Chateau de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau castle stands out as one of France's most imposing and illustrious royal castles. Nestled 55 kilometers southeast of Parisin the Seine-et-Marnein region Ile de France, it spans eight centuries of history, from the medieval era to the Restoration. The monument has been home to emblematic sovereigns such as François I, Henri IV, Louis XIV, Napoleon I and Napoleon III, each of whom contributed to its architectural, decorative and landscaping heritage.
This article invites you to explore this UNESCO World Heritage treasure trove, home to such marvels of French art as the Galerie François Ier, the Galerie des Cerfs, the Chapelle de la Trinité, Napoleon I's bedroom and the emblematic Fer-à-cheval staircase. You'll also find practical advice on how to organize your visit and make the most of your time in Fontainebleau.
Preparing your visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau
Tickets and prices
Admission to the Chateau de Fontainebleau is €14 for the full rate and €12 for the reduced rate, allowing access to the Grands Appartements and the Musée Napoléon Ier. You can reserve your ticket online or buy it 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 château is open to visitors every day except Tuesday, January 1, May 1 and December 25. From October to March, the gates are open from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4.15 p.m. From April to September, the gates are open until 6pm, with last admission at 5:15pm.
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 département, the Chateau de Fontainebleau is easily accessible by car, train or coach. By car, take the A6 from Paris and exit at Fontainebleau. You can also reserve your parking space online at a preferential rate.
By train, leave Paris Gare de Lyon for Montargis, Montereau or Laroche-Migennes, and get off at Fontainebleau-Avon station. A line 1 bus will then take you to the "Château" stop.
If you prefer to travel by coach, PARISCityVISION offers organized visits 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 idea of a mere historical monument. This illustrious residence, which has welcomed more than 30 sovereigns from Saint Louis to Napoleon III, is a veritable architectural and cultural history book. Each monarch has left his mark, enriching the building in terms of architecture, decoration and collections, and shaping a unique and coherent whole. These diverse contributions trace the evolution of taste and power through the ages, making the château a symbol of French grandeur and cultural wealth, recognized and admired the world over.
Recommended tours and visits of the Château de Fontainebleau
The Chateau de Fontainebleau offers a multitude of options for exploring its treasures. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a self-guided tour, with or without an audioguide, or choose a guided tour led by an expert castle lecturer.
Thematic tours are also available, highlighting specific aspects of the château, such as Marie-Antoinette's Turkish boudoir, Napoleon III's Imperial Theater or the Empress Eugénie Museum. Whatever your choice, you'll be fascinated by the diversity and splendor of the spaces visited, such as the Galerie François I, a Renaissance jewel; the Galerie des Cerfs, testimony to the former hunting room; the Chapelle de la Trinité, a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece; or Napoleon I's bedroom, the scene 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, shows, conferences, exhibitions, workshops and other activities invite you to discover the château from new angles 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's an invitation to travel 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
The Château de Fontainebleau is full of options for dining and shopping. Enjoy a traditional, refined meal at the restaurant Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur, located in the Cour Ovale. For a coffee break or snack, head to Café des Mariniers, nestled in the former banqueting hall, where you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the park. If you're looking for something quicker, takeaway food is available in the château'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 left-luggage office in the courtyard of the Cheval Blanc, where you can leave your bags, strollers and umbrellas. Connect to the château's free wifi via the "ChateauFontainebleau" network. Free sanitary facilities are available in the Cour Ovale, the Cour du Cheval Blanc and the English Garden. Pay parking is available close to the château, with the option of booking online at a preferential 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 buy it on site, subject to availability. Adapt to seasonal opening times, and follow the indicated tour route. For your own safety and that of others, you must wear a mask throughout the château. Avoid touching works of art, furniture or fabrics to preserve them.
Please do not use flash photography, do not smoke in the château or gardens, do not consume food or drink indoors, do not make excessive noise, do not run or jump, do not enter closed or forbidden areas, and do not leave your children unattended. By respecting these rules, you are helping to protect and enhance the Château de Fontainebleau, a treasure trove of history and culture accessible to all.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - Conclusion
The Château de Fontainebleau presents itself as an invitation to plunge 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 sovereigns who have marked its history. You'll have the privilege of admiring priceless works of art, including the Francis I gallery, the Chapel of the Trinity and Napoleon I's bedroom.
The château's park and gardens are also a place of tranquility and beauty, where you can recharge your batteries. To plan your visit, please consult the château's official website, which is packed with practical information.
Don't delay: book your ticket online and come and enjoy an enriching experience at the Château de Fontainebleau, a veritable jewel of history and culture accessible to all.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - FAQ
Who lived in the Château de Fontainebleau?
Château de Fontainebleau has been the residence of every French sovereign from the 12th to the 19th century, including the emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III. François I, Henri IV, Louis XIV, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette are among its most famous occupants.
Which king was born in Fontainebleau?
Louis XIII, son of Henri IV and Marie de Médicis, 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 Château de Fontainebleau's emblematic horseshoe-shaped staircase was built between 1632 and 1634 by order of Louis XIII. Architect Jean Androuet du Cerceau is credited with this architectural work.
Which French king made the Château de Fontainebleau his emblem, along with the Salamander?
François I chose the salamander as his emblem and turned the Château de Fontainebleau into a Renaissance jewel. With the help of Italian artists, he transformed the medieval edifice into a sumptuous palace. The salamander, embodying his motto "Nutrisco et extinguo" (I feed on good fire and extinguish bad), adorns many elements of the château, including fireplaces and ceilings.
