Compiegne, France

The gardens of the Chateau de Compiegne have about 30 marble sculptures taking inspiration from antiquity.

Look who thought they were coming for dinner.  

We enjoy seeing the various styles of homes along the way.  

Radishes as art.

S. Victoria will never be lonely.  Her bones as well as others are there for viewing for eternity.

The King's Big Tower was a 12 Century Royal Dungeon.

Parc de Songeons arcades left from a former Jacobin Convent.

The Old Isolated House, 15C timber framed house for the Master of the Bridge who controlled the river traffic during the 18th century.

Donjon et Château de Vic-Sur-Aisne

I thought I was done photographing war memorials but I found this one particularly touching.

Compiegne has the largest, most difficult cobbled stone streets I have ever walked on.  The large stones protrude from the ground without enough sand or cement to walk comfortably.  It still amazes me seeing young women balancing on stiletto heels walking these streets. 

Near Compiegne is the site of the Armistice which we had already visited.  If you are so inclined you can also visit the Memorial to the Internment and Deportation – Royallieu Camp and the Deportation Car Memorial.  We missed both of those. 

Compiegne reached its heights under Napoleon III (r1852-70).  His legacy is alive and well in the chateau.  The Chateau de Compiegne is well worth a visit.  Make sure to use the audio guide, which is included in the admission price.  We didn’t take the French guided tours (our timing wasn’t right) so we again missed out on the car exhibit.  The grounds around the chateau (50 acres) are spectacular, well maintained, and popular for hiking, biking, walking, horse back riding (watch where you step) guided tours, lovers, etc.

Chateau de Compiegne

Gardens of Chateau de Compiegne

Hurdles in the garden if you are feeling particularly energetic.

Part way down the gardens looking back at the Chateau.

Here is an example of the sumptuous interior.  What do you think of my new bedroom?  It's perfect if you're into pink and gold.

On May 23, 143 Joan of Arc entered the Saint-Jacques Church to pray before she was captured by the Burgundians.

Saint-Jacques church where Joan of Arc came to pray in 1430 before her capture.  It was built between the 13th and 16th centuries.

The Imperial Palace was transformed and enlarged under Louis XVI, then developed by Napoleon I after the revolution.  It was Napoleon III who brought it to its glory.

This is a lovely town  central to visiting many historical sites.  We found a fabulous Italian restaurant (La Gandelia) with only locals dining.  The Prix fix lunch was delicious!  I wanted to go back for dinner.  When I had a hard time communicating with the owner I told her I spoke Spanish.  Well!  She said Italian and Spanish are the same and commenced to rattle off the menu in Italian.  Giving up I simply ordered the prix fix meal, which was the right choice.

Besides sightseeing we needed to market/shop again.  We managed to buy a bicycle for me, an ice cream maker (RECIPES WELCOME, please), paint for the boat (we are changing the exterior colors)…we shopped til we dropped.  Dinner was at 10:30 PM.

Why do I bother to vacuum?  As fast as I catch those dandelions more keep reappearing.

Just outside of Rabelo seated on a strip of lawn was a couple playing with their extremely large brown and white pet rat.  Keeping our eyes open we see all sorts of sights.

Cruising along the river enjoying the solitude, birds and beauty.

Off to Soissons next.