Situated along the Oise River, between Soissons and Beauvais, Compiegne is famous for its 18th-century royal chateau, built by Louis XV. Renovated by Napoleon I, the chateau later became a favorite residence of Napolean III and his wife, Eugenie. In addition to the lavish imperial apartments and private bedrooms, the chateau houses three museums: the Musee du Second Empire and the Musee de lImperatrice, which house period furniture and portraits, and the Musee de la Voiture, with its collection of antique bicycles, carriages and the worlds first steam coach. The town is located at the edge of the Foret de Compiegne, which spreads as far as Pierrefonds, providing an area that is ideal for walkers and cyclists.
Tourist OfficePlace l'Hotel de Ville60200 CompiegnePhone: 33 3 44 40 01 00Fax: 33 3 44 40 23 28
