Since its construction in the 11th century the chateau de Fontainebleau has been continuously inhabited by French royals for eight centuries.
Fontainebleau Palace, since 1981 on UNESCO's World Heritage list, has been used by all important sovereigns of France. Some of the most famous inhabitants of the Fontainebleau Palace are Madame de Maintenon (the mistress and later the second wife of Louis the 14th), Marie-Antoinette and Josephine de Beauharnais (first wife of Napoleon Banaparte).
Chateau de Fontainebleau
Under their supervision constantly enlarged and embellished, the Chateau de Fontainebleau today is one of the rare French castles that stil is completely furnished.
Gallery of Henry II at Fontainebleau Palace
Bedroom of napoleon I, Fontainebleau Palace
Bedroom of Marie-Antoinette, Fontainebleau Palace
Schloss Fontainebleau is located in the town of Fontainebleau about 67 miles south of Paris. It was used as a hunting lodge as well as a House.
Nowadays it is surrounded by 130 acres of park and gardens, composed of more than 1500 rooms, and exceptional embellished with decorations and furniture. There are three chapels and a theatre. Today the Fontainebleau Palace is home to four museums.
The Palace was often the scene of important historical events.
For the crowning ceremony Napoleon had Pope Pius VII come to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Here he had an apartment ready for him full of stolen art from the Vatican. However, it was not his intention that the Pope would crown him; Napoleon put the Crown on his own head and then crowned Joséphine himself. With this act, he wanted to indicate that he was not subordinate to the Pope.
Bonaparte then established his throne room with impressive gilded eagles in the Castle.
Also the end of his reign took place at the Palace of Fountainebleau; He signed his abdication there and said goodbye to his troops from the stairs of the palace.
The castle was decor for many international meetings: There are 5 treaties of Fountaineblue, the first signed in 1785 by Emperor Joseph II and the Dutch Republic, and the last was the abdication of Napoleon on 11 April 1814.
Although the palace of Versailles is more famous than the palace of Fontainebleau French history really comes to life in the last one. Versailles was the home of only three French kings, while for eight centuries all French monarchs are conneted with Fontainebleau. It is therefore well worth a visit. Please find practical information for your visit to palace of Fontainebleau below.
View on the gardens of Chateau de Fontainebleau
Staircase constructed in 1632-1624
The Grands Appartments: €11 (€9 in combination with a guided tour*)
Self-guided visit with audio guide.
This tour includes the Papal Apartment, the Renaissance Rooms, the Chapel of Saint Saturnin , the sovereign Grands Appartements, the Diana Gallery and the Napoleon I Museum.
*Some areas in the Palace can only be visited with a guided tour.
The Petit Appartments: €6,50
Furniture Museum : €6,50
Visitors who buy ticket for one of the guided tours can purchase a reduced-price ticket for the Grands Appartements.
Guided tour– Fountainebleau during the second empire : €15.50.
The ticket to this tour also allows access to the Grands Appartements.
From October to March : 9.30 am – 5 pm (last admissions at 4.15 pm)
From April to September : 9.30 am – 6 pm (last admissions at 5.15 pm)
Chateau de Fontainebleau is open every day except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Here you will find hotels in Fontainebleau. Some suggestions:
Mercure Royal Fontainebleau
The Mercure Royal Fontainebleau is situated in a residential neighbourhood.
The hotels is 500 meters away from the Fontainebleau Castle and is surrounded by sumptuous gardens. It is only 5 minutes from the train station.
Hotel, 97 rooms
This is something else! Staying in a typical Mongolian yurt with decorated hand-painted wooden furniture. In the summer you can open the roof and sleep under the stars.
Located in La-Chapelle-Gauthier, 74 km south east of Paris, and 26 km from Fontainebleau.
La Chapelle-Gauthier, France
Hotel, 20 rooms
La Rotonde 77
Located in Barbizon, La Rotonde offers B&B accommodation just 7 km from the Forest of Fontainebleau and 10 km from Palace of Fontainebleau. Free Wi-Fi, pétanque facilities and free private parking are provided at the B&B.
Barbizon , France
Bead & Breaksfast 3 rooms