Fontainebleau: Exploring France's Royal Legacy

Fontainebleau, located just 55 kilometres (34 miles) southeast of Paris, is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. Home to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and surrounded by the vast Fontainebleau Forest, this destination offers a perfect blend of culture, architecture, and outdoor activities.

Getting to Fontainebleau from the UK

1. By Air:

  • Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports
  • Airlines: British Airways, Air France, easyJet, and Ryanair offer frequent flights from various UK cities

2. From Paris to Fontainebleau:

  • By Train: Take the Transilien R train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station (40 minutes)
  • By Car: Drive via the A6 motorway (about 1 hour)

3. Direct from UK:

  • Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, then follow the above instructions

Top Attractions in Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau

  • Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (October to March), 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to September)
  • Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
  • Highlights: Napoleon's Throne Room, Francis I Gallery, Marie Antoinette's boudoirs

Fontainebleau Forest

  • Perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding
  • Famous for bouldering, with thousands of climbing routes

Grand Parterre

  • Largest formal garden in Europe, designed by André Le Nôtre

Carp Pond (Étang aux Carpes)

  • Scenic spot for relaxation and boat rides

Fontainebleau Town

  • Explore charming streets, boutiques, and local markets

Where to Stay

Aigle Noir Fontainebleau Mgallery
Hôtel de Londres
ibis Château de Fontainebleau

Aigle Noir Fontainebleau Mgallery: stylish hotel in a 15th-century mansion

Hôtel de Londres · Fontainebleau: elegant 19th-century hotel, opposite the Château

ibis Château de Fontainebleau:
 budget hotel a short walk from the Château

Dining in Fontainebleau

  1. L'Axel - Fine dining near the château
  2. Le Caveau des Ducs - Traditional French cuisine
  3. La Table du Parc - Casual dining with forest views

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August) for outdoor activities and events
  • Winter (December-February) for a magical Christmas atmosphere

Practical Tips

  1. Purchase the Fontainebleau City Pass for discounts on attractions and transportation
  2. Book château tickets in advance to avoid queues
  3. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the château and forest
  4. Check the official website for special events and exhibitions

Day Trips from Fontainebleau

  1. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (30 minutes drive) - Book here: ticket + transfer from £18
  2. Barbizon, the painters' village (15 minutes drive)
  3. Moret-sur-Loing, a picturesque medieval town (20 minutes drive)

 

Fontainebleau offers a unique glimpse into French royal history, combined with stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or art enthusiast, this charming town has something for everyone. Plan your visit to experience the grandeur of the château, the tranquility of the forest, and the charm of French small-town life.

Discover the majestic Château de Fontainebleau and its surroundings. Learn about its rich history, top attractions, and how to plan your visit from the UK in this comprehensive guide.

Fontainebleau
Commune in the metropolitan area of Paris, France

 

Location
55.5 kilometres south-southeast of Paris centre

 

Significance
Known for the large forest of Fontainebleau and the historic Château de Fontainebleau

 

Population
15,945 as of January 2021

Book your trip

 

THINGS TO DO

 

Fontainebleau and Seine Valley 3-in-1 Experience

 

Immerse yourself in the royal charm of Fontainebleau and its picturesque surroundings with this unique 3-in-1 tour:
 

  1. Chateau and Countryside Minibus Tour:
    Begin your journey at the majestic Château de Fontainebleau. Our comfortable minibus will then whisk you through the enchanting French countryside, offering panoramic views of the lush landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries.
  2. Seine River Cruise:
    Arrive at Port Valvins, where you'll embark on a serene 30-minute boat tour along the Seine. Glide past historic riverbanks and soak in the tranquil beauty of the region from a unique water perspective.
  3. Barbizon Village Visit:
    Conclude your adventure with a visit to Barbizon, the famous "village of painters." Wander through charming streets that once hosted renowned artists like Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau.


This comprehensive tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and art, showcasing the diverse attractions of the Fontainebleau region. Return to the Château de Fontainebleau with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable area's cultural and natural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
Suitable for: All ages, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and art aficionados
Booking: Reserve your spot in advance to ensure availability