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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

France

Château de Fontainebleau

The Château de Fontainebleau is a former royal palace and hunting lodge, recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as a residence for French monarchs from the 12th to the 19th century. The palace stands out for its Renaissance architecture, extensive formal gardens, and its role as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte's abdication in 1814. Each ruler contributed to its development, creating a blend of architectural styles.

The Château is the town's most prominent landmark, offering a deep dive into centuries of French heritage.

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: Generally open daily except Tuesdays and certain public holidays.
  • Fees: A full price ticket for interiors costs approximately €13 (subject to change). Reduced rates and free entry on first Sunday of month (Nov-Mar) are possible.
  • Guided options: Audioguides are available in various languages.
  • Gardens and park are open daily, generally from 9:00 AM until sunset, with free access.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Château

Planning Your Visit

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and avoid queues, especially during peak season.
  • Allow 3-4 hours to explore the Château interiors and its gardens fully.
  • Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
  • Arrive right at opening time or an hour before closing to avoid peak crowds.
  • Views from the Diana Garden are often less crowded than those from the main courtyard.
  • Buy your Château de Fontainebleau tickets online before you go. This saves you time by letting you skip the ticket line.

Exploring the Grounds

  • The Grand Parterre, designed by André Le Nôtre, is France's largest formal garden.
  • Explore the picturesque Carp Pond within the grounds.
  • Discover the Grotto of Pines, a charming feature in the gardens.
  • Observe the blend of architectural styles, a result of contributions from various rulers.

The extensive grounds offer a peaceful retreat and beautiful scenery.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Napoleon I Museum: Artifacts, furniture, and personal items from Napoleon Bonaparte's life.
  • Chinese Museum: Empress Eugénie's collection of Far Eastern art.
  • Empress Eugenie's Apartment: Restored imperial living quarters.
  • Musée d'Art Urbain et de Street Art (MAUSA Vauban): Urban art in a former prison (check current status).

Art & Performance Spaces

  • Local Galleries:

    Feature contemporary and regional art, an opportunity to discover local artists.

  • Le Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau:

    Hosts various cultural performances, including plays, concerts, and dance.

  • Check Programs:

    Review their schedule for events during your visit.

  • Engage with Local Arts:

    These spaces offer a chance to engage with the local arts scene.

  • Cultural Depth:

    Cultural institutions provide insight into Fontainebleau's history and art.

Historical Sites

Fontainebleau and its immediate surroundings are rich in historical sites, from ancient architecture to places of worship.

Architectural & Religious Heritage

  • Historical districts and architecture:

    The town center itself is a historical district, with many buildings dating back to the 17th-19th centuries.

  • Religious and spiritual sites:

    Église Saint-Louis de Fontainebleau, a prominent church in the town center, dates to the 17th century.

  • Memorial sites and monuments:

    Statues and monuments related to French monarchy and Napoleon are found around the Château grounds and throughout the town.

  • No Major Archaeological Sites:

    No major archaeological sites or ancient ruins are located directly in Fontainebleau; the historical focus is on later periods.

  • Exhibiting Classic French Architecture:

    Many buildings in the town center exhibit classic French architecture, reflecting their historical origins.

  • Quiet Reflection:

    The church's architecture and interior offer a quiet place for reflection and appreciation.

Historical Depth

Explore centuries of French history embedded in the town's buildings and monuments.

Preserved Heritage

Discover well-preserved architectural styles from various periods of French history.

Spiritual Sites

Visit peaceful churches for reflection and to appreciate religious architecture.

Nearby Historical Context

The town's historical focus mainly revolves around the periods following ancient times.

  • Explore historical figures and events commemorated through various monuments.
  • Understand the town's connection to the French monarchy and imperial history.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte's influence is evident in numerous historical markers.

Natural Attractions

The vast Fontainebleau Forest is the region's premier natural attraction, offering diverse landscapes and activities.

Fontainebleau Forest

The region's premier natural attraction, offering diverse landscapes and activities like hiking and bouldering.

Parks and Gardens

The Château's gardens (Jardin de Diane, Grand Parterre, Jardin Anglais) are meticulously maintained and exemplify French garden design.

Scenic Viewpoints

Explore areas like Gorges de Franchard, Trois Pignons, and Denecourt Towers for impressive rock formations and panoramic views.

Forest Features & Wildlife

Wildlife Viewing:

The forest is home to various wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species.

Geological Features:

Renowned for its unique sandstone rock formations ("grès de Fontainebleau"), making it a world-class bouldering destination.

Lakes and Waterways:

The Étang des Carpes (Carp Pond) is located within the Château grounds.

Bouldering Destination:

The unique rock formations draw climbers worldwide.

Explore bouldering tours and activities.

Nature Immersion:

The forest offers a peaceful escape and opportunities for quiet reflection in nature.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Beyond the well-known sights, Fontainebleau and its nearby areas hold smaller, equally rewarding discoveries.

Off-the-beaten-path attractions:

  • Apremont-sur-Allier: A beautiful village and arboretum, a short drive from Fontainebleau.
  • Millet-Rousseau Museum: A small museum in nearby Barbizon, dedicated to the Barbizon School of painters.
  • Smaller bouldering areas: Within the forest, offering solitude and unique challenges away from popular spots.

Emerging Destinations & Photo Opportunities

Discover charming nearby villages and capture memorable images of Fontainebleau's beauty.

Emerging destinations within the region:

  • Barbizon: Known as the artists' village.
  • Moret-sur-Loing: A charming medieval village.
  • Unique photo opportunities: Capture images from Denecourt Towers for sweeping forest views.
  • The majestic entrance of the Château and diverse forest landscapes provide countless photo opportunities.

Explore Beyond the Château

While the Château is the main attraction, the surrounding forest and nearby villages offer a wealth of experiences.

Allocate time to discover these natural and cultural treasures for a complete Fontainebleau visit.

Get Your Guide: Attraction Tickets

GetYourGuide offers a convenient way to book tickets for attractions in Fontainebleau and surrounding areas. This streamlines your planning and allows you to secure entry to popular sites.

Why Use GetYourGuide?

Simplify your trip planning by pre-booking your attraction tickets.

Benefits:

  • Convenient online booking for a range of attractions.
  • Save time by skipping ticket lines at popular sites.
  • Secure your entry, especially during busy seasons.

Explore Fontainebleau with GetYourGuide

Discover activities and tours in and around Fontainebleau.

Recommended Attractions:

Access Tickets Instantly

Receive your tickets directly to your smartphone.

Digital Tickets:

  • Easy access on your mobile device.
  • No need for printing.
  • Flexible booking options with free cancellation on many tours.

GetYourGuide offers a seamless experience from booking to entry.

Variety of Experiences

Beyond main attractions, find unique tours and activities.

Explore More:

  • Walking tours of Fontainebleau town.
  • Culinary experiences or food tours if available.

Diversify your itinerary with pre-booked experiences.

Customer Support

Get assistance with your bookings when needed.

Assistance:

  • Dedicated customer service.
  • Support for booking inquiries or issues.
  • Multi-language support often available.

Ensure a smooth travel experience with reliable support.

Seamless Experience

Instant Confirmation

Receive immediate confirmation for your bookings.

Mobile Vouchers

Access your tickets directly on your smartphone for easy entry.

Verified Reviews

Read genuine reviews from other travelers to inform your choices.

Affiliate Disclosure

Links to GetYourGuide are affiliate links. Booking through these links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.