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Glade of the Armistice: Where World War I Ended

Visit the Glade of the Armistice in Compiègne Forest, a historic site where World War I ended and a symbol of remembrance and reflection.

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The Glade of the Armistice, located in the Forest of Compiègne, is a poignant war memorial marking the site where the armistice ending World War I was signed in 1918. It also holds the somber distinction of being where France surrendered to Nazi Germany in 1940. The site features a replica of the railway carriage where the armistices were signed, a museum, and monuments commemorating the historic events.

A brief summary to Glade of the Armistice

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least an hour for your visit to fully explore the museum and the clearing.
  • Check the museum's opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the forest clearing.
  • Consider visiting on November 11th (Armistice Day) for special commemorations.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Compiègne, take line 106 bus towards Le Francport. The bus departs from Hippolyte Bottier station and arrives at LE FRANCPORT - Rue Victor Hugo. From there, it's a short walk to the Glade of the Armistice. The bus journey takes approximately 22 minutes. Bus services are limited, operating twice daily from Monday to Saturday. Check the current bus schedule to coordinate your visit. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Compiègne. A taxi ride from the center of Compiègne to the Glade of the Armistice takes about 8 minutes and typically costs between €16 and €20. This is the quickest way to reach the site from Compiègne.

  • Driving

    From Compiègne, head east on the N31. At the Aumont roundabout, continue on the D546 to the Francport roundabout, where you will find the car park for the Glade of the Armistice. Parking is free. Follow the signs for Mémorial de l'Armistice. From the parking area, a short walk through the forest leads to the clearing.

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Discover more about Glade of the Armistice

Nestled in the serene Forest of Compiègne, the Glade of the Armistice (Clairière de l'Armistice) stands as a powerful reminder of the end of World War I and a symbol of both victory and defeat. It was here, in a clearing near the village of Rethondes, that the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, bringing an end to four years of brutal conflict. The site is marked by several significant monuments. A statue of Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Allied supreme commander, overlooks the clearing. The Alsace-Lorraine Memorial depicts a German Eagle impaled by a sword, symbolizing the return of these regions to France. At the center of the clearing, a stone slab marks the spot where the railway carriage containing Foch's office was positioned during the signing. However, the Glade of the Armistice is also associated with a more somber event. In 1940, Adolf Hitler chose this same location for the signing of the French surrender to Nazi Germany. This act was intended to symbolically reverse the humiliation Germany had suffered in 1918. The original railway carriage was taken to Germany and later destroyed. After the war, the site was restored, and a replica of the original railway carriage, built in 1913, was placed in a museum. Visitors can explore the museum to learn more about the events that took place here and see exhibits related to both World War I and World War II. The Glade of the Armistice serves as a place for reflection on the consequences of war and the importance of peace.

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