Saint-Jean-aux-Bois, Medieval village in Compiègne Forest, France
Description
Saint-Jean-aux-Bois is a small commune in the Compiègne Forest in northern France's Oise region, home to around 340 residents spread across scattered settlements. The village occupies a forested area spanning roughly 25 square kilometers.
History
The village grew around the Abbey of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Jean-Baptiste, founded in 1152 as a Benedictine monastery that anchored the settlement. This religious foundation shaped the community for centuries to come.
Culture
Residents are called Solitaires, a name linked to 1794 when the village was temporarily renamed La Solitude during the French Revolution. This designation reflects the isolated woodland setting that shaped daily life for generations.
Practical
The commune is connected to neighboring areas by regular bus routes through the TIC 101 line and the AlloTIC service system. Expect scattered settlements spread across the woodland, so plan accordingly if you want to explore different parts of the area.
Did you know?
The village is home to an ancient oak tree with a trunk measuring eight meters around, its roots stretching back to the age of Saint Louis in the 13th century. This remarkable tree stands as a quiet witness to the place's long past and often goes unnoticed by visitors.
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Castle of Pierrefonds
5.5 km
Forest of Compiègne
3.9 km
Champlieu
5.6 km
Notre Dame de Morienval
5.7 km
Abbaye de Saint-Jean-aux-Bois
122 m
Chêne de Saint Jean
930 m
Chapelle romane de Champlieu
6.2 km
Église Saint-Sulpice de Pierrefonds
5.2 km
Gare de Pierrefonds
4.9 km
Château d'Orrouy
6.9 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Béthisy-Saint-Pierre
8.4 km
Église Saint-Martin de Gilocourt
6.3 km
Église Saint-Sulpice de Béthancourt-en-Valois
7.3 km
Prieuré Saint-Nicolas-de-Courson
1.8 km
Église Saint-Denis de Fresnoy-la-Rivière
7.3 km
Église Saint-Rémi D'orrouy
7.3 km
Église Saint-Mellon de Vieux-Moulin
5.6 km
Chapelle Sainte-Corneille
5.7 km
Gallo-Roman Theatre of Champlieu
5.6 km
Equestrian statue of Louis d'Orléans
5.5 km
Château de la Mothe
7.9 km
Prieuré de Saint-Pierre-en-Chastres
4.6 km
Chapel of the Château de Pierrefonds
5.5 km
Abbatiale Saint-Jean de Saint-Jean-aux-Bois
114 m
Poste forestier de Saint-Pierre-en-Chastres
4.6 km
Pavillon de l'Impératrice de Vieux-Moulin
5.4 km
Poste forestier de la Muette
2.4 km
Faisanderie de Compiègne
5.6 km
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