The quiet beauty of a palace, when you take the time to look at the details.
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Imperial residence
Historic apartments, French elegance, grandiose settings.
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4 visits
Apartments + museums: car, Second Empire, Empress.
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Gardens & perspective
Park, alleys, a breath of fresh air in the city.
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Easy exit
City tour, perfect half-day in Compiègne.
Real French elegance
The Palais de Compiègne: a royal and imperial residence to visit
In the heart of Compiègne, the Palais (Château) is a former royal and imperial residence that can be visited like a concentrate of French history.
You’ll pass through historic apartments and discover several different routes in the same place: royal and imperial apartments, but also museums that tell the story of taste, power and the art of living of an era.
It’s a visit that effortlessly impresses: volumes, details, and that rare sensation of entering a place “inhabited” by history.
Experience Compiègne as something other than a stroll
Why visit the Palais de Compiègne
Because it’s the most “complete” downtown activity: you can choose your own pace and style of visit. Looking for a grand décor? The royal and imperial apartments are a must.
Looking for a more original angle? The museums of the Second Empire, the Empress and the Car add an unexpected dimension. And when you emerge, the gardens prolong the experience: a breath of fresh air, just after the richness of the interiors.
Guidelines for a smooth visit
Practical information, timetables, tickets, organization
Opening hours: the Palais is generally open every day except Tuesday (and some public holidays). Details may vary depending on the area visited, so it’s best to check the “Practical information” page before setting off.
Ticket: entrance fee gives access to all tours (apartments, museums), depending on current conditions.
Tip: allow 2-3 hours if you want to do at least the apartments + a museum, and save 20 minutes for the gardens, especially in fine weather.
Sleep peacefully, stay connected
17 rooms, one idea: your comfort
Spacious, air-conditioned rooms. Plush bedding, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar and reliable wifi.
Whether you’ve come for a night in between appointments, a weekend away for two, or a family getaway, you can put your things down and relax. It’s simple: at Compiègne, you visit better when you sleep well.
All you need to know before visiting the Palace
The answers before you even ask the question
How long will the tour take?
Allow 2-3 hours for the apartments and at least one museum, then add time if you want to enjoy the gardens at your leisure.
What routes can you visit on site?
The Palais offers a number of tours: historic apartments, the Second Empire Museum, the Empress Museum and the National Car Museum.
Is the Palais open every day?
In general, it’s open every day except Tuesday, with exceptions for public holidays and other periods. Check the official opening times before you leave.
Are the gardens worth the detour?
Yes. The park and its facilities extend the visit and offer a real green break in the middle of Compiègne, ideal after the interiors.
Can I visit the Car Museum at the Palais?
Yes. The Musée National de la Voiture (National Car Museum) is one of the attractions on offer at Château de Compiègne, with a remarkable collection of vehicles and cycles.