Palace of Compiègne

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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

Visite Palais Impérial de Compiègne — The « Jardin des Roses » at the Palais de Compiègne is definitely an essential place to see. Open from the end of May to the end of June while the roses are in bloom, it has a large number of species from the great families of old roses. After a walk along flower-filled pathways, enjoy the charming, romantic atmosphere of the Tea Room, which offers 45 different teas, delicious fruit cakes and colourful cupcakes.
A multitude of events are held at the Palace throughout the year. In summer, Palais en Jazz festival brings together a large crowd of enthusiasts in the main courtyard, a wonderful opportunity to listen to jazz in a superb setting. From October onwards, the walls of the ballroom echo to the sound of classical music every Saturday and Sunday during the Automnales du Palais Impérial programme of concerts. In addition, the Sunday concert is preceded by a brunch.
Compiègne is 50 minutes by train from the Gare du Nord ! A forest the size of Paris, a palace pampered by the Napoleons, wonderfully-kept museums… a weekend in Compiègne takes you back to a time of extravagance and genius ! Yesterday the festive, bling-bling destination of Empresses, today a magnificent place to enjoy culture and nature !

**Compiègne - gourmet specialities and a huge forest !**

Nature-wise, Compiègne is definitely a breath of fresh air ! The national forest of 14,000 hectares has a network of over 70km of cycle routes, including two which are very popular with families. The first leads via the village of Saint-Jean-aux-Bois to Pierrefonds, a former spa town overlooked by its castle ‘reworked’ by Viollet-le-Duc. The second route runs through the heart of the forest, returning to Compiègne via Vieux-Moulin.
As for gourmet treats, don’t leave without tasting some Picantins ! To understand the origin of this well-known speciality adored by children, just look up at the bell-tower on top of the hôtel de ville (town hall) and you will see three colourful, bearded figures which have struck the hours in Compiègne since the 16th century. These are Les Picantins ! They originally represented three great enemies of France and have become a type of confectionery consisting of three grilled hazelnuts, covered in nougatine then rolled in flakes of dark chocolate. The recipe was invented in 1920 by a master chocolate-maker and is still in use today by François Da Silva, a local chocolate-maker.
« I love having a picnic with my grandchildren in the palace grounds. It’s free and an amazing open-air playground !! » Gîtes de France Oise

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)."