Compiegne, Pierrefonds FR 7-8 July 2022 Our next major stop was Compiegne where we stayed for 6 days. But our first priority was to visit Pierrefonds, a castle just over an hour cycle away. We set off from Noyon to Compiegne on the Thursday morning. It was a nice day and we stopped twice to fill up with water. The first time we had to move on as a commercial was coming, however once we were on the Canal latéral à l'Oise there are two chambers at each lock so we were able to stay longer to take on water. In fact it was great to let the commercial who was slowly catching up with us pass through the other lock while we were there. We saw an unusual sight while travelling - 4 herons together. Usually we only see one so this was quite unique. When we arrived in Compiegne there was a a group clearing up a tree on the little island in the river. Our mooring was next to a park, just before the lock. Warmer weather was forecast later in the week so we decided to head to Pierrefonds the next day. It was going to be over an hour to cycle, but it turned out to be a delightful trip mostly through the forest on a good path. Pierrefonds is a chateau/castle which was originally built in the 12th century but was destroyed and then later restored/rebuilt in the 19th century for Napoleon III, but as a medieval castle. The aim was for him to live in it at least for some of the time, but this never happened, and it became a museum. Unfortunately the side of the chateau that faces the village was covered in scafolding, but there was still plenty to see, with very impressive walls and towers. Once inside there is a courtyard - one side covered in scaffolding. Inside the chateau there were some collections, including metal work and casts of graves and grave statues. There was also the chapel and some impressive reception rooms to visit with plenty of medieval symbols included in the decorations. The town around the castle is quite lovely and apparently is also a spa town. After our visit to the castle we had lunch at a cafe overlooking the lake, and then had a ride around the town and a peek into the church. On the way home we took a minor detour to visit Vieux Moulin, a small and well kept village. It was an equally delightful ride home so we had had a great day.
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