Château de Compiègne

During the 14th century, Charles V constructed the medieval palace of Compiègne in northern France, and it remained a favorite summer residence of the French royalty until the rise of Louis XV. Under Louis XV, the castle underwent a decades-long, major transformation into the esteemed neo-classical chateau that can be visited today. The French Revolution brought yet another change to the palace and the chateau's furniture was removed in 1795 and dispersed throughout the country. (Some pieces would eventually be returned.) Napoleon I restored the palace's interior in the early 1800s, and the Château de Compiègne became central to the Second Empire's court life and exercise of power.

The Château de Compiègne is remembered today 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 magnificent park and garden of roses.