Day Trip from Paris: Exploring the Chateau de Fontainebleau

If you are planning a trip to Paris and looking for a day-trip destination that is steeped in history, rich in grandeur, and free from the overwhelming crowds of Versailles, look no further than the Chateau de Fontainebleau (or Palace of Fontainebleau as it is known in English). This stunning palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into centuries of French royalty and a tranquil experience for those who seek to wander through France’s storied royal past.

A Very Brief History of the Chateau de Fontainbleau 

The Chateau de Fontainebleau was a royal residence for eight centuries, making it one of France’s most historically significant palaces. The Chateau de Fontainebleau was first documented in a charter issued by Louis VII in 1137, at the age of 17, though it likely existed before his time. Initially a modest, medieval hunting lodge, it was transformed into the opulent palace we see today under the reign of François I in the 16th century. François I brought Italian artists to France, infusing the chateau with Renaissance elegance, including the iconic François I Gallery.

Subsequent monarchs, including Henri IV, Louis XIV, and Napoleon Bonaparte, added their own touches, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance to Neoclassical. Napoleon famously referred to Fontainebleau as "the true home of kings, the house of centuries" and made significant changes during his time there, including the grand throne room.

Today, the Chateau de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national museum, preserving over 800 years of French royal and imperial history.

Chateau de Fontainebleau Versus Versailles 

When most travelers are seeking out options for a day trip from Paris, the most typical destination is Versailles. Located only 12 miles southwest of Paris and connected to the city via the RER C train line in just a little over 30 minutes, Versailles is typically a no-brainer for those looking to learn more about France's royal past. As opulent and incredible as Versailles is, however, the palace is crowded - getting more than 10 million visitors annually. 

While Versailles often steals the spotlight as France’s most famous palace, Fontainebleau offers an equally rich and more intimate experience. Here are five reasons why the Chateau de Fontainebleau, in my opinion, is a better choice to visit than Versailles during your trip to Paris:

1. Fewer Crowds: Versailles’ popularity can mean long lines, packed rooms, and tickets sold out weeks in advance. The crowds really make it hard to truly savor the beauty of Versailles without feeling overwhelmed and rushed. The Chateau de Fontainebleau, on the other hand, is far less crowded, allowing you to explore its treasures at your own pace.

2. Rich Historical Layers: Unlike Versailles, which is strongly associated with Louis XIV, Fontainebleau has been shaped by numerous rulers across centuries. In fact, the Chateau de Fontainebleau was home to some 34 French Kings and 2 French Emperors over the course of some 800 years of French history. This diversity is reflected in its architecture and interiors, making it a fascinating time capsule of French royal history and architectural design. Additionally, it is the palace in which Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte resigned in 1814 and is home to a fantastic museum dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and his family. 

3. Breathtaking Interiors: While Versailles is over-the-top opulent, the interiors at the Chateau de Fontainebleau are more refined. However, do not mistake refined for boring or dull! From the intricacy of the woodwork and sculptures in the François I Gallery that have come to define French Renaissance art to Napoleon’s private apartments, Fontainebleau’s interiors are beautifully detailed and intricate. Additionally - and of historical significance - the throne room of Napoleon at the Chateau de Fontainebleau is the only one of its kind in France still preserved in its original state.

4. Serene Surroundings: The Chateau de Fontainebleau is set amidst a sprawling forest, called the Forest of Fontainebleau (Forêt de Fontainebleau), offering miles of beautiful walking trails and gorgeous scenery. The gardens, including the Grand Parterre designed by André Le Nôtre, are equally enchanting and ideal for a quiet stroll. Its surroundings are what attracted French kings to Fontainebleau on hunting trips over the centuries.

5. Authenticity: Fontainebleau feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a genuine piece of history. Fontainebleau is still furnished with much of its original furniture, unlike Versailles. This detail allows you to easily imagine the kings and queens who once walked these halls without being distracted by large crowds or commercialized experiences.

However, if you still have your heart set on visiting Versailles or are looking to learn more about this storied palace, check out our blog on Visiting Versailles for more information. 

Highlights of Chateau de Fontainebleau 

While everyone knows Versailles's Hall of Mirrors and over-the-top fountain displays in its beautiful gardens, the highlights of the Chateau de Fontainebleau are not as well known to the average traveler. The palace is massive, with more than 1,500 rooms, and can be pretty overwhelming to the first time visitor.

Some of the highlights and must-see artifacts on display at the Chateau de Fontainebleau are detailed below.

• Napoleon I Museum: The Napoleon I Museum is dedicated to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his family. The museum is the first stop on your visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The museum does an excellent job providing insight into Napoleon's reign and legacy with a large assortment of artifacts on display for visitors, including Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat (pictured below) and a cradle made for the King of Rome, Napoleon's firstborn son.

• François I Gallery (Francis I Gallery): The François I Gallery, or Francis I Gallery as it is known in English, is one of the most spectacular rooms of the entire palace. An homage to François I (1515-1547), the gallery was built under François I's discretion to link the royal apartments with the Trinitarian monastery that was previously on the site. While the monastery is no longer standing, the François I Gallery today connects to the magnificently opulent Chapel of the Trinity. The gallery's decor was completed by Rosso Fiorentino from 1535 to 1537, an Italian artist and one of the founding members of the School of Fontainebleau (decorative sculpture and painting that characterized 16th-century France during the reign of François I, blending elements from both Italian and French Renaissance art). If you are looking to learn even more about the François I Gallery at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, check out this summary from Khan Academy. 

• Pope's Apartment: The Pope's Apartment, also known as the Queen Mother's Apartment as it was where Queen Anne of Austria resided after she became a widow (Queen Anne of Austria was the wife of King Louis XIII from 1615 to 1643), is another highlight of the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The Pope's Apartment is not necessarily notable for its decor or architectural design (although it is beautiful), but for the notable figures who resided within its walls. It was here, in these apartments, that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte held Pope Pius VII as his prisoner. (If you are looking for more information about Pope Pius VII being held as Napoleon's prisoner, check out this article from Yale University Press. It is a fascinating read!)

• Royal Apartments: The Royal Apartments at the Chateau de Fontainebleau are steeped in French history, having housed generations of monarchs from the Middle Ages to the Second Empire. Each room reflects the evolving tastes of kings, queens, and emperors, blending Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical (also known as Empire) styles. Some of the highlights within the Royal Apartments include: 
  • Saint Louis Rooms: Named after King Saint Louis IX, these rooms are among the oldest in the chateau, originally serving as the private apartments for King Saint Louis IX and other medieval monarchs. 
  • Napoleon's Throne Room: The only intact throne room in France from the First Empire, this opulent chamber was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. (The room was formerly the King's Bedchamber.) It is decorated in the Empire style, with a striking red and gold color scheme, imperial eagles, and Napoleon's personal symbols (notice the gold bees 🐝 on the drapery and throne, along with the gilded "N" beneath each of the imperial eagles), making it a powerful display of his reign. 
  • Empresses' Bed Chamber: Formerly known as the Queen's Bedchamber, this lavish bedroom was occupied by every French queen from Marie de Medici to Marie Antoinette. The canopy bed currently on display in the room was actually designed for Marie Antoinette, but the French Revolution prevented her from ever returning to the Chateau de Fontainebleau after the bed was delivered. During the First Empire, the room was occupied by both Empress Josephine and Empress Marie-Louise (thus the name changing to the "Empresses' Bed Chamber"). The room is adorned with silk brocades, gilded woodwork, and an extravagant canopy bed, exemplifying the grandeur of imperial life.
  • Marie Antoinette's Boudoir: This small space was designed for Marie Antoinette and showcases her refined taste with its Neoclassical decor. On display in the room are a beautiful mother of pearl inlaid desk and small, matching table which are original to the space. They are really spectacular pieces of art and photos do not do them justice as you can only see its pearlescence in person. If you want to learn more about Marie Antoinette's Boudoir at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, I highly recommend the video below. 
  
  
   
  • Ballroom: The magnificent Renaissance ballroom, completed under Henri II in the mid-16th century, is another spectacular space within the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Featuring a coffered ceiling, a grand fireplace, and oak wood paneling, it was used for royal celebrations and court festivities. The wainscotting, ceiling, and fireplace are all adorned with the letter "H" in honor of Henri II. 
  • Diana Gallery: This long gallery is named after Diana, the Roman Goddess of hunting, in honor of Fontainebleau's origins as a hunting retreat for French kings. The gallery is the longest room in the chateau and was restored and redecorated by both Napoleon and King Louis XVIII. However, it was Napoleon III who turned the space into a library as we see it today.  

Saint Louis Rooms

Napoleon's Throne Room

Empresses' Bed Chamber

Marie Antoinette's Boudoir

Up-Close of Marie Antