| Great escapes: Ile de France 3 |
Stunning architecture, picturesque sites and places that marked turning points in history - this town and its forest have the lot…
If you have spotted Compiegne on the map or are aware of the Forest of Compiegne - world renowned because of its Armistice Clearing - you might want to stop for a look. Before you realise it, you are enjoying a great day out.
Compiegne lies no more than a 75-minute train journey from Paris' Gare du Nord, or is easily reached from Camping Campix (45km), Camping Parc de la Colline (88km) and Camping International Maisons-Lafitte (93km). We travelled to this town, or 'City of Art', from Campix via the D92 north east for 9km to join the D200 for 36km.
Royal buildings
A visit to the tourist office revealed that the town itself, the forest of Compiegne, and Pierrefonds were the places to investigate.
The historic town takes two hours on foot, following the numbered route map. The château - restored by Emperor Napoleon I in the early 19th century - began its long life as a country retreat for French rulers with King Charles V in the late 14th century.
Today Compiegne displays its architectural grandeur by inviting its visitors to commence their tour at the City Hall (Hotel de Ville), an impressive building which was constructed in the 16th century in late Gothic and early Renaissance style. It was built during the reign of Louis XII, whose equestrian statue is embedded in a central nook on the façade. Its bell tower contains one of the oldest known bells, dating back to 1303. Before you move on, you may be interested in the Historical Figuries Museum, housed in the annexe to the right of the city hall. This incredible museum boasts around 100,000 civil and military figures depicting historic scenes.
Other sights you might aim to see are the Parc de Songeons and the Vivenel Museum of Greek vases. If you get to Saint Jacques Church, where Joan of Arc came to pray in 1430, you are en route for the vast, decorative Château Park and the Compiegne Château National Museum, with its display of carriages, coaches and old cars.
Also of interest is the Museum du Second Empire with its collection of furniture, clothes and Napoleon III decorative arts.
Signs of peace
The forest offers further interest including the Clairiere de l'Armistice (Armistice Clearing), 6km from Compiegne near the
village of Rethondes. It was here Marshal Foch set down the terms of the armistice to the defeated Germans on 11 November 1918. The reconstructed setting, which includes a museum, guides visitors through this historic event.
For us the real reward at the end of this road was Pierrefonds, a pretty village in a lakeside setting dominated by the silhouette of a legendary fairytale-style castle.
One novelty at Pierrefonds is a tourist train, which travels through the village and around the château ramparts. This is one way of enjoying this pleasant location, but what appealed for us was its peaceful lake which takes over the heart of the village and offers the opportunity to go boating, or simply laze by the water's edge.
At the end of our day we joined the D332 for 8km to Crepy-en-Valois and then the N324 for 21km to Senlis where we picked up the D44 to St Leu d'Esserent (another 16km). Our day out involved a round trip of 116km.
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ATTRACTIONS
Compiegne Its Hotel de Ville is a jewel of late Gothic art. Take a guided tour of Compiegne: meet at the Tourist Office Saturday, Sundays and on official holidays at 3.30pm from 15 May to 14 July and from 15 Aug to 15 Oct.
The Armistice Clearing
On 11 November 1918 the Armistice was signed here.
Beaux Monts From the top there is a fine view of Compiegne.
The Eugenie Road A forest road named after Empress Eugenie.
Pierrefonds Dominated by the silhouette of the legendary Louis d'Orleans Château.
Morienval Of interest because of its architecturally-historic church.
Recommended Map
Michelin Yellow No.237.
Tourist Information Place de l'Hotel de Ville, B.P9 60321 Compiegne. Tel 03 44 40 01 00.
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Camping Parc de la Colline
Situated 15km from Disneyland Paris, this popular site lies in the heart of Marne la Vallee.
Sanitary facilities, although basic, are functional and pitches are on grass terraces. A mini bus service operates to the metro station at Torcy for Paris or Disneyland, plus Parc Asterix and group visits to central Paris.
How to get there Leave the A104 autoroute (la Francilienne) at exit 10 onto the D10 signposted Torcy/Noisiel; site on left in 1km.
• WE LIKED The convenient location (Disneyland in 20 minutes) and the less expensive site fees.
• BE WARNED There is a steep approach to the pitches, but owner will offer to tow your caravan with a four-wheel drive, if necessary.
• WOULD SUIT Families seeking a convenient base for visiting Disneyland, Parc Asterix and Paris.
Address Route de Lagny, 77200 Torcy.
Tel 00 33 (0)1 60 05 42 32.
Open All year.
Charges FF127-148 car, caravan + 2 adults and hook-up; extra adult FF 34.
Facilities 300 touring pitches; 300 2/6-amp electric hook-up; 27 hot showers.
Shopping On site; hypermarket 3km.
Nearest pub 3km.
Gas exchange Camping Gaz
FFCC Grading **
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