The best traffic-free bike rides around Blérancourt

The square itself houses a statue of Joan of Arc, a tribute to the city's historical connection to this iconic figure. The Town Hall, with its rich history and stunning architecture, continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining a vibrant part of Compiègne's present.

The architecture of the town hall is a true feast for the eyes. The central structure is dominated by a tall bell tower, flanked by two turrets connected by a decorative railing. This imposing façade, 47 meters high and 24 meters wide, is decorated with striking Gothic elements such as pinnacles and basket arches. The large niche now houses a high relief depicting the equestrian statue of Louis XII. It is an original creation from 1869 by the sculptor Henri-Alfred Jacquemart in the realistic style so prevalent at the time. However, contrary to the usual appearance of equestrian statues during the reign of Louis XII, Henri-Alfred Jacquemart chose not to build a horse walking "à l'amble," that is, with both straight legs raised simultaneously. On October 12, 1530, a clock was placed on the summit of the bell tower. From that time on, every quarter of an hour, she animated three wooden jaquemarts with bell hammers. The Compiègneis quickly gave them three nicknames corresponding to the enemies of the time: Langlois for the English, Flandrin for the Flemish, and Lansquenet for the Germans. Even today, they chant the life of the city by "punching the time," that is, by striking their hammer to strike the hours.

Rethondes is of course linked to the nearby Clairière de l'Armistice and the passage of General Foch. but it also has a typical French village character with narrow streets, old houses in natural stone, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Rethondes is associated with the armistice of 1918. On Sunday 10 November, Foch and Weygand attended mass in the small church. Outside hangs a commemorative plaque. Inside, the portraits of the two commanders are included in the stained glass window of the apse.

The Château du Francport is an historic château in Choisy-au-Bac, Oise, Hauts-de-France. It was built in the 19th century. A photograph taken by Count Olympe Aguado is in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California. According to photographer Edward O. Haars for the War Department, this building is where German emissaries were housed during the Armistice negotiations in November 1918 at the Forest of Compiègne. See photos attached with NARA source on the images. Acquired by the Anglo-French Hotel Management Limited to turn it into a luxury hotel, the project fell through in 2009. However, by 2014 it was owned by Terres de Kéops and run as a restaurant known as the Château des Bonshommes.

The Aisne is a river in northern France that rises in the Argonne massif and joins the Oise near Compiègne in the Oise department. The Aisne department is named after the river. The Romans already knew the river in ancient times as the Axona; in 57 BC, Caesar defeated a large Belgian coalition in the Battle of the Aisne during the Gallic War. Battles were also fought there during the First World War.

Beautiful undulating car-free road through the forests north of Compiegne. Along the way you will encounter several characteristic signposts that indicate the local unpaved paths. As a cyclist, however, you better stay on this path, the only paved passage. Recommended!

Perfect for a picnic in the castle grounds!