Already in the IX century, the grandson of Charlemagne (Charles the Great) built the first castle here. In the X century, an abbey of royal significance is born nearby, around which the city grows, playing an important strategic role.
It is no coincidence that here, at the city walls, in May 1430, Joan of Arc is arrested, and in 1918, the peace treaty ending World War I is signed in the Compiègne forest…
Compiègne is a vivid example of an ancient French city. One of the most beautiful town hall buildings in France, medieval streets, mansions from the 17th to 19th centuries, cathedrals, perfectly preserved parts of the ancient abbey, and of course, the royal palace with a huge park and forest – with lakes, beeches, oaks, and game…
French kings love to hunt in the forests around Compiègne, where solid hunting lodges have long awaited them. But Louis XIV declares, “In Versailles, I live like a king, in Fontainebleau – like a prince, and in Compiègne – like a peasant,” and decides to build a palace worthy of him. Louis XV continues the construction, which is completed by Louis XVI.
Today, in the palace, the traveler awaits several kilometers of magnificent interiors from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Dining halls of emperors, card salons, royal bedrooms, the council chamber, the emperor’s bedroom, the empress’s, the music room, the blue room, the flower room, and other salons, the ballroom gallery, and much more… Among all this splendor, we believe you will find the most unique Empire-style interiors in France.
A number of royal wedding events are associated with Compiègne. In May 1770, Louis XVI meets Marie Antoinette, his future wife, here. In March 1810, Maria Louise, the niece of Marie Antoinette, arrives from Austria to meet her future husband Napoleon Bonaparte for the first time. In 1832, the wedding of Louise-Marie, daughter of the French monarch Louis-Philippe, and the first king of Belgium takes place in the palace.
The castle-palace, standing on the outskirts of the medieval city and at the edge of a magnificent forest, is one of the most beautiful places in France, which is why every autumn, the court of Napoleon III gathers here, attracting representatives from all the royal courts of Europe.
