Compiègne, Hauts-de-France, France
A town that shaped history twice over — where Napoleon held court and the Great War came to its close. Step ashore on the Oise River into a city that punches well above its size.
A town that shaped history twice over — where Napoleon held court and the Great War came to its close. Step ashore on the Oise River into a city that punches well above its size.
Compiègne is a river-cruise port served by small ships and hotel barges docking at the Port de Plaisance marina, right in the city centre — no tendering required.
💡 Pro move: Most cruise lines calling here are river cruise operators (CroisiEurope, Aurora, Boat Bike Tours). All docking is alongside at the marina — no tender. The town is entirely walkable for the palace and historic centre.
All cruise ships dock at the Port de Plaisance (marina) on the Oise, steps from the town centre.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| CroisiEurope (MS Raymonde) | Port de Plaisance, Compiègne📍 | Docked |
| Aurora Barge Cruises | Port de Plaisance, Compiègne📍 | Docked |
| Boat Bike Tours (Fleur / Clair d'Étoile) | Port de Plaisance, Compiègne📍 | Docked |
From royal apartments to the forest where the Great War ended, Compiègne delivers outsized history for a town of 40,000.
One of France's three great royal palaces (with Versailles and Fontainebleau), Compiègne was the country retreat of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon I. Explore the imperial apartments, the Musée du Second Empire, and the Musée de la Voiture with its historic carriages and early automobiles.
Find Château de Compiègne tours →Deep in the Compiègne Forest, this clearing is where Marshal Foch signed the armistice ending World War I on 11 November 1918 — and where Hitler staged France's surrender in June 1940. A replica railway carriage and open-air museum mark the spot.
Find Armistice Memorial tours →A medieval fortress spectacularly restored by Viollet-le-Duc for Napoleon III, Pierrefonds looks lifted from a storybook. The dramatic towers, ramparts, and great hall draw film crews and tourists alike — it's been used as a set for the BBC's Merlin series.
Find Pierrefonds castle tours →Compiègne's pedestrian core rewards wandering. The 16th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) with its ornate Gothic facade and jack-o-clock bell tower is the centrepiece. Nearby find the Gothic Église Saint-Jacques and medieval half-timbered houses along Rue Napoléon.
Find Compiègne walking tours →The 14,400-hectare royal hunting forest surrounds the town and offers well-marked trails for walking and cycling. Rent a bike in town to explore the forest roads, or join a guided nature walk. The canopy is spectacular in autumn.
Find Compiègne forest cycling tours →The town centre is flat and compact — most key sights are under 15 minutes on foot from the marina.
A straight riverside and town-centre stroll from the Port de Plaisance to the grand palace forecourt. Pass the Hôtel de Ville en route.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the Château, loop through the pedestrian streets past Église Saint-Jacques, along Rue Solférino, and back via the Oise riverside promenade.
Climate normals for Compiègne, Hauts-de-France, France (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45°F / 7°C | 35°F / 2°C | 14 |
| Feb | 48°F / 9°C | 36°F / 2°C | 11 |
| Mar | 53°F / 12°C | 38°F / 3°C | 12 |
| Apr | 59°F / 15°C | 42°F / 6°C | 9 |
| May | 65°F / 18°C | 48°F / 9°C | 12 |
| Jun | 73°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C | 10 |
| Jul | 76°F / 24°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 |
| Aug | 76°F / 24°C | 59°F / 15°C | 11 |
| Sep | 70°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 |
| Oct | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 12 |
| Nov | 52°F / 11°C | 42°F / 6°C | 12 |
| Dec | 47°F / 8°C | 38°F / 3°C | 14 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Compiègne, Hauts-de-France, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.