The best cycling routes around Ville

Can’t say I noticed it

The square itself houses a statue of Joan of Arc, a tribute to the city's historical connection to this iconic figure. The Town Hall, with its rich history and stunning architecture, continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining a vibrant part of Compiègne's present.

The architecture of the town hall is a true feast for the eyes. The central structure is dominated by a tall bell tower, flanked by two turrets connected by a decorative railing. This imposing façade, 47 meters high and 24 meters wide, is decorated with striking Gothic elements such as pinnacles and basket arches. The large niche now houses a high relief depicting the equestrian statue of Louis XII. It is an original creation from 1869 by the sculptor Henri-Alfred Jacquemart in the realistic style so prevalent at the time. However, contrary to the usual appearance of equestrian statues during the reign of Louis XII, Henri-Alfred Jacquemart chose not to build a horse walking "à l'amble," that is, with both straight legs raised simultaneously. On October 12, 1530, a clock was placed on the summit of the bell tower. From that time on, every quarter of an hour, she animated three wooden jaquemarts with bell hammers. The Compiègneis quickly gave them three nicknames corresponding to the enemies of the time: Langlois for the English, Flandrin for the Flemish, and Lansquenet for the Germans. Even today, they chant the life of the city by "punching the time," that is, by striking their hammer to strike the hours.

The Château du Francport is an historic château in Choisy-au-Bac, Oise, Hauts-de-France. It was built in the 19th century. A photograph taken by Count Olympe Aguado is in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California. According to photographer Edward O. Haars for the War Department, this building is where German emissaries were housed during the Armistice negotiations in November 1918 at the Forest of Compiègne. See photos attached with NARA source on the images. Acquired by the Anglo-French Hotel Management Limited to turn it into a luxury hotel, the project fell through in 2009. However, by 2014 it was owned by Terres de Kéops and run as a restaurant known as the Château des Bonshommes.

The Aisne is a river in northern France that rises in the Argonne massif and joins the Oise near Compiègne in the Oise department. The Aisne department is named after the river. The Romans already knew the river in ancient times as the Axona; in 57 BC, Caesar defeated a large Belgian coalition in the Battle of the Aisne during the Gallic War. Battles were also fought there during the First World War.

Beautiful undulating car-free road through the forests north of Compiegne. Along the way you will encounter several characteristic signposts that indicate the local unpaved paths. As a cyclist, however, you better stay on this path, the only paved passage. Recommended!

The Église Saint-Rémi in Ribécourt is a neo-Gothic church originally consecrated in 1887. During the First World War, the building suffered severe damage, as so many others in this region close to the front. Between 1927 and 1930, the church was rebuilt almost identically, as a symbol of resilience and reconstruction. Architecturally, the church is a fine example of neo-Gothic, with clear references to the Gothic style of the 13th century. Inside, the pillars are particularly striking, each made up of four half-columns, with capitals decorated with leaf motifs. The five-lobed rose windows and the high pointed arches reinforce the vertical character of the building. A special feature are the stained glass windows, dating from 1954-1955. They were designed by the French master glassmaker Pierre-François Chevalley and give the church a colourful, spiritual atmosphere that reinforces the liturgical character of the building.

Built by Count Nonant de Raray in the 18th century on the remains of an old castle, Ribécourt Castle was used as a prison camp in 1919. Its last owner, Miss Alyette de Lareinty Tholozan, was awarded the Croix de Guerre, then the Croix de la Légion d'honneur. In 1920, she donated the property to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs for the rehabilitation of the disabled. The residence, located in the commune of Ribécourt-Dreslincourt, now houses the Horticultural High School.