Town Hall – Compiègne Town Hall loop from Bailleul-le-Soc

Town Hall – Compiègne Town Hall loop from Bailleul-le-Soc

Moderate

riders

Town Hall – Compiègne Town Hall loop from Bailleul-le-Soc

02:13

52.6km

220m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 39.6 km for 111 m

After 43.6 km for 1.35 km

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

13.1 km

Bosquet Souplet

Forest

23.5 km

Compiègne's town hall has been here since the 13th century, but the current building dates from the 16th century, erected under Louis XII, king of France. The building is in flamboyant Gothic style. It was badly damaged in 1792 but was later completely restored by Viollet-le-Duc, the somewhat controversial architect who also restored the Château de Pierrefonds. At the very top of the building, don't miss the three "picantins" who chime (sound) the hours. There is an Englishman, a German and a Fleming, all three enemies of France in the 16th century. ••• Question: what happened in 1792 for the statues on the facade to be destroyed? ••• Answer: in 1792 and 1793, under the impetus of the French Revolution, France endured Dechristianization. Masses are banned, priests are deported or killed, statues are destroyed...
Text: ©Seevisit Patrick Palmas

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23.7 km

Compiègne Town Hall

Highlight • Monument

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.

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24.2 km

Pont Saint-Louis

Highlight • Bridge

Opposite the keep was the Pont Saint-Louis, a medieval bridge surmounted by houses.

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24.2 km

Joan of Arc Tower (Compiègne)

Highlight • Historical Site

Beautiful historical monument in Compiègne.

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24.8 km

On the banks of the Oise

Highlight • Other

Pretty nice spot. Besides, as soon as the water is present, it’s always magnificent!

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29.6 km

Jaux Footbridge

Highlight • Other

The Jaux footbridge can be crossed on foot or by non-motorized two-wheeler. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Oise and the quays of the pier.

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