Chez Tombivouac

Keen for some activity while you're on holiday? Perhaps you’d like to start by attempting the treetop obstacle courses at Grimp a l'Arb (10 minutes’ drive) – they'll truly get you up and close with the forest. For those who’d rather stay on solid ground, take in the views from the walking trails in Belvédère des Beaux-Monts (25 minutes). General Mangin Observation Tower (25 minutes) is 25 metres high, making it particularly handy for looking out over the treetops. For those planning to cycle as much as possible, Étangs de Saint-Pierre (10 minutes) has some splendid cross-country-style cycle paths around peaceful ponds. There are also plenty of historic sites spread in and around the forest, including Château de Compiègne (20 minutes) in Compiègne, a former royal residence with a car museum and apartments from as far back as the 18th century. Site gallo-romain de Champlieu (20 minutes) is an excavated Roman villa and baths with a museum. Finally, have a look at the Compiègne Wagon (20 minutes), the train carriage where two historic Armistices were signed between 1918 and 1940.