The National Museum of the Car and Tourism

"On the initiative of Paul Leon, who was the director of Fine Arts, the museum was created at the Compiegne Castle. And it was through the efforts of Leo Auscher, who was the vice president of the Touring Club of France, that the National Museum of the car and Tourism was inaugurated in 1927 by Edouard Herriot, the Minister of Public Education and Fine Arts. The collection is displayed on an area of around 3200 square metres and the museum offers its visitors some very fine examples of sleds, bicycles and vehicles that has benefited from a large number of donations from individuals that decided to enrich it. The museum shows the fascinating history of road transport, from the beginnings of harnessing to the early years of the automobile and there are 31 vehicles that represent its infancy in the areas of steam, electricity and then the early engine. Within this section you will even get to see the prototype of the Jamais Contente, which was the first electric car designed by Camille Jenatzy in 1899 and exceeded 100 kilometres per hour. Plus you will be able to get to see an amazing cycle collection that has an incredible assortment of two, three and four wheeled velocipedes, from the early Dandy Horses and Hobby Horses of the years 1817 to 1820 through to the modern bicycle of 1890 to 1920." - from Places in France