Located in the northern part of France,
Compiègne is a city located in the district of Oise. It has a strategic location, considering it is situated on the banks of the River Oise.
Compiègne falls in the
Picardy region of France and heads the Arrondissement of
Compiègne consisting of 156 communes and 10 cantons.
The city of
Compiègne has a population of more than 50,000 people at present, and serves as the capital of three cantons. They are
Compiègne-Sud-Quest consisting of 5 communes,
Compiègne-Sud-Est consisting of 4 communes and Compiègne-Nord consisting of 5 communes.
The history of
Compiègne dates back to the Roman Age. In the 6th century, it was known as ‘Compendium’. The word referred to a short route that existed between Soissons and
Beauvais. The fortunes of
Compiègne were at their best when the Merovingian kings made it their seat for important meetings and councils.
Compiègne is well-known in the history of France, because this is where French hero and one of the first freedom fighters, Joan of Arc, was taken hostage while fighting on behalf of the French army against the British. She was then sold off to the English.
On a holiday to
Compiègne, visitors must make a visit to the
Compiègne Forest. Spanning nearly 15 square kilometers, the forest was the seat of many important events in French history, including the treaty that France presented to Germany during World War II.
The town also houses the Chateau de
Compiègne. It is a castle that was originally the residence of King Louis XV, and was then reinstated during the reign of Napoleon. Today, Chateau de
Compiègne houses three museums for the interest of visitors, namely- the Museum of the Second Empire, Le Musee de la Voiture, and a third showcasing different varieties of automobiles and carriages.
