Château de Compiègne: A Royal and Imperial Residence

4.5 (5508)

Explore French history at the Château de Compiègne, a majestic royal and imperial residence with stunning architecture and gardens.

Home
France
Picardy
Château de Compiègne

The Château de Compiègne, a royal and imperial palace in Compiègne, France, boasts a rich history, having been built by Louis XV and Louis XVI and later remodeled by Napoleon I and Napoleon III. It stands as one of France's most significant royal residences, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau.

A brief summary to Château de Compiègne

Pl. du Général de Gaulle, Compiègne, 60200, FR
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Visit during the off-season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and enjoy the gardens in pleasant weather.
Take advantage of the free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Explore the park, which is free to enter and offers a beautiful perspective of the château and surrounding forest.
Allow at least two hours to visit the château and its museums.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Parc du Château de Compiègne

Parc du Château de Compiègne: A Royal Retreat

Musée du Cloître Saint-Corneille

Musée du Cloître Saint-Corneille: A Sanctuary of Medieval and Renaissance Art

Ecluse de Venette

Écluse de Venette: A Historic Lock on the Oise River

Getting There

Walking

From the Compiègne train station, the Château de Compiègne is approximately a 10-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight on Place de la Gare, then turn left onto Avenue Thiers. Continue straight, crossing the Oise river, then turn right onto Place du Général de Gaulle. The Château will be directly in front of you. This walk is free.
Public Transport

From the Compiègne train station, you can take a free bus (Line 1, 2, or 4) to the Château. The bus stop is located at Gare - Quai Urbain, a short walk from the station exit. The bus ride to the Solférino stop, which is near the Château, takes about 3 minutes. The bus service is free.
Driving

If arriving by car, take the A1 highway and exit towards Compiègne. Follow signs to the city center and the Château de Compiègne. Free parking is available on Place du Général de Gaulle in front of the Château. Note that parking may be limited during peak season or events.

Discover more about Château de Compiègne

Nestled in the heart of Compiègne, the Château de Compiègne, or Palais de Compiègne, has witnessed the passage of kings and emperors, including Louis XV, Napoleon, and Napoleon III. Originally a medieval fortress in the 12th century, protecting the city, it was transformed into a luxurious royal residence, particularly under Louis XV in the 18th century. Napoleon I later refurbished the château, followed by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who added their touches, making it a center of social and political life during the Second Empire. The palace hosted the famous Séries every autumn, where the court, Parisian elite, and European gotha gathered for entertainment. The Salon des Cartes remains an emblem of this era. The château also holds historical significance as the site where Napoleon I signed the decree creating the Legion of Honor in 1808. The armistice ending the First World War was signed near the castle in 1918, in the Rethondes clearing. Today, the Château de Compiègne houses an art and history museum, showcasing the history of the region and Imperial France through its collections. Visitors can explore the royal and imperial apartments, the Second Empire Museum, and the National Car Museum. The park surrounding the château is labeled a 'Remarkable Garden'.