Fontainebleau France Travel Guide
French cuisine holds UNESCO recognition for its cultural importance. Fontainebleau’s food scene mirrors the traditions of the Île-de-France region, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Rich items made from milk like butter and cream, fresh vegetables, and quality meats like beef and poultry.
Breads plus sweets are a daily pleasure. Common herbs include parsley, thyme, and bay leaf.
As part of Île-de-France, specialties include Brie cheese from the nearby region, and Paris mushrooms.
Local cheeses from the Brie region near Fontainebleau.
Find them in local cheese shops and markets.
Classic French comfort dishes: chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, lardons; hearty beef stew with red wine.
Rich, savory, and warming dishes.
Quick lunch option: grilled ham and cheese sandwich (Madame lends a fried egg). Warming and flavorful onion broth with croutons and melted cheese.
Popular and satisfying choices.
Delicate almond meringue cookies, available in a rainbow of colors and flavors.
Classic French pastries found in any good patisserie (pastry shop).
Several upscale restaurants in Fontainebleau provide refined French cuisine. These often require reservations, especially for dinner.
Numerous brasseries, bistros, and restaurants offer traditional French fare in a more relaxed setting. Many options are available in the town center.
Bakeries (boulangeries) are great for affordable sandwiches, quiches, and pastries. Local markets provide fresh produce and prepared foods suitable for picnics.
Traditional French food is often meat-heavy. Vegetarian options are becoming more common. Look for salads, omelets, vegetable tarts.
Vegan options are less widespread but can be found by specifying your needs.
Options for halal and kosher food are limited in Fontainebleau. Larger cities like Paris offer more choices.
Plan accordingly if these are essential requirements.
Limited in Fontainebleau, but popular as day trips from Paris.
Visit local farms producing Brie cheese in the surrounding region.
Check local tourist office for seasonal produce markets or festivals.
Pack food from local market and enjoy amidst forest beauty.
Use translation apps or pre-written cards to communicate your needs clearly.
Example: "Est-ce que c'est possible d'avoir ça sans viande?" (Is it feasible to have this without meat?).
The The happycow application helps locate vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in the area.
This resource can save time in finding suitable dining.
Even though the focus is on French cuisine, the town has a limited but growing number of restaurants serving foreign food.
While rarer than in larger cities, you might find crêpes (sweet or savory), falafel, and various baguettes with fillings.
Direct cooking classes are less prevalent in Fontainebleau, but popular as day trips from Paris.
Opportunities to visit local farms producing Brie cheese in the surrounding region.
Verify the local tourist office calendar for any seasonal food markets or festivals.
While French cuisine dominates, Fontainebleau has a limited but increasing number of restaurants serving foreign food.
Options might include Italian or Asian establishments.
Less common than in larger cities, but you might find crêpes (sweet or savory), falafel, and various baguette sandwiches.
Look for these quick bites near popular areas or markets.
Sourced from the nearby Brie region, this iconic cheese is a regional highlight.
Local dishes emphasize quality ingredients available according to the season.
Eclairs, tarts, and pain au chocolat are widely available and a delightful treat.
If you have dietary restrictions, carry a translation card.
