Chateau de Fontainebleau, A tranquil and elegant royal retreat

Chateau de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau

The furnishings in the palace, though not excessively luxurious

4.5

Introduction

The Fontainebleau Palace is located 65 kilometers southeast of Paris, surrounded by dense forests, and is a favorite hiking destination for locals. As a royal hunting palace, it was expanded during the periods of François I and Henri II to become one of the most important palaces of the French Renaissance. The palace has undergone several renovations and expansions, with great efforts from many renowned architects and artists. The main tower from the 13th century, the royal residences built by six dynastic kings, five courtyards, and four gardens are well-preserved. The architectural style of the Fontainebleau Palace has presented various appearances throughout different periods, but the exterior still retains the traditional French Gothic style. Inside the palace, visitors can explore the Horseshoe Staircase, the François Gallery, the Chapelle Basse, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, the Gallery of Diana, Napoleon's Chamber, as well as the bedrooms, studies, suites, and salons of emperors and empresses. In addition, the Fontainebleau Palace also houses the Napoleon I Museum, and four other museums, including the Chinese Museum, the Napoleon I Museum, the Home Museum, and the Gallery. The Chinese Museum holds a large collection of Chinese artifacts from the Yuanmingyuan, but it is rarely open to the public. The most attractive features are the Gallery of François I and the Napoleon III Theatre, as well as the Baroque-style Trinity Church. Visitors can also admire the bedrooms of different periods of the French royalty and the Diana Garden. The Fontainebleau Forest is also a popular weekend getaway for locals. This forest, built for royal hunting, has beautiful scenery, attracting many tourists to experience its natural beauty.

Address

Chateau de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau

Opening hours

April to September from 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:15)
October to March from 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:15)
Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
The dance hall closes at 16:00 from October to March and at 17:00 from April to September
The China Museum and Papal Suite are closed from 11:30 to 14:30 (except on weekends and school holidays).

Transportation

Train from Gare de Lyon heading towards Montargis Sens or Montereau, get off at Fontainebleau-Avon station, then transfer to Véolia BUS line 1 towards Les Lilas and get off at Chateau stop; One-way ticket costs 8.75 euros.

Phone ＋33-01-60715070

Website http://www.musee-chateau-fontainebleau.fr