Fontainebleau
Another grand castle, with ornate decorations and opulence to leave your mouth hanging open in awe, the Château de Fontainebleau has been inhabited by royalty throughout the centuries, having seen the likes of Francis I, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Marie de Medici, and Napoleon Bonaparte. With over 100 rooms to explore, you'll find yourself getting lost in French history, from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. Find tapestries, paintings, and more to admire inside, and enjoy the gardens outside. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride, go hot air ballooning, or enjoy some tennis.
After exploring the château, consider walking around the town of Fontainbleau, if not just for something to eat. Perhaps just a macaron from Daronville (be prepared for queues), something light and sweet from the Pâtisserie-Chocolaterie Frédérick Cassell - either taken to go or enjoyed at the Salon de Thé - or indulge in a fine dining experience at Michelin-starred L'Axel. If you enjoy a great open-air market, the marché in Fontainebleau is a great place to visit, with delicious seasonal fruit and fresh baguettes to be enjoyed. Find other local specialties to devour here; the market runs Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.
Predating the Louvre and Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau was built in the 12th century as a royal hunting lodge - growing and expanding over the centuries - specifically under the reign of Francois I - to become one of the prize possessions/estates of the monarchy. Francois incorporated styles from the Italian Renaissance, with Catherine de’ Medici continuing the implementation of this style for the architecture and design. So grand and imposing, with its ornate interiors, long libraries under painted ceilings, decorative marbled columns, and its expansive stunning gardens, it’s no wonder Napoleon wanted to keep the palace for himself.
Many other royal residences were turned into museums after the French Revolution but Fontainebleau remained a residence for a ruler. In fact, the palace had begun to fall into disrepair after French court moved to Versailles, but Napoleon made the necessary repairs and contributions to restore it to its former glory. Even the Germans in World War 2 chose to protect the palace, and instead used it as a base while occupying it.
Inside the palace, take in the aforementioned libraries, gilded ornate trimmings, and enjoy the Turkish boudoir created by Marie Antoinette - designed for and her ladies as a respite from court. One of the main attractions is the Throne Room. Once used for monarchy, housed in the former King’s Chamber, Napoleon requested this room be used for his coronation by Pope Pius VII. Other highlights include The Trinity Chapel, the Pope’s Apartments, The Queen’s Apartments, the Apartments of Napoleon I and Josephine, the Francois I gallery, and the gardens surrounding the palace.
Inside Fontainebleau, as you explore the palace, you’ll find four museums to enjoy; The Empress’ Chinese Museum, The Galerie de Peinture, The Furniture Gallery, and the Napoleon Museum.
The Empress’ Chinese Museum features a collection of Far-Eastern art that belonged to Empress Eugenie. It is believed that most of these pieces were acquired during the Sack of the Summer Palace in Beijing, brought back to France as treasures.
The Galerie de Peinture operates as an art museum, showcasing works that were removed the house portion of the palace, as they were deemed no longer fitting to the decorative style. It also displays pieces from the Louvre, dating back to the 17th century - these pieces constantly changing.
The Furniture Gallery has a collection of beautiful and antique furniture that has been used to decorate the palace for years, now on display in a gallery for visitors to appreciate and take-in.
Most popular is the Napoleon Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts belonging to the former emperor, including important historical documents, clothing and military costumes, priceless and significant art, furniture, military arms, and so much more.
Fontainebleau, in all its grandeur, became the basis and mold for castles built later, especially in the Loire Valley, where Francois I also set up some of the country’s greatest palaces.
How to get there:
Take the train from Gare de Lyon in the direction one of these stations: Montargis Sens, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes. Get off at station Fontainebleau-Avon. From the station, take the Line 1 Bus, headed to Les Lilas, and get off at the “Chateau” stop.
As this chateau is near Vaux-le-Vicomte, you may want to consider doing both in one day, whether independently or through an organized tour group. The perks to an organized day tour include transportation to-and-from Paris, as well as between the castles.
Practical Information:
Open everyday, except Tuesday, from 9:30am-6pm. General admission is €12, but you will be charged extra if you want a guided tour. Admission and hours are subject to change - please check here for the most up to date information. Suggested visit time is minimum 2 hours.