Imperial and royal city, Compiègne is a must-see destination for those who love French history and royalty. Located in the Oise department, Compiègne is nicknamed "the Imperial City" for its past linked to the Second Empire. It was also the Royal Residence since the Merovingians, giving additional significance to the history of this city whose population amounts to just over 40,000 inhabitants. Here are five activities or places to visit in Compiègne and its surroundings for a pleasant stay.

1- Discover the Château de Pierrefonds

Category: Cultural

Description: If you have a vehicle, you absolutely must visit the Château de Pierrefonds. It is located about fifteen minutes by car from Compiègne and believe me it's worth the detour. This impressive building is classified as a historical monument. Construction began at the end of the 14th century under the initiative of Louis I of Orléans, son of King Charles V. The construction of the Château de Pierrefonds was completed centuries later, in 1885, after a certain Viollet-le-Duc undertook renovations and important decoration work. Viollet-le-Duc is also the architect known for his restorations of religious buildings such as Notre-Dame de Paris or Mont Saint-Michel.

2- Take a walk in the forest of Compiègne

Category: Sports

Description: If weather permits, you can get lost in the forest of Compiègne which extends over more than 14,000 hectares. It is one of the largest forest areas in France. The forest has 17 walking loops and 11 cycling paths, which offers the possibility to discover this vast space in several ways. You will also be able to organize a small picnic in a more than rural setting.

3- Visit the imperial castle of Compiègne

Category: Cultural

Description: As an obvious choice during a stay or a day in Compiègne, the castle must be visited. It testifies to the importance of Compiègne during the Second Empire. The castle was built in the 14th century under the order of Charles V. It then received a refresh under the era of Louis XV who ordered in 1751 a reconstruction in the neo-classical style. Under Napoleon I, the castle became an imperial residence, used largely for receptions or hunts. All the know-how of yesteryear is honored in this unique castle.

4- Attend a theater play in a legendary venue

Category:Unusual / Cultural

Description: Did you know that the imperial theater of Compiègne was unfinished for a long time? Its construction began in 1866 by Napoleon with the aim of entertaining his court. He also chose the construction site and the architect. Everything was going well in the construction, but an event came to disrupt its progress. The 1870 war against Prussia and more particularly the battle of Sedan came to put a big brake on the theater's construction. It wasn't until 1987 that an association gathered the necessary funds to finally complete the construction of the building. Today, several theatrical performances take place in this highly symbolic place of Compiègne.

5- Discover the memorial of internment and deportation

Category: Cultural

Description: As a duty of remembrance, this museum is essential when you visit Compiègne. Initially, in 1913, this building served as a military barracks before being requisitioned in 1939 to make it a hospital. But in 1940, the Germans took possession of the place to make it a political prison where French and British officers were prisoners. The latter stayed only very little time in this prison. They were then taken to the station to be deported to Nazi camps. You may not know it, but it was from Compiègne that the first convoy leading thousands of Jews to Auschwitz-Birkenau took place.