A romantic boat ride on the Carp Pond, a stunning basin teeming with carp.

A palace that is at once royal and imperial, the Château de Fontainebleau remains relatively little-known compared with its Versailles counterpart. Yet the site is absolutely gorgeous and offers, in addition, stunning French and English gardens, free for everyone.

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Here, beside the Jardin Anglais, lies l’Étang aux Carpes, a stunning turquoise-water nook teeming with carp and crowned by a small floating temple. It’s also the spot where French queens would gather with their closest friends, Marie-Antoinette among them. On sunny days, the château’s visitors’ favorite pastime is undoubtedly a ride in a boat. Perfect for couples, and just as appealing for families or friends, you’ll enjoy a view of the carp pond from up close, right at this exceptional place.

Wooden boats are available for rent. For a 30-minute boat ride, it costs 3 € per child under 12 and 5 € per adult, for a one-hour boat ride, 5 € per child (under 12) and 8 € per adult, noting that children under three ride free. Tickets must be purchased on site, at the boat counter, which is open from April 1 to October 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (daily, May through August; closed Mondays and Tuesdays in April, September, and October).

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.