Compiègne

Compiègne is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. It is located on the Oise River, about 80 kilometers north of Paris. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to Roman times. It was a royal residence for many French kings, and several important historical events have taken place in Compiègne.

One of the most famous events associated with Compiègne is the capture of Joan of Arc by the Burgundians in 1430. She was later sold to the English and subsequently tried and executed. The city is also known for the Compiègne Armistice, signed in 1918 in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, which ended World War I. Another armistice, ending hostilities in World War II, was signed in the same location in 1940.

Today, Compiègne is a pleasant city with a population of around 40,000. It retains much of its historical charm, with a well-preserved medieval town center. Key attractions include the Château de Compiègne, a former royal palace, and the Musée Viven. The city also boasts the vast Forest of Compiègne, one of the largest in France, offering opportunities for recreation and nature exploration. Compiègne serves as an administrative and economic center for its region.