You’ve now arrived at Place du Marché aux Herbes, the oldest square in the city. It dates back to 1079, when it was known as the King’s Court. At the time, King Philip Augustus was living in the castle and granted several pieces of land to the Abbey of Sainte-Corneille, including this square, Rue du Pont, and the old exchange and grain markets. A bustling market sprang up here and continued for centuries, drawing farmers from all across the Compiègne region to sell their produce. Towards the end of the 19th century, a covered market hall made of iron and glass was built in the style of the Baltard pavilions, made famous in Paris. This structure was replaced in the 1950s by a more modern, concrete version. In 2013, the site was transformed again, and it’s now home to a modern shopping center and fashion boutiques. The square’s appearance has evolved dramatically over the centuries, but at heart, it remains a space for trade, gathering, and everyday life.