Day Trips from Fontainebleau. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Several appealing locations are within easy day-trip distance, featuring diverse activities from bustling city life to quaint historical villages.

These spots showcase varied French landscapes and history, from grand châteaux to artist villages.

Explore More

Paris: Travel by Transilien R train to Gare de Lyon.
Barbizon: A short drive from Fontainebleau, this "village of painters" has the Millet-Rousseau Museum.
Moret-sur-Loing: This medieval fortified town, painted by Alfred Sisley, has historic gates and an ancient bridge.
Vaux-le-Vicomte Château: This magnificent 17th-century Baroque château, a design ideas for Versailles, offers a glimpse into grand The french language architecture.

Planning Your Excursions

Navigate your visits with these considerations for transport and travel styles.

Travel Styles

Independent travel provides great freedom to determine your pace. Organized tours offer ease for seeing multiple sites.

Choose Your Way

Independent travel offers maximum flexibility and self-planning for transport.
Organized tours simplify logistics but have fixed itineraries.
Discover and book local outings and experiences: GetYourGuide Day Trips

Recommended Timeframes

Allocate appropriate time for each destination.

Typical Visit Times

Paris: A full day (8+ hours) for major attractions.
Barbizon: Half-day (3-4 hours) for exploration.
Moret-sur-Loing: Half-day (3-4 hours) for a pleasant visit.

Transportation Methods

Getting There

Paris: Direct Transilien R train from Fontainebleau-Avon.
Barbizon, Moret-sur-Loing, Vaux-le-Vicomte: Best by car or cab for convenience.
Links for public transport exist but may involve transfers and more extended times.
For multi-day extensions, car rental provides greater flexibility.

Logical Next Steps

Paris: An excellent hub for further travel throughout France.
South/East France: Continue into other zones of France by train or car.
Loire Valley: Explore famous châteaux by train or rental car.
Champagne Region: Head east for vineyards and Champagne houses.

Other Excursion Types

Natural Escapes:Fontainebleau Forest itself serves as the main and most varied natural escape.
Scenic Landscapes:Different forest sectors feature dense woods, open heathlands, and dramatic rocky outcrops.
Rural Areas:The surrounding area is rural, with agricultural land and small villages.
Cultural Excursions:Vaux-le-Vicomte Château is a prime example of historical grandeur.

Historical Sites:Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing offer insights into rural French life.
Pilgrimage Sites:No major pilgrimage sites are located in the immediate vicinity.
Loire Valley Châteaux:Add 2-3 days south of Paris for a multi-day extension.
Burgundy Region:Plan 2-3 extra days for wine and gastronomy exploration.

Travel Tip

Plan ahead for day trips; check attraction hours and transport schedules, especially on public holidays.

Outdoor & Rural Extensions

While the Fontainebleau Forest is the main natural attraction, the broader area has more rustic views and cultural opportunities.

Forest Exploration

The Fontainebleau Forest is a vast natural escape with unique ecosystems and diverse landscapes including dense woods, open heathlands, and rocky outcrops.

Rural Countryside

The surrounding region features tranquil agricultural land and small villages, providing a calming contrast to the forest's rugged beauty.

Natural Features

Fontainebleau does not feature beaches or mountains, but its varied forest terrain offers ample beautiful nature for hiking and outdoor pursuits.

Cultural Village Visits

Expand your cultural journey beyond Fontainebleau's immediate surroundings by visiting quaint, historic villages.

Villages of Note

Barbizon: Explore the "village of painters" where the Barbizon School of artists found inspiration.
Moret-sur-Loing: Discover this charming medieval fortified town, painted by Alfred Sisley.
These villages showcase rural French life and provide a charming contrast to the palace and forest.

Beyond the Local Area

Think about adding more days to your trip to discover France'the diverse areas of and cultural offerings.

Regional Explorations

Champagne Region: Head east of Paris to explore wineries and Champagne houses for 1-2 days.
Burgundy Region: Southeast of Fontainebleau, this area is known for wine and gastronomy.
These trips are best explored with a rental car for convenience and depth.

Multi-Day Travel Details

Loire Valley:Visit famous châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau (2-3 days).

