Château de Compiègne – Compiègne : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Château de Compiègne is a captivating castle located in the Oise département in France. This unique castle dates back to the times of the medieval era and has a fascinating and rich history. It originally served as a royal residence during the times of the Ancien Régime. From the 15th century onwards, it was the countryside estate for the kings of France and later served as the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and the empress Eugénie de Montijo. This grand building offers its visitors a wonderful mix of stunning architecture, fascinating royal artifacts, and a beautiful atmosphere for sightseeing. In this blog, we will divulge some interesting facts about the Château de Compiègne and provide a brief travel guide to those who are interested in visiting this marvelous place.

Interesting Facts About Château de Compiègne – Compiègne

1. The original Château de Compiegne was built in the twelfth century.

2. The palace served as the residence of many French kings including Louis XV.

3. The 18th century renovation and expansion of the château was done by the renowned architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

4. During the German occupation of World War II, the palace was used as Adolf Hitler’s headquarters.

5. Synonymous with its grandeur is the Palace’s grand horseracing oval, the Hippodrome de Compiegne, first laid out in 1906.

6. Napoleon signed his abdication in the Château de Compiegne on April 11, 1814.

7. Inside the Palace lies the Chapel of the Virgin of Compiegne for visitors to explore.

8. The Château de Compiegne is home to the national Carriage Museum with a vast collection of historic carriages which was created in 1886.

9. The palace was also used as a prison and around two thousand people were executed on the grounds of the palace between 1945 and 1960.

10. The Château de Compiegne is now a historic monument and part of the French national heritage.

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History & Information About Château de Compiègne – Compiègne

, France

The Château de Compiègne is a French royal palace located in Compiègne, Oise, in northern France. It was built in the 17th century by Louis XIV and his distinguished architects Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

The palace was one of the main residences of the kings of France from 1682 to 1789. It also served as a residence for the presidents of France from 1871 to 1940, when the Second World War forced the government to flee to Vichy. After the war, the château again becomes a royal palace. In the 20th century, it was the site of various important events, including the signing of the Armistice to end World War I and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords to end the Vietnam War, both of which took place in the railway carriage of the palace.

Today, the château is owned and maintained by a government agency called the Châteaux de Compiègne, which is responsible for its upkeep. The palace is open to the public, with guided tours in English and French that allow visitors to explore the gardens, the palace, and the equestrian grounds. Inside, visitors can see the state apartments of Louis XIV, Napoleon I and the Empress Eugénie, along with the Salon Doré and the Salle des Gens d’Armes, both of which are filled with treasures from centuries past.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Château de Compiègne – Compiègne

, France

1. Before your visit

The Château de Compiègne is an imposing chateau-fort situated on the River Oise, 35 miles northeast of Paris. A visit to the Château de Compiègne offers the chance to explore one of France’s most impressive royal residences. Before your visit, make sure to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your experience – especially if you are visiting with small children, as the Château de Compiègne offers some unique experiences. You can find the opening hours, entrance fees and a list of special events at the official website or in the tourist brochures available from the visitor’s center.

2. Getting there

The Château de Compiègne is situated just off the A1 highway, which connects it to Paris, Lille, and Brussels. You can also take a train from Paris for the 50-minute journey to Compiègne; the chateau is a 25-minute walk from the train station. Alternatively, you can take the bus from the station to the chateau.

3. What to see

The Château de Compiègne offers a unique insight into French history and culture. The grand chambers and halls of state are filled with exceptional art, furniture, sculptures and tapestries, which were collected by the monarchy through the centuries. You can also visit the stunning gardens, where you can find royal sculptures, fountains and a wonderful lake. Don’t miss the chance to visit the museum where you can learn more about the history of the castle and the life of the kings who lived there.

4. Where to Eat

During your visit to the Château de Compiègne, take some time to sample the local cuisine. The in-house restaurant, L’Orangerie, serves traditional French dishes such as steaks, fish and traditional terrines. For a more casual dining experience, try Violoncelle, which offers gourmet picnic boxes.

5. After Dark

At night, take some time to explore the beautiful streets of Compiègne. The Place du Marché offers plenty of shops and restaurants, while the nearby Place Saint-Jacques boasts plenty of bars and nightclubs. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Oise?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Compiègne – Compiègne

Castle

Q. What is the history of Château de Compiègne?

A. The castle was originally built in the twelfth century by King Louis V. The castle was destroyed in the fifteenth century, but was rebuilt by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. The chateau was used by the French for royal banquets, political meetings, and even during the nineteenth century, as Napoleon’s summer retreat.

Q. What is the current condition of Château de Compiègne?

A. The castle is currently in near-original condition and is open to the public. The chateau has been renovated several times and now serves as a museum, representing the French Revolution and its history.

Q. What kind of activities are offered at Château de Compiègne?

A. The castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided tours, literary activities, temporary exhibitions, horseback riding, historical reenactments, and more. The chateau is also a popular site of wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as a year-round site for corporate events and conferences.

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