The best-known and most-visited château in France is undoubtedly Versailles. Nevertheless, theÎle-de-France region is home to many other spectacularly beautiful monuments, which are well worth a visit. One of these is the Château de Fontainebleau, located in the Seine-et-Marne region.
Listed as a historic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Fontainebleau was once the secondary residence of the kings of France.
This massive chateau (no fewer than 1,500 rooms!) dominates a 130-hectare park, the height of its 800-year history. Since the Middle Ages, this exceptional monument has played host to many a crowned head. In fact, it was Henri IV's favorite château! Each sovereign has made changes and additions to the palace, so much so that the Château de Fontainebleau has become an astonishing blend of the different eras and styles that have crossed France.
Fontainebleau is home to some 30,000 works of art dating from the 16th to the 19th century, an incredible collection that can be admired in the various rooms of the château.
Fontainebleau's parkland and gardens are sure to attract walkers in search of greenery. From the Etang aux Carpes to the Grand Canal and Le Nôtre's Grand Parterre, this verdant setting propels visitors into an idyllic setting. In the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau, enjoy an exceptional view from the hot-air balloon, and have fun on board the little train, the horse-drawn carriage, the boats and the various catering options. To let off steam, head for the Jeu de Paume. The park and gardens are divided into different areas, allowing us to admire the exterior architecture and the various buildings that make up this monument.
As we stroll along, we discover numerous flowering groves, statues, ponds, basins and waterfalls, a magnificent sculpted grotto and various landscaped gardens.
Take every opportunity to discover or rediscover this magnificent monument, a French heritage treasure!
Nuit des Musées 2024 at the Château de Fontainebleau (77): free tours and nocturnal festival
Museum Night is back in Paris and the Île-de-France region. This is an opportunity for the Château de Fontainebleau to reveal its secrets during free guided tours by night. See you on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 7 p.m. to midnight! [Read more]
How about a breathtaking view over Fontainebleau? We're off to try out hot-air ballooning over the Île-de-France region, a magical experience we'd like to share with you. [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its magnificent gardens from May 31 to June 2, 2024, on the occasion of Rendez-vous aux Jardins, an event combining art, nature and heritage. Discover the program! [Read more]
Ready to run in the footsteps of François I and Napoleon III? Adults and children alike can challenge themselves to running races and a half-marathon in the magnificent grounds of the Château de Fontainebleau on April 28, 2024. [Read more]
Embark on a guided tour of the Château de Fontainebleau to discover the secrets of history through the intimate private apartments of Napoleon, Josephine and Marie-Louise. [Read more]
He was due to perform there on June 18, 2023. However, due to poor weather forecasts, Sting's concert in the magnificent park of the Château de Fontainebleau was cancelled. Fans of the former member of The Police can rejoice, as the British artist has announced his return to Seine-et-Marne on Tuesday June 25, 2024, again as part of the FBLO Festival. [Read more]
Discover the restored Théâtre Impérial at the Château de Fontainebleau and immerse yourself in the history of the Second Empire through a magical and enriching guided tour, putting you in the shoes of the characters of the era. [Read more]
Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand. [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau commemorates the 150th anniversary of the death of Napoleon III through a discovery tour of the Second Empire period. It's a time to make new discoveries, notably through an exhibition of period costumes. [Read more]
One fine day, or maybe just one night... you'll discover l'Aigle Noir, this historic hotel ideally located in the town center, in front of the Château de Fontainebleau. We'll take you on a tour of this luxurious bed and breakfast, less than an hour from Paris, for a weekend or a rejuvenating break. [Read more]
Discover Fontainebleau and its surroundings, a romantic setting with its castle and forest. An ideal weekend, less than an hour from Paris, combining culture and nature. [Read more]
The Fontainebleau forest is particularly well known for its hiking trails, natural climbing blocks and beautiful vegetation. Less than an hour from Paris, you can also discover the forest on horseback! [Read more]
Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses. [Read more]
Fontainebleau welcomes Luwei Brunch Café, a new address for coffee and brunch lovers. A veritable nugget of homemade dishes and delicacies in a spacious old farmhouse atmosphere, complete with fireplace, we love it. [Read more]
We're taking you on a Seine-et-Marne getaway to La Plaine de l'Angélus. This charming chambre d'hôte in Chailly-en-Bière, 2 km from Barbizon and close to Fontainebleau, offers a cosy, comfortable setting in a verdant estate. [Read more]
Discover the Napoleon in Fontainebleau, renovated with spa, bar and restaurant, for a refined, historic escape. [Read more]
Come and experience a great celebration of equestrian sports in Fontainebleau, from April 22 to 28, 2024! On the program: exceptional show jumping, family entertainment, and all for free! [Read more]
Among the beautiful walks and hikes to be enjoyed in Fontainebleau, don't miss the Sentier de l'érosion loop. Less than 2 kilometers long, this family-friendly walk takes you through the Apremont gorges, between forest and beautiful rocks sculpted by nature. [Read more]
On April 27, 2024, Médecins Sans Frontières is organizing a new challenge: WE S'PORT MSF, a first-of-its-kind fund-raising sporting event to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Fontainebleau. The program includes 3 sporting events to be completed in teams of two: TRAIL, mountain biking and climbing. [Read more]
Want to get active for a good cause? Médecins Sans Frontières is organizing a sporting challenge to raise funds, with mountain biking, climbing and trail running in the Fontainebleau forest on April 27, 2024. [Read more]
In Corsica, they have the GR 20, reputed to be the most difficult of the French Grande Randonnée (GR) trails. In the Île-de-France region, we're a long way from rivalling the circuit's 200 kilometers and 11,000 meters of ascent, yet it's here, in the forest of Fontainebleau, that you'll find one of the region's most demanding hikes. [Read more]
In Grez-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne, Le Tacot des Lacs offers a bucolic and unusual ride aboard an authentic period train, right in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. [Read more]
Discover the country escape offered by Demeures de Campagne at Demeure de Fontainebleau, a haven of peace located between the imperial château and the lush Fontainebleau forest. Explore a variety of outdoor activities, from creative workshops to gourmet cooking classes led by renowned Chef Adrien Germanicus. Immerse yourself in the perfect harmony between nature and history, while enjoying a relaxing break with family, friends or couples. [Read more]
Location
Château de Fontainebleau
77300 Fontainebleau
77300 Fontainebleau
Official website
www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr
More information
Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
Nuit des Musées 2024 at the Château de Fontainebleau (77): free tours and nocturnal festival
Unusual: we tested a hot-air balloon flight in Fontainebleau over the Ile-de-France region - promo
Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024 at the Château de Fontainebleau (77): the program
Secrets of the Château de Fontainebleau: discover the small apartments
Sting in concert in the grounds of the Château de Fontainebleau in June 2024
The Théâtre Impérial de Fontainebleau: Visit the restored jewel of the Second Empire
Discover the unusual Chinese Museum at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau, Napoleon III and Eugenie in a Second Empire tour
L'Aigle Noir, Fontainebleau's historic hotel for a royal stay
A romantic weekend or getaway in Fontainebleau, the best ideas
Discover the forest of Fontainebleau on a supervised horseback ride
The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum
Luwei brunch café, the nugget coffee shop in Fontainebleau
La Plaine de l'Angélus, charming bed and breakfast near Barbizon and Fontainebleau
The historic Hôtel Napoléon in Fontainebleau, with spa, bar and restaurant
Printemps des Sports Equestres: show jumping and free events in Fontainebleau
Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
WES'PORTMSF, a weekend of sport and solidarity in Fontainebleau
A sports and solidarity challenge with mountain biking, climbing and trail running in the Fontainebleau forest
Hiking: the 25 moguls circuit, the GR 20 in the Fontainebleau forest in the Paris region
Unusual: climb aboard the Tacot des Lacs, the vintage train through the forest of Fontainebleau
Escape to Fontainebleau: discover the Demeures de Campagne and their unique activities
