The Oise River

The Oise, in Compiègne

The Oise is the river that crosses Compiègne, long a source of inspiration for the painters of the nineteenth century. The Compiègne audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this important watercourse, a fluvial axis and a major element of the landscape of the town.

The river that inspired the painters

Walking along the Oise, you travel by the river that long inspired the painters of the nineteenth century, seduced by its banks, its reflections and the softness of its landscapes. This river takes its source at Chimay, in Belgium, and travels two hundred and eighty-seven of its three hundred and two kilometres in France, before flowing into the Seine. It constitutes an important axis of the fluvial transport, which links the north of France to the Parisian basin, and played a major economic role in the history of Compiègne and the whole region, for trade and the conveyance of goods. At Compiègne, the Oise crosses the town and composes an essential element of its landscape and its identity: the bridges, the quays and the laid-out banks invite to the promenade and offer pretty perspectives over the town and the palace. Along the water, you enjoy a soothing setting, between nature and heritage. A nourishing and inspiring watercourse, the Oise is a pleasant stop of the discovery of Compiègne.

What to see

Here you travel along the river that inspired the painters of the nineteenth century, which takes its source at Chimay in Belgium and travels two hundred and eighty-seven of its three hundred and two kilometres in France, an important axis of the fluvial transport, whose bridges, quays and laid-out banks offer pretty perspectives over the town and the palace. The Oise is a major element of the landscape of Compiègne. It is a pleasant stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Oise crosses Compiègne, its banks and its quays being reachable on foot. They are open-air public spaces, freely accessible. The promenade along the river is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

What is the Oise in Compiègne?

The river that crosses Compiègne and inspired the painters of the nineteenth century; it takes its source at Chimay in Belgium, travels two hundred and eighty-seven of its three hundred and two kilometres in France, and constitutes an important axis of the fluvial transport towards the Parisian basin.

Where is the Oise in Compiègne?

It crosses Compiègne, in the Oise, in France.