As one of Europe's most famous forests, the Forest of Compiègne covers a total of 14,417 hectares, crisscrossed by hundreds of trails making it the perfect place to discover the region’s natural heritage. To make hunting (a favourite pastime of the royalty) easier here, a dense network comprised of hundreds of pathways through the woods was created back in the days of François I, Louis XIV and Louis XV, in addition to crossroads featuring typical direction signs, designed during the reign of Charles X by the architect Huvé.
The forest includes countless picturesque sites with its forest visitor centres, pools and remarkable trees (including the Saint-Pierre en Chastre yew tree which is said to be a thousand years old and the seven century-old Saint-Jean aux Bois oak!) offering visitors something different to see each time they set out.
Working closely with the National Forestry Office, the Compiègne Tourist Office provides an opportunity for tourists to discover the more unusual aspects of Compiègne's forest with a number of themed visits including the deer belling season, night-time visits and tours to discover the forest’s fungus varieties, etc

Created in 1896 by the British architect Smith, Compiègne’s golf course welcomes you on its 5551 m green, Par 70, located just a stone’s throw from the town centre and on the edge of the Forest of Compiègne.

Scarcely affected by the rain, its sandy landscape offers ideal golfing conditions all year round.

. Beginners’ practice facilities open all year round and available to all
. 2 putting greens with training bunkers
. 2 tennis courts, (one hard court and one clay court)

www.golf-compiegne.com

On the orders of Napoleon III, the architect Ancelet built a theatre designed to entertain the Court on the site of the former Carmel which was lost during the Revolution. Still incomplete when the Second Empire fell in 1870, it was later renovated and transferred to the Théâtre Français de la Musique (French Music Theatre) in 1991.
An exciting event programme is offered all year round, including operas from an often forgotten repertoire, concerts and other prestigious performances.

Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne
3, rue Othenin
60200 Compiègne
http://www.theatre-imperial.com

At the request of Louis XV, Jacques Ange Gabriel totally rebuilt the former royal castle from 1751 onwards. Today, this building remains one of the finest examples of the so-called neo-classical style. The luxurious apartments once inhabited by French monarchs from Louis XVI to Napoléon III can today be visited by the public.
The castle is also home to the Museum of the Second Empire and the Museum of Empress Eugénie. The National Motor and Tourism Museum’s astonishing collections of coaches and other horse-drawn vehicles can also be admired here in addition to vintage cars, cycles and even sleds.

www.musee-chateau-compiegne.fr

Based in Louis XV’s former Grandes Ecuries (Great Stables), which were once home to the King’s saddle horses, since 1876 the National Stud has continued Compiègne's proud equestrian tradition here.
Built close to Compiègne Castle, in the 18th and 19th centuries this building was home to the Royal (and later the Imperial) stables. 

The stud today houses almost 55 stallions of all breeds, divided among the Nord/Pas de Calais and Picardy regions from March to July during the covering season. It also handles all of the administrative aspects of horse breeding.

The Armistice of November 11, 1918 was signed in Compiègne forest not far from Rethondes railway station. Foch’s carriages and those of the German delegates were situated on two parallel tracks laid at an angle, previously used by the heavy artillery. Hitler made a point of humiliating France by insisting that the Armistice of June 22, 1940 was signed at the exact same spot. Recreated after 1945 at this site synonymous with the country's glorious and tragic history, visitors can take the time to contemplate the monuments and visit the war memorial which today houses the equivalent of the original carriage and numerous other reminders of the First World War.
http://armistice.chez-alice.fr

Along the pedestrianized streets, walkers can discover the wood panelled facades of Compiègne’s buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including "Vieille Cassine", the former headquarters of the Maîtres du Pont (bridge masters), the passageway between Rue des Lombards and Rue des Cordeliers leading to the wooden arcade carved in the 17th century, and the Grenier à Sel (salt granary) built by the legendary Ledoux during the reign of Louis XVI.

The town of Compiègne boasts numerous leafy, landscaped areas in addition to the castle gardens. The Rampart Gardens extend up to the mediaeval fortifications completed back in the days of Philippe Auguste. Its hedge maze continues to be cut based on the design originally drawn up by Ferdinand Bac, the well-known illustrator and essayist of the Third Republic.
Alongside the banks of the River Oise, the Songeons Park laid out around the Antoine Vivenel Museum is home to the ruins of the Jacobin abbey founded by Saint Louis along with an amazing scented garden. The huge Bayser Park surrounds the remaining buildings from the former abbey of Royallieu and the stables once occupied by the race horses belonging to Baron Balsan, a friend of Coco Chanel.