Compiègne: The Perfect Gateway to Northern France

Compiègne is a regal French town, rich in history and culture, making it the perfect base for exploring France’s Hauts-de-France region and beyond.

Like many French towns, it’s a delightful place to spend time. In Compiègne you can stroll through scenic streets, find delicious local produce at the markets and take riverside walks along the banks of the Oise River. However, Compiègne is more than your typical town; from its grand château and Gothic architecture to its proximity to World War I battlefields, the town offers plenty for historians. And if history isn’t your only interest, the town’s proximity to Parc Asterix, Disneyland, and the world-renowned Champagne houses of Reims and Épernay makes it equally appealing for families and wine lovers.  

Easily accessible from Paris’ main airport, Charles de Gaulle, it’s a 45-minute drive or less than two hours by train – trains run via a connection in Paris before heading straight to the town. It’s also just over 2 hours’ drive from the port towns of Calais and Dieppe, so it’s the ideal holiday location for anyone driving from the UK.  

Château de Compiègne 

Built by Louis XV and Louis XVI, and later remodelled by both Napoleon I and Napoleon III, Château de Compiègne is one of the largest royal residences in France, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau, and is the biggest neo-classical palace in France. The high-quality interior décor and furnishings, much of which was dispersed in 1795 after the French Revolution, with only some returned, give an opportunity to step back in time and easily imagine royal life. The beautiful park and rose garden are an idyllic place to spend a relaxing afternoon in stunning surroundings.  

La Forêt de Compiègne 

The forest of Compiègne, one of the largest forests in France at 14,000 hectares, offers superb walks in nature. It is connected to the Château de Compiègne by the Allée des Beaux-Monts, a 4km walkway, which allows visitors to walk through the forest on a carefully landscaped pathway. Formerly a hunting ground for the kings of France, it was designed to be accessible, and you will find a series of straight roads and star-shaped crossroads with white signposts, that are unique to the forest. It’s also home to many species of flora and fauna, including deer and wild boar.  

Château de Pierrefonds 

The Château de Pierrefonds has an intriguing history; built in 1397 by Louis d’Orléans, it was dismantled in the 17th century and reinvented in the 19th century by architect Viollet-le-Duc. It is a spectacular example of medieval architecture and is also where the BBC series Merlin was filmed. There’s plenty to see including the chapel and a five-hectare park that offers amazing views of the Château. The Château is roughly a 20 minute drive from Compiègne. €9 per adult with some concessions and free entry available, including free for under 18s.

www.chateau-pierrefonds.fr for full details.  

La Clairière de l’Armistice / Armistice Clearing 

For its significance in both World War I and II history, the memorial gardens and museum are haunting in their calm, quiet simplicity. The Armistice Agreement was signed here by the Allies of France and Great Britain and Germany on 11th November 1918. In 1940, Hitler deliberately chose the same site to stage France’s surrender, in a symbolic act meant to humiliate France. Originally created as a memorial in 1922, the Armistice Clearing was destroyed under Hitler’s orders and rebuilt for the 1946 Armistice Day to commemorate the 1918 agreement. A must-see for anyone with an interest in history.

For more information, visit www.musee-armistice-14-18.fr  

Theme Parks 

Compiègne has much to offer, but if you are looking for a change of pace, Parc Asterix (approximately 40 minutes/45km) and Disneyland Paris (approximately 1 hour 20 mins/100km) are a relatively short drive away. Both parks are family friendly with Parc Asterix more focused on rides for thrill seekers and themed attractions focused on the eponymous comic books and Disneyland being more focused on character experience and mainly gentler rides.  

Amiens 

A trip to Amiens makes a lovely addition to your stay in Compiègne. This stunning town boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in France and its location in the Somme region makes it an ideal base for visiting First World War battlefields and memorials. As well as its cathedral, Amiens is known for the Hortillonnages, peaceful floating gardens in 65km of waterways that can be explored by boat (www.amiens-tourisme.com). 

Champagne Region 

Another great option would be to make this a multistay holiday and balance the history of Compiègne with the sparkle of Champagne. The towns of Reims and Épernay, both at the heart of the Champagne region, are less than two hours drive away. Reims impresses with its stunning cathedral, royal history, and famous Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Mumm while the smaller and more intimate Épernay will charm you with its elegant Avenue de Champagne, home to Moët & Chandon, Mercier and Bollinger. 

Compiègne is a charming town combining history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing break, Compiègne provides a memorable gateway to the very best that northern France has to offer. 

Lead photo credit : Compiègne © Shutterstock