Paris as Hub:After Fontainebleau, Paris is an excellent departure point.

Train Connections:Trains from Paris (Gare de Lyon) reach many regions.

Car Rental:Car rental provides maximum freedom for remote areas.

Accommodation:Book lodging in advance for longer trips.

Activities:Consider escorted tours or self-guided explorations.

Travel Planning Checklist

Check train and bus schedules.
Book tickets for attractions in advance.
Consider car rental for rural exploration.
Pack for varied activities and weather.
Research local customs for respectful interactions.

Cultural Excursion Opportunities

Extend your cultural exploration beyond Fontainebleau's immediate vicinity for a richer French experience.

Historical Grandeur

Discover the opulent past of France through magnificent architectural marvels that inspired future designs.

Château Visits

Vaux-le-Vicomte: A prime example of historical grandeur outside Fontainebleau.
Its 17th-century Baroque design inspired the Royal residence of Versailles.
It offers a rich cultural experience into French aristocratic life.

Artistic Heritage

Explore the landscapes and villages that captivated famous artists and shaped art movements.

Painter's Villages

Barbizon: Also called the "village of painters" and location of the Barbizon School.
Artists found deep inspiration in the nearby Fontainebleau Forest.
Moret-sur-Loing: Famously painted by Impressionist Alfred Sisley.

Rural Charm

Experience the authentic pace of rural French life and traditional village settings.

Countryside Insights

Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing offer insights into rural French life and history.
These villages provide a charming contrast to the palace and forest environment.
Discover agricultural land and small, peaceful communities.

Extended Adventures

Consider multi-day extensions to explore renowned French regions beyond the immediate vicinity of Fontainebleau.

Regional Connections

Loire Valley Châteaux: Visit famous châteaux; 2-3 extra days are ideal, often with a rental car.
Champagne Region: Head east of Paris for wineries and Champagne houses; a 1-2 day extension.
Burgundy Region: Renowned for vino and gastronomy; plan 2-3 days for deep exploration.

Further Travel Planning

Maximizing your extended travels from Fontainebleau for effortless changes and maximum enjoyment.

Next Destination

After Fontainebleau, Paris serves as an excellent hub for further travel into other regions of France.

Transportation

Rail services from Paris (Gare de Lyon) serve many of these regions, providing convenient connections for onward journeys.

Flexibility

Car rental provides maximum flexibility for exploring more remote areas and setting your own pace.

Travel Considerations

No major pilgrimage sites are located in the immediate vicinity of Fontainebleau, allowing a focus on with a mix of history and nature exploration.

Regional Connections & Practicalities

Seamlessly extend your journey and manage travel logistics for broader French exploration.

Planning Multi-Day Journeys

Loire Valley Châteaux

A popular extension, typically requiring 2-3 extra days, is best explored with a rental car.

Champagne Region

Head east of Paris for vineyards and Champagne houses, making a rewarding 1-2 day extension.

Burgundy Region

To the southeast of Fontainebleau, Burgundy is famous for its wine and gastronomy, ideal for 2-3 extra days.

Logical Next Destinations

After Fontainebleau, Paris serves as an excellent hub for further travel within France.
Consider continuing your journey south or east into other parts of the country based on your interests.
Trains from Paris (Gare de Lyon) serve many of these regions, offering convenient connections.
Car rental provides ultimate freedom for exploring more remote areas and charming villages.
Plan your onward travel well in advance for a smooth transition.
Research specific regional attractions and book accommodations.

Transportation Connections

Direct train connections from Fontainebleau-Avon to Paris Gare de Lyon.
High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to major cities across France.
Regional TER trains link smaller towns within the Île-de-France region.
Renting a car france or upon arrival at a major airport offers autonomy for road trips.
Consider ride-sharing services for shorter, less accessible distances.
Check bus routes for local village access, though these may require transfers.

Extended Trip Planning Advice

Book Early

Secure train tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Travel Insurance

Consider comprehensive travel insurance for multi-day trips to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Local Guides

For specific regions, local guides enhance the experience with insights.

Smart Travel

For tours or activities in other cities like Paris, check digital booking platforms for convenience.

Day Trips from Fontainebleau