Travelling all over the countryside

Travelled:184km
Visited:Compiegne Armistice Clearing, Pierrefonds Castle
Stay:Beauvais-aire, free parking and services N49°25.455' E2°04.810'

This morning we had no intention of travelling so far, but sometimes these things happen! We set off just after 8am and took the back roads through small country villages and farmland towards Compiegne. 

Just before the town in the big forest there is a clearing that has a small museum to celebrate the signing of the surrender armistice for the ending of WWI.

 As we returned from our visit we looked at the information board of the area and we're wowed by the castle in Pierrrefonds. It looks amazing with all its turrets and towers. 

Constructed in the 15th century, dismantled in the 17th century, then rebuilt by Napoleon III in the 19th century. The decor of the imperial apartments were remarkable and the architecture was stunning. 

The Reception Room:

The Emperor's dressing room:

The bedchamber:

The entrance to the Salle des Preuses:

Double-hearth fireplace and statues of Empress Eugenie and her ladies in waiting:

In the dungeon they have a sound and light show with the 'coffins' of the famous:

The Chapel:

A display of gargoyles and roof ornaments:

The courtyard:

We were shooed out for the 1pm lunchtime closure and had some lunch overlooking the lake.

 As it started to rain we thought we may as well head off to Creil to see the nail factory that has 325 working machines making 2800 different types of nails. However on the way we discover that there is only one tour per week and it is at 2pm  today ... there was no way we were going to make it. So we changed our course to Chantilly made famous for its Chantilly lace and Chantilly cream. Now it is known as the Horse Capital due to its great 'hippodrome' ie race track. There is also a beautiful castle and gardens. Unfortunately its not a very motorhome friendly town, although we do eventually find the free 'day only' parking area near the race track. Needing a place to stay the night, the tourist office gives us a list of camp grounds close by as the town doesn't allow overnight parking and there are no aires in the area. We try and find one but between Camy and street signs, we end up in the 'back of beyond'. Feeling a little frassled we decide just to go to Beauvais where we know has at least 2 aires! We opted for the quiter one up the hill rather than the parking lot next to the shopping centre we stayed in last year (due to the Aires Book stating it is closed in October). So here we are, parked up along with one other camper, watching the rain drops on the windscreen planning our day for tomorrow. Who nows if it will go to plan...probably not, but that is part of the adventure.