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Chateau de Fontainebleau Paris Overview

Located along the south eastern end of the capital city of Paris, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the largest royal chateaux of France. Visit this exotic locale and delve in its marvelous history as it retells the story of its distinguished residents that range from Louis VII to Napoleon III. This is a great place to get an insight into the rich art and architecture history of France.

Originally built in 1137, the Chateau de Fontainebleau has had additions and refurbishing throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. It is a massive royal castle that boasts rich French history right from the time of Louis VII to Napoleon III. From opulent rooms and period furnishings that include some original furniture to expansive well-maintained gardens, museums, and apartments, the palace is one of the most recommended places to visit in Paris. The vast building reflects both classical as well as renaissance styles and showcases artifacts from Napoleon’s imperial adventures. This was also a favorite seat of other French monarchs such as Louis XV and Louis XVI who liked to spend the autumn season here. After the French Revolution, Napoleon I brought in major works of refurbishment and gave back the palace its original grandeur. Witnessing the rich and royal castle of France, Europe trip creates a deep impact among all the tourists in all over the world.

Explore one of the most popular parts of the palace, the Napoleon I Museum which is housed in the Louis XV wing of the chateau and is completely dedicated to the Emperor and his family. There are weapons used by him in military campaigns, a large collection of objects from his everyday life, and gifts he received.

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Highlights

• Explore this massive palace located scenically by the waterside in the south-eastern end of Paris. The Chateau de Fontainebleau boasts over 1500 rooms and is situated in the midst of about 130 acres of rolling parklands and gardens.
• Try your hand at a game of tennis in the active court at Château de Fontainebleau, one of the very few on the planet.
•  Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the chateau as you tour its massive rooms and expansive gardens and lakes. 
• Go through the Napoleon I museum, the Pope's apartment (Pope Pius VII visited in 1804 and 1812) and the Great Apartments.
• Take a self-guided walk around the well-marked period rooms of the palace and then head for a horse carriage ride that takes you through the impressive and well-maintained gardens.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest châteaux. Enjoy Your Time At Montmartre Church

How To Reach

By Train: You have to first reach Gare de Lyon station in Paris either by the local Paris metro or the RER line. The metro lines M, 1, and 14 and RER lines A and D stop at Gare de Lyon. Once at Gare de Lyon take a transition train in the direction of Migennes, Montargis or Montereau. You will need to disembark the train at Fontainebleau-Avon station from where you can take a local bus to Château de Fontainebleau.

By Bus: The buses can be availed from across the street once you exit the train station. You will then be required to take the Line 1 bus in the direction of Les Lilas and get off at Château bus stop. From the bus stop you have to walk almost a block and a half to reach the palace. 

By Car: Take the A6 from Paris (Porte d’Orléans ou Porte d’Italia) and then the exit for Fontainebleau. Once you exit, follow signs that say Château until you get to the palace.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Chateau de Fontainebleau is during the spring season when you can witness hundreds of different kinds of flowers in full bloom. You can also revel in the beautiful sights of baby swans and ducks swimming in the surrounding lake during this time. Visit the castle between 10am to 1 pm during weekdays to tackle less crowds.

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Other Essential Information

  • Enjoy your tour around the palace with an audio guide that will take you through the open sections in 90 minutes.
  • The chateau is open on all days except on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
  • Check the bus schedule in advance so you know what time to be back at the bus stop after completion of your tour of Château de Fontainebleau.
  • Visiting the palace might be a whole day affair, so ensure you have enough time on your hands before you start your journey.
  • The operating hour of the castle is from 9.30am to 5pm.

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Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
tu
Normal Timings:
Closed!
we
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
th
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
fr
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
sa
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
su
Normal Timings:
09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Point of Interest for Chateau de Fontainebleau Paris
Trinity Chape
1

Trinity Chape

The Trinity Chapel has exquisitely painted walls and ceiling which is done by famous French artist Martin Freminet. The Trinity had the upper section where the king used to sit with the entire family and the lower section where the rest of the court used to sit.

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Francois I Gallery
2

Francois I Gallery

Pope’s apartment
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Pope’s apartment

The Pope’s apartment on the first floor of Château de Fontainebleau was created in 1804 and took its name from Pope Pius VII who visited in the same year. The apartment has 11 rooms consisting of exotic bedrooms, salons and luxurious living spaces in the palace which comprises some of the exquisite materials and fabrics inspired by the Orient.

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Château de Fontainebleau Garden
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Château de Fontainebleau Garden

In the 130 hectare park on which the palace sits, there are four main courtyards as well as three historic gardens with several flower beds, statues, water features, and unique planting arrangements.

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