16.00.
Musée du Second Empire : Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 12.00 and 16.15 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15).
National Motor Museum :
Monday and Friday 16.15 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15)
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 14.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15)
NB. On 24 December and 31 December, the museums and Domaine du Palais de Compiègne close at 17.00 (last entry 16.15).
GROUNDS :
1 November – 28 February : 08.00 – 17.00
1 March – 15 April and 16 September - 31 October : 08.00 - 18.00
16 April - 15 September : 08.00 - 19.00
Last entry 15 minutes before closing time. Times subject to change.
How to get to Compiègne
By road :
From Paris, (80km) : Autoroute A1, exit n° 9, follow Compiègne Sud; on arrival in Compiègne, follow Soissons.
From Lille, (150km) : Autoroute A1, exit n° 10 at Arsy
Free car park at the Place du Général de Gaulle.
By rail : to Compiègne from Gare du Nord (40 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on train)
The palace is a 10 minute walk from the station. Free buses run Monday – Saturday (Numbers 1 and 2, bus stop Saint Jacques)."
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house - Citybreak
La parenthèse du Rond Royal
in COMPIEGNE - Oise