Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France

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Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, My de Sortiraparis, Julie de Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on July 6, 2022 at 12:34 p.m.
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares.

The best-known and most-visited château in France is undoubtedly Versailles. Nevertheless, theÎle-de-France region is home to many other spectacularly beautiful monuments, which are well worth a visit. One of these is the Château de Fontainebleau, located in the Seine-et-Marne region.

Listed as a historic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Fontainebleau was once the secondary residence of the kings of France.

This massive chateau (no fewer than 1,500 rooms!) dominates a 130-hectare park, the height of its 800-year history. Since the Middle Ages, this exceptional monument has played host to many a crowned head. In fact, it was Henri IV's favorite château! Each sovereign has made changes and additions to the palace, so much so that the Château de Fontainebleau has become an astonishing blend of the different eras and styles that have crossed France.

Fontainebleau is home to some 30,000 works of art dating from the 16th to the 19th century, an incredible collection that can be admired in the various rooms of the château.

Fontainebleau's parkland and gardens are sure to attract walkers in search of greenery. From the Etang aux Carpes to the Grand Canal and Le Nôtre's Grand Parterre, this verdant setting propels visitors into an idyllic setting. In the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau, enjoy an exceptional view from the hot-air balloon, and have fun on board the little train, the horse-drawn carriage, the boats and the various catering options. To let off steam, head for the Jeu de Paume. The park and gardens are divided into different areas, allowing us to admire the exterior architecture and the various buildings that make up this monument.

As we stroll along, we discover numerous flowering groves, statues, ponds, basins and waterfalls, a magnificent sculpted grotto and various landscaped gardens.

Take every opportunity to discover or rediscover this magnificent monument, a French heritage treasure!

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This summer, the Château de Fontainebleau is inviting us to experience exceptional nocturnes, to visit the monument in a whole new way. Join us from July 10 to September 11, 2025 for this magical nocturnal experience. [Read more]

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In the very heart of the historic Château de Fontainebleau, nestles the restaurant "Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur", operated by Monument Café. Available as a buffet during the week and as an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays and public holidays, the restaurant overlooks L'étang aux Carpes and its pavilion. [Read more]

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We're off to Fontainebleau to introduce you to the Hôtel Victoria, which invites you to stay in a complex of two bourgeois mansions steeped in history and linked by a charming private park. Just a five-minute walk from the town center, the Château and the forest, this hotel offers a peaceful, refined setting for a getaway at the gateway to Paris, in the Seine-et-Marne region. [Read more]

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In Corsica, they have the GR 20, reputed to be the most difficult of the French Grande Randonnée (GR) trails. In the Île-de-France region, we're a long way from rivalling the circuit's 200 kilometers and 11,000 meters of ascent, yet it's here, in the forest of Fontainebleau, that you'll find one of the region's most demanding hikes. [Read more]

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L'Aigle Noir Hôtel à Fontainebleau - 536BF508 5553 4BF1 BC78 93C47FF90ED5L'Aigle Noir Hôtel à Fontainebleau - 536BF508 5553 4BF1 BC78 93C47FF90ED5L'Aigle Noir Hôtel à Fontainebleau - 536BF508 5553 4BF1 BC78 93C47FF90ED5L'Aigle Noir Hôtel à Fontainebleau - 536BF508 5553 4BF1 BC78 93C47FF90ED5 L'Aigle Noir, Fontainebleau's historic hotel for a royal stay
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L'Axel, le restaurant étoilé de Fontainebleau, les photosL'Axel, le restaurant étoilé de Fontainebleau, les photosL'Axel, le restaurant étoilé de Fontainebleau, les photosL'Axel, le restaurant étoilé de Fontainebleau, les photos L'Axel, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Fontainebleau
How about a Michelin-starred trip to Fontainebleau? L'Axel is the name of this divine restaurant, run by chef Kunihisa Goto for the past 10 years. Refined French cuisine with a hint of Japanese products, this is the perfect place to make a discovery. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Starts July 20, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    77300 Fontainebleau
    77300 Fontainebleau

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Official website
    www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr

    Booking
    Book your tickets with Paris je t'aime here

    More information
    Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25

    Comments
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