Chateau de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau castle stands out as one of the most imposing and illustrious royal castles in France. Nestled 55 kilometers southeast of Parisin the Seine-et-Marnein region Ile de France, It spans eight centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the Restoration. This monument was home to iconic monarchs such as Francis I, Henry IV, Louis XIV, Napoleon I, and Napoleon III, each of whom contributed to its architectural, decorative, and landscape heritage.
This article invites you to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to marvels of French art such as the François I Gallery, the Gallery of the Stags, the Trinity Chapel, Napoleon I’s bedroom, and the iconic Horseshoe Staircase. You’ll also find practical tips for planning your visit and making the most of your time in Fontainebleau.
Preparing your visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau
Tickets and prices
Admission to the Château de Fontainebleau is €14 for full-price tickets and €12 for reduced-price tickets, which grant access to the State Apartments and the Napoleon I Museum. You can book your ticket online or purchase it directly on site on the day of your visit.
Free or discounted admission is available for certain categories of visitor. The château also offers guided tours, night tours and videoguide tours, each at different rates.
Opening hours
The castle is open to visitors every day except Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. From October through March, it is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:15 p.m. From April through September, the castle stays open until 6:00 p.m., with last admission at 5:15 p.m.
The park and gardens are accessible free of charge as usual, and the restaurant is open every lunchtime.
How to get to the castle
Located 55 kilometers southeast of Paris, in the Seine-et-Marne department, the Château de Fontainebleau is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. By car, take the A6 from Paris and exit at Fontainebleau. You can also reserve a parking space online at a discounted rate.
By train, depart from Paris Gare de Lyon bound for Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes, and get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, take Bus Line 1 to the «Château» stop.
If you prefer to travel by bus, PARISCityVISION offers organized tours to the Château de Fontainebleau and the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, departing from Paris.
Discovering the Chateau de Fontainebleau
The home of kings
The Château de Fontainebleau transcends the concept of a mere historical monument. This illustrious residence, which has been home to more than 30 monarchs—from Saint Louis to Napoleon III—is a veritable chronicle of architectural and cultural history. Each monarch has left his or her mark on the palace, enriching the building through its architecture, decoration, and collections, and shaping a unique and cohesive whole. These diverse contributions trace the evolution of taste and power through the ages, making the palace a symbol of French grandeur and cultural richness, recognized and admired throughout the world.
Recommended tours and visits of the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau offers a variety of tour options for exploring its treasures. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a self-guided tour—with or without an audio guide—or choose a guided tour led by an expert docent.
Themed tours are also available, highlighting specific aspects of the palace, such as Marie-Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, Napoleon III’s imperial theater, and the Empress Eugénie Museum. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll be captivated by the diversity and splendor of the rooms you visit, such as the François I Gallery, a Renaissance gem, the Gallery of the Stags, a remnant of the former hunting hall; the Chapel of the Trinity, a masterpiece of the Flamboyant Gothic style; or Napoleon I’s bedroom, the site of his abdication in 1814.
Activities and events
Throughout the year, the Château de Fontainebleau comes alive with a variety of activities and events designed to enrich your experience and provide you with memorable moments. Concerts, performances, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and a variety of other activities invite you to discover the château from new perspectives and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of different eras.
The château's gardens and park, which are accessible free of charge, are ideal for walks, relaxation or family outdoor activities.
The Château de Fontainebleau is more than just a monument: it is an invitation to journey through history and discover the richness of French culture.
Practical tips to make the most of your visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau
Restaurants and stores
Fontainebleau Castle offers plenty of options for dining and shopping. Enjoy a traditional, refined meal at the restaurant Les Petites Bouches de l’Empereur, located in the Oval Courtyard. For a coffee break or a light snack, head to Café des Mariniers, tucked away in the former banquet hall, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the park. If you’re looking for something quicker, takeout is available in the palace’s courtyards and gardens.
For a memorable souvenir, visit the château boutique in the courtyard of the Cheval Blanc. It offers a vast selection of books, postcards, jewelry, textiles, toys and regional products. Online purchases are also possible via the boutique's website.
Visitor facilities
To make your visit even more enjoyable, the Château de Fontainebleau offers several services. Take advantage of the free coat check in the Cour du Cheval Blanc to leave your bags, strollers, or umbrellas. Connect to the palace’s free Wi-Fi via the «ChateauFontainebleau» network. Free restrooms are available in the Oval Courtyard, the Cheval Blanc Courtyard, and the English Garden. Paid parking is available near the palace, with the option to reserve a spot online at a discounted rate.
Tips for a pleasant visit
For the best possible experience at the Château de Fontainebleau, please follow a few simple guidelines. Book your ticket online or purchase it on site, depending on availability. Be sure to check the seasonal opening hours and follow the designated tour route. Face masks are required throughout the castle for your safety and that of others. Please refrain from touching the artworks, furniture, or fabrics to help preserve them.
Please do not use a flash when taking photos, do not smoke inside the castle or in the gardens, do not consume food or beverages indoors, do not make excessive noise, do not run or jump, not to enter closed or restricted areas, and not to leave your children unattended. By following these rules, you help protect and preserve the Château de Fontainebleau, a treasure of history and culture accessible to all.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - Conclusion
The Château de Fontainebleau presents itself as an invitation to dive into the heart of history and French culture. This historic monument offers you the opportunity to explore a heritage of exceptional richness and diversity, reflecting the grandeur of the monarchs who have shaped its history. You’ll have the privilege of admiring priceless works of art, including the François I Gallery, the Trinity Chapel, and Napoleon I’s bedroom.
The castle’s park and gardens also offer a peaceful and beautiful setting where you can recharge your batteries. To plan your visit, feel free to check out the castle’s official website, which is full of practical information.
Don't wait—book your ticket online today and come enjoy an enriching experience at the Château de Fontainebleau, a true gem of history and culture that's accessible to everyone.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - FAQ
Who lived in the Château de Fontainebleau?
The Palace of Fontainebleau served as the residence of all French monarchs from the 12th through the 19th century, including Emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III. Among them, Francis I, Henry IV, Louis XIV, Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette are among the most famous residents.
Which king was born in Fontainebleau?
Louis XIII, son of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici, was born in Fontainebleau on September 27, 1601, in the royal chapel, and was baptized there on September 14, 1606.
Who built the staircase at the Château de Fontainebleau?
The iconic horseshoe-shaped staircase at the Château de Fontainebleau was built between 1632 and 1634 by order of Louis XIII. Architect Jean Androuet du Cerceau is credited with this architectural masterpiece.
Which French king made the Château de Fontainebleau his emblem, along with the Salamander?
Francis I was the monarch who chose the salamander as his emblem and transformed the Château de Fontainebleau into a jewel of the Renaissance. With the help of Italian artists, he transformed the medieval structure into a sumptuous palace. The salamander, embodying his motto «Nutrisco et extinguo» (I feed on good fire and extinguish bad fire), adorns many elements of the château, including the fireplaces and ceilings.
