Up to an hour
Château de Compiègne
Venture outside Paris to Château de Compiègne, one of France’s notable centers power and prestige.
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What you'll do
Popular with royals for hunting, Château de Compiègne’s history can be traced back to the 6th Century.
In 1751, Louis XV ordered the transformation of the existing medieval fortress into the elegant neoclassical chateau that stands today.
Looted during the French Revolution, Emperor Napoleon I ordered the château’s restoration. A ballroom was added, the layout altered and a garden was replanted leading directly to the forest offering you the chance to see a stunning example of First Empire architecture.
Château de Compiègne shares the distinction of serving as one of three seats of royal power alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau. The writer Auguste Luchet remarked that "Compiègne speaks of Napoleon as Versailles does of Louis XIV."
Highlights
Royal and Imperial Apartments
Museum of the Second Empire
National Car Museum
What's included
Take advantage of three world-class museums.
Where you'll be
Place du Général de Gaulle, Compiègne, FRHow to get there
SNCF Paris: Gare du Nord to Gare de Compiègne (10 minute walk from station)
Operating hours
Royal and Imperial Apartments
March 15 – November 1: 10AM to 6PM
November 2 – March 14: 10AM to 4PM
Museum of the Second Empire (Wednesday - Thursday and Saturday - Sunday)
March 15 – November 1: 10AM to 12PM
November 2 – March 14: 10AM to 12PM and 4.15PM - 6PM
National Car Museum
March 15 - November 1: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 2PM to 6PM
November 2 - March 14: Monday and Friday, 4.15PM to 6PM and Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 PM to 6PM
Hours of operation are subject to change. Please check the attraction website for updates.
Closings & holidays
January 1, May 1, December 25 and certain public holidays.
Find out more
For more information visit the Château de Compiègne website.
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