Château de Compiègne

During the 14th century, Charles V built the medieval palace of Compiègne in northern France, and it became a favorite summer residence of the royals. Under Louis XV and Louis XVI, the castle underwent a decades-long transformation into the grand neo-classical chateau that can be visited today. The French Revolution brought more change and the chateau's furniture was removed in 1795 and dispersed throughout the country. (Some pieces were eventually returned.) Napoleon I restored the palace's interior in the early 1800s, and the chateau became central to the Second Empire's court life under the reign of Napoleon III.

The Château de Compiègne is remembered today as one of France's three most important royal and imperial residences, alongside Fontainebleau and Versailles. Visitors have the opportunity to view an impressive collection of objects and art, tour the chateau's four historic apartments, and experience the magnificent park and garden of roses.