Things to Do in Compiegne

Formal French gardens and a long canal behind the palace, designed by André Le Nôtre's pupil. Wide gravel paths, manicured lawns, and a rose garden (in season). Connects directly to the forest.

🕐 Daily dawn to dusk

💡 The best light for photos is late afternoon, when the long shadows stretch across the canal. Free public toilets are near the palace entrance.

One of France's largest state forests, right on the town's doorstep. Dense with beech and oak, it's ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. Signposted paths lead to historic clearings like the Clairière de l'Armistice.

🕐 Open 24/7; no gates

💡 Start from the Carrefour de la Tour des Conservateurs for the most well-marked trails. Avoid weekends in autumn when hunting is active — check local notices.

A niche collection of 200,000+ lead and tin soldiers spanning from Roman times to the Second World War. Housed in the former town hall. Free on the first Sunday of each month; otherwise €5.

🕐 Wed–Sun 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:00; closed Mon–Tue

💡 Go on a free Sunday morning — the crowds are thin and you can linger over the detailed dioramas without rushing. The World War I section is exceptionally well done.

A grand royal and imperial palace that served Louis XV, Napoleon I and Napoleon III. The state apartments and museum are paid, but the vast, beautifully kept public gardens (parc du château) are free to walk through all year round.

🕐 Gardens open daily dawn to dusk; palace open 10:00–18:00 (closed Tuesdays)

💡 Pack a picnic and use the free gardens as your starting point. Entry to the palace itself costs around €7.50, but the guided tours of the Emperor's private apartments are worth the extra few euros.

The clearing in the Forêt de Compiègne where the 1918 Armistice was signed. The memorial site includes a statue of Marshal Foch, a copy of the railway carriage, and a small museum (€7). The clearing itself is free to visit.

🕐 Museum: Wed–Sun 10:00–17:30; clearing: 24/7

💡 Skip the paid museum unless you're a WWI buff — the free outdoor monument and interpretive panels tell the story clearly. Combine with a forest walk. Check opening hours of the museum online; the clearing is always open.