Château De Compiègne

During the 14th century, King Charles V constructed the medieval palace of Compiègne, which remained a favorite summer residence of the French royalty until the rise of King Louis XV. Under Louis XV, the castle underwent a decades-long, major transformation into the esteemed neo-classical Chateau of today. Soon after, however, the French Revolution brought yet another change to the recently reconstructed palace and the Chateau's furniture was removed and dispersed throughout the country. Napoleon promptly restored the palace's interior and the Château de Compiègne became central to the Second Empire's court life and exercise of power. Today, the Château de Compiègne is remembered as one of France's three most important royal and imperial residences, alongside Fontainebleau and Versailles. Visitors to the palace grounds have the opportunity to view an impressive collection of objects and art, tour the Chateau's four historic apartments, and experience the sprawling park and garden of roses.