Delve Back Into French History

Today, you’ll start the day by visiting the emblematic Compiègne castle. Built by Louis XV and XVI, taken over by Napoleon I and then Napoleon III, the castle abounds with history and power.
This castle is one of the three most important French royal and imperial residences. Built in the neoclassical style, it is, however, unique when it comes to interior design and the choice of furniture.
The entrance ticket provides access to five different sites: the apartments, the Museum of the Second Empire, the Museum of the Empress, the National Car Museum, and the outside area, the 20-hectare park.
The different sites have different opening times. We recommend you visit the apartments, the park, and another museum: either the Museum of the Second Empire or the Museum of the Empress. Note that the museums are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so, in case you visit the castle on those days, you can spend more time on the other two sites.
Click here to consult the opening times and buy a ticket.
Note that the tickets do not offer access to the castle on a certain date; they are valid for two years.

Le Comptoir des Templiers welcomes you into a fine and prestigious setting.
The chef cooks delicious French cuisine prepared with care and quality seasonal products sourced from local producers. The cherry on the cake: there’s a new menu every week!
Tip: on a warm day, book a table on the terrace and enjoy the view over the beautiful manor.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Phone to book a table: +33344756130.

While crossing the Somme region, you’ll see the magnificent Upper Somme Valley. This is an incredible, timeless stop!
The belvedere rules over the valley, offering a stunning panoramic view over the bay. Immerse yourself in the purity of nature and take some pictures to bring back home.

You’ve now arrived in Lille. First, you’ll visit the citadel. Built under Louis XIV, who had just conquered the city, its construction took place in the 17th century. Originally, it was a small city with five bastions, forming a star.
Leave your car in the car park and visit the magnificent site on foot.

The citadel has several monuments celebrating heroes of the past. This monument is dedicated to the pigeon fanciers that were shot during WWI!
A female figure symbolises Peace enveloped by a swarm of pigeons and looking at a large shield crushing the hydra of war. Two sculpted bas-reliefs adorn the base. They evoke the war of the trenches and the heroic act of the pigeon that delivered the last message from the Fort de Vaux before its fall.

Requisitioned by the Germans during WWI, the citadel was the scene of terrible dramas such as the execution by firing squad of Lille resident Léon Trulin, a young figure in an intelligence network, in the ditches of the citadel on 8 November 1915. He was 18 years old.
The work consists of hammered iron letters in the name of Trulin.

Facing the city, the Royal Gate is the most impressive in the citadel. Vauban, craftsman of the glory of Louis XIV, conceived a highly symbolic work.
A true hymn to the king, its composition also recalls the Roman triumphal arch. At its highest point, "the royal sun pushes aside the clouds", above an important decoration made up of trophies of military armour, to which were added arms and the French Crown in 1816.

All good things come to an end! It’s now time to wrap up your visit to the citadel – head back to the car to go to the hotel where you’ll spend the night.

You’ve completed another intense day, so it’s time to enjoy yourself and relax!
Park your car at this parking lot and head to the stunning hotel you will spend the night at.

Tonight, you’ll stay at l'Arbre Voyageur, a unique place to stay in Lille. The hotel is beautifully decorated in a modern bohemian style and each room is unique!
Proceed with check-in, drop off your bags, and get ready for dinner at Le Jane, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.

Escape the ordinary at Le Jane! The atmosphere of the restaurant is intimate. The design is an invitation to travel, with some exotic touches here and there that make the place unique.
Chef Jean Christophe Gille serves local, creative cuisine. He revisits the French cuisine with influences from all over the world. The escape starts when you enter the restaurant and ends when you leave it. Enjoy a unique and special experience!
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Book a table

Another day of making memories has come to an end! It’s time to rest. Tomorrow is the last day of the itinerary but not the least – you’ll cross the border to discover Belgium!
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.