The little town of Compiègne is situated in Picardy, northeast of Paris and a little off the tourist radar. However, if you take the trouble to visit, you will find a lot to see, including an impressive palace and park, several historic buildings, and some interesting museums. You can tour the Imperial Palace, which is full of Napoleonic-era furnishings and lavish decorations and includes the Museum of the Second Empire, the Museum of Vehicles and Tourism, and a very lovely English-style garden.

In the town center, you can visit the 16th-century Gothic-style town hall, the Museum of Historical Figurines, the 13th-century Church of Saint Jacques, and several historical half-timbered houses. A stroll through the Jardin des Ramparts (Garden of Ramparts) will reveal remaining sections of the medieval ramparts.

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