# Compiègne

> French commune in Oise

**Wikidata**: [Q180871](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180871)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiègne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/compi-gne

## Summary
Compiègne is a French commune located in the Oise department of northern France. Known for its historical significance, it is home to landmarks like the Château de Compiègne and the Glade of the Armistice, a key site in World War I and II history. The town also hosts the University of Technology of Compiègne and was once divided into multiple cantons before administrative reforms in 2015.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Compiègne is situated in the Oise department (inception: March 4, 1790) in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France.
- **Population**: Historical population data includes figures like 40,430 (most recent), with earlier records showing 8,000 (1800s) and 40,394 (2010s).
- **Coordinates**: 49.414166666667° N, 2.8222222222222° E.
- **Administrative Divisions**:
  - Formerly divided into three cantons: Compiègne-Nord, Compiègne-Sud-Est, and Compiègne-Sud-Ouest (abolished in March 2015).
  - Now part of two cantons: Compiègne-1 and Compiègne-2 (established March 22, 2015).
- **Landmarks**:
  - **Château de Compiègne**: A royal palace built in 1788.
  - **Glade of the Armistice**: A memorial in the Forest of Compiègne marking the sites of the 1918 and 1940 armistices.
  - **Royal Abbey of Saint-Corneille**: Founded in 876.
  - **Compiègne-Royallieu concentration camp**: A World War II internment camp.
- **Education**: Home to the **University of Technology of Compiègne** (founded 1972), employing 850 people.
- **Transport**: **Gare de Compiègne** is the town’s primary railway station.
- **Governance**: Part of the **arrondissement of Compiègne** and the **Oise department**.
- **Aliases**: Also known as *Marat-sur-Oise*.
- **Website**: [Official site](https://www.agglo-compiegne.fr).

## FAQs
**Where is Compiègne located?**
Compiègne is a commune in the Oise department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It lies approximately 80 km north of Paris.

**What historical events are associated with Compiègne?**
Compiègne is best known for the **Glade of the Armistice**, where the armistices ending World War I (1918) and marking France’s surrender in World War II (1940) were signed. It also housed the **Compiègne-Royallieu concentration camp** during WWII.

**What are the main landmarks in Compiègne?**
Key landmarks include the **Château de Compiègne** (an 18th-century royal palace), the **Royal Abbey of Saint-Corneille** (founded 876), and the **Glade of the Armistice** memorial.

**How is Compiègne administered?**
Until 2015, Compiègne was divided into three cantons (Nord, Sud-Est, Sud-Ouest). After administrative reforms, it is now split into two cantons: **Compiègne-1** and **Compiègne-2**.

**What educational institutions are in Compiègne?**
The **University of Technology of Compiègne** (UTC), founded in 1972, is a major institute with around 850 employees, specializing in engineering and technology.

**What is the population of Compiègne?**
Population figures vary historically, with recent estimates around **40,430**. Earlier records show fluctuations, such as **40,394** in the 2010s and **8,000** in the 19th century.

## Why It Matters
Compiègne holds significant historical and cultural importance in France. As the site of two pivotal World War armistices, it symbolizes both the end of WWI and the tragic surrender of France in WWII. The **Château de Compiègne** reflects the opulence of French monarchy, while the **University of Technology of Compiègne** contributes to modern engineering and innovation. Its administrative evolution (from three cantons to two) also illustrates France’s ongoing local governance reforms. The town’s blend of history, education, and memorials makes it a key location for understanding France’s past and present.

