Compiègne's town hall has been here since the 13th century, but the current building dates from the 16th century, erected under Louis XII, king of France. The building is in flamboyant Gothic style. It was badly damaged in 1792 but was later completely restored by Viollet-le-Duc, the somewhat controversial architect who also restored the Château de Pierrefonds. At the very top of the building, don't miss the three "picantins" who chime (sound) the hours. There is an Englishman, a German and a Fleming, all three enemies of France in the 16th century. ••• Question: what happened in 1792 for the statues on the facade to be destroyed? ••• Answer: in 1792 and 1793, under the impetus of the French Revolution, France endured Dechristianization. Masses are banned, priests are deported or killed, statues are destroyed...
Text: ©Seevisit Patrick Palmas