Discover the Château de Fontainebleau in Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Fontainebleau is one of France’s largest and most magnificent châteaux. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the château has been the residence of many French kings and emperors, from François I to Napoleon III. Surrounded by vast gardens and a majestic forest, the Château de Fontainebleau offers a fascinating insight into the history of French royalty.
Why visit the Château de Fontainebleau?
The Château de Fontainebleau is an architectural and historical gem. It bears witness to the evolution of art and architecture in France over the centuries. Here you can discover sumptuously decorated rooms, frescoed galleries and richly furnished royal apartments. The Galerie François Ier, with its magnificent frescoes and stuccoes, and Napoleon’s throne room are a must-see. The French gardens, the Grand Parterre, the Jardin de Diane and the English park offer peaceful strolls in an enchanting setting. In addition to guided tours and permanent exhibitions, the château offers cultural events throughout the year. Such as concerts, shows and temporary exhibitions.
How long does a visit to the Château de Fontainebleau last?
A visit to the Château de Fontainebleau can take from 2 to 4 hours. Depending on your interest in the different parts of the castle and gardens. It’s advisable to allow enough time to explore both the interior of the castle and the magnificent gardens.
- Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau, France
- Telephone: +33 1 60 71 50 70
- Website: www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr
- Opening hours: Every day except Tuesday, from 9.30am to 6pm (last admission at 5.15pm). The gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm in winter and until 7pm in summer.
What to do after the tour
After exploring the Château de Fontainebleau, enjoy the charming town of Fontainebleau. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center. Discover the local stores and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and cafés. The forest of Fontainebleau, one of the largest in France, offers hiking and cycling trails. And renowned climbing sites, perfect for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. For an additional cultural experience, visit the nearby Musée Napoléon, which offers an insight into the life and times of Napoléon Bonaparte. Finally, the nearby village of Barbizon, famous for its school of painting, is also worth a visit for its art galleries and artistic atmosphere.