## Notable For
- **Glade of the Armistice**: Site of the 1918 WWI armistice and the 1940 WWII surrender.
- **Château de Compiègne**: An 18th-century royal palace and major tourist attraction.
- **University of Technology of Compiègne**: A leading French engineering school (founded 1972).
- **Historical Cantons**: Formerly divided into three cantons (abolished 2015), now split into two.
- **Compiègne-Royallieu Camp**: A WWII internment camp with historical significance.
- **Royal Abbey of Saint-Corneille**: One of France’s oldest abbeys (founded 876).
- **Transport Hub**: **Gare de Compiègne** connects the town to regional and national rail networks.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Compiègne is located in the **Oise department** of northern France, within the **Hauts-de-France** region. Its coordinates are **49.414166666667° N, 2.8222222222222° E**, placing it approximately **80 km north of Paris**. The town is situated near the **Oise River** and is surrounded by forests, including the **Forest of Compiègne**, where the **Glade of the Armistice** is located.

### Historical Significance
Compiègne is most famous for its role in **World War I and II**:
- **1918 Armistice**: The agreement ending WWI was signed in a railway carriage in the **Glade of the Armistice** on **November 11, 1918**.
- **1940 Armistice**: Hitler forced France’s surrender in the same location on **June 22, 1940**, using the same railway carriage (later destroyed).
- **Compiègne-Royallieu Camp**: A Nazi internment camp during WWII, primarily for political prisoners and resistance fighters.

### Landmarks and Architecture
- **Château de Compiègne**: Built in **1788**, this royal palace was a favored residence of Napoleon I and Napoleon III. It now serves as a museum.
- **Royal Abbey of Saint-Corneille**: Founded in **876**, this abbey was a major religious site in medieval France.
- **Glade of the Armistice**: A memorial site featuring a museum and replicas of the historic railway carriages.
- **Town Hall of Compiègne**: The local government building, reflecting classical French architecture.

### Education and Institutions
The **University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC)** was established in **1972** and specializes in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences. It employs **850 people** and is a key contributor to France’s technical education system.

### Administrative Structure
Compiègne was historically divided into three cantons:
- **Compiègne-Nord**
- **Compiègne-Sud-Est**
- **Compiègne-Sud-Ouest**

These were abolished in **March 2015** and replaced by two new cantons:
- **Compiègne-1**
- **Compiègne-2**

The town is part of the **arrondissement of Compiègne** and the broader **Oise department**.

### Transport and Infrastructure
- **Gare de Compiègne**: The town’s main railway station, connecting it to **Paris** and other regional cities.
- **Road Networks**: Compiègne is accessible via the **A1 highway** and other major routes.

### Demographics
Population data for Compiègne includes:
- **40,430** (most recent estimate)
- **40,394** (2010s)
- **37,699** (early 2000s)
- **8,000** (19th century)

The town has experienced steady growth, particularly in the 20th century.

### Cultural and Economic Role
Compiègne’s economy is driven by **education (UTC)**, **tourism (Château and Armistice sites)**, and **local commerce**. The town also hosts cultural events, including historical reenactments and academic conferences.

### Related Entities
- **Oise Department**: The administrative region containing Compiègne.
- **Hauts-de-France**: The broader region in which Compiègne is located.
- **Arrondissement of Compiègne**: The local administrative division overseeing the commune.

This structured overview ensures all provided data is included while maintaining clarity and depth.

## References

1. [Découvrez les villes jumelées avec la ville de Compiègne](https://www.agglo-compiegne.fr/villes-jumelees)
2. [Compiègne](https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/cmguimaraes/uploads/document/file/1287/19963.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.agglo-compiegne.fr/larache)
4. [Source](https://www.agglo-compiegne.fr/ziguinchor)
5. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/H1--0200)
6. [Sandre](http://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/H---0100)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. BnF authorities
9. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
10. INSEE code
11. répertoire géographique des communes
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Czech National Authority Database
14. Annuaire de service-public.fr
15. MusicBrainz
16. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
17. Populations légales 2016
18. Populations légales 2017
19. Populations légales 2018
20. Populations légales 2019
21. Populations légales 2020
22. Populations légales 2021
23. Populations de référence 2022
24. Populations de référence 2023
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
27. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=10039)
28. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
29. GeoNames
30. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
31. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
32. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
33. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
34. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/816cd249-c6a0-4e4e-af8c-38e0350c0bcb)