Château de Compiègne is a neoclassical former royal and imperial residence situated in the town of Compiègne in the Hauts-de-France region of France. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the €7.50 standard adult ticket price and the current afternoon-only opening hours for the National Car Museum.
Quick facts about Château de Compiègne
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Wednesday to Monday) |
| Ticket prices | Adults €7.50, Under 26s Free |
| Address | Place du Général de Gaulle, 60200 Compiègne, France |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Compiègne railway station (10-minute walk) |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 3 hours |
Château de Compiègne opening hours
Château de Compiègne is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Wednesday through Monday, and is strictly closed every Tuesday. The last admission to the castle is 45 minutes before closing time.
While the Royal and Imperial Apartments are open throughout the day, the Museum of the Second Empire and the Museum of the Empress are only open from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Similarly, the National Car Museum is restricted to 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on those same days. The castle is closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.
Château de Compiègne ticket prices
Admission requires a general entry ticket, which grants access to the permanent collections and includes an audio guide.
Standard adult admission costs €7.50, which increases to €9.50 during temporary exhibition periods. Entry is free for visitors under the age of 26, and free for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Château de Compiègne is included in the Paris Museum Pass, alongside other major regional and national attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Why book the Paris Museum Pass?
- 🏛️ 60+ Top Museums & Monuments: Enjoy admission to the region’s most iconic cultural sites, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, and the Panthéon.
- 🏰 Versailles & Beyond: Your pass extends past the city limits to include historic castles like the Palace of Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau, and the Basilica of Saint-Denis.
- ⚡ Priority Entry: Maximize your sightseeing time with priority access to permanent collections, allowing you to bypass general admission ticket lines at many popular locations.
- 📅 Flexible Duration Options: Choose between a 2, 4, or 6-day pass to perfectly match your travel schedule and explore the city’s artistic heritage at your own pace.
- 💸 Incredible Value: Save significantly on combined entry fees compared to purchasing individual tickets at each site, especially if you plan to visit multiple landmarks per day.
How to get to Château de Compiègne
Château de Compiègne is located in the town centre of Compiègne, approximately 50 miles northeast of Paris.
For public transport, visitors can take an SNCF train from Paris Gare du Nord to Compiègne station, which takes around 40 minutes. From the station, it is a direct ten-minute walk through the town to the castle entrance, or visitors can use the free local bus service.
Parking at Château de Compiègne
There is no dedicated visitor car park directly within the castle courtyard.
Visitors driving to the venue must use the municipal parking facilities located throughout Compiègne. The nearest paid parking areas are situated around the Place du Général de Gaulle and the adjacent town centre streets, requiring a short walk to the main gates.
How long to spend at Château de Compiègne
Visitors typically need between two and three hours to fully explore Château de Compiègne.
This allows enough time to tour the main historical apartments, visit the dedicated museums if timing aligns with their restricted opening hours, and take a brief walk through the expansive formal gardens.
Accessibility at Château de Compiègne
Château de Compiègne provides accessible pathways for wheelchair users, though navigating the historic building requires some planning.
Lifts are available to reach the upper floors containing the Royal and Imperial Apartments. Visitors with reduced mobility should speak to staff upon arrival for specific guidance on accessing the different museum wings, as some transitions may require assistance.
Inside / what to see at Château de Compiègne
This European castle is more like a palace.
The main attraction is the suite of Royal and Imperial Apartments, which feature opulent, fully furnished rooms that served as residences for monarchs including Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon III.
The site also houses the Museum of the Second Empire and the Museum of the Empress, which display extensive collections of art, personal objects, and memorabilia relating to the reign of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
The National Car Museum, located within the castle grounds, features a significant collection of early vehicles. Exhibits include horse-drawn carriages, early bicycles, and pioneering motor cars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Outside, the castle is bordered by a large landscaped park that extends into the vast Compiègne Forest. The formal gardens feature wide avenues, statues, and a grand terrace overlooking the grounds.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Tip |
| Timing | Plan your arrival carefully to ensure you can access the specific museums, as their opening hours are restricted to select mornings or afternoons. |
| Crowds | The first Sunday of the month offers free entry, resulting in significantly larger crowds and longer queues. |
| Layout | The estate is expansive, and walking from the train station through the extensive castle wings requires comfortable footwear. |
| Entry process | Large luggage and bulky items are strictly prohibited under the Vigipirate security plan, and extra time should be allowed for bag checks. |
| On-site logistics | Pick up the free multilingual audio guide at the reception desk to receive detailed commentary while navigating the main apartments. |
Frequently asked questions about Château de Compiègne
| Question | Answer |
| Is Château de Compiègne suitable for children? | Yes, the castle is family-friendly, offering free entry for under 26s and featuring the National Car Museum which is popular with younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Château de Compiègne? | Tickets can be purchased on-site upon arrival, though advance online booking is an option to save time. |
| Is Château de Compiègne open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Are bags allowed at Château de Compiègne? | Standard day bags are permitted after a security check, but large bags and luggage are not allowed inside the venue. |
Things to do near Château de Compiègne
- Clairière de l’Armistice
- Château de Pierrefonds
- Forêt domaniale de Compiègne
- Musée de la Figurine Historique
- Abbaye de Saint-Corneille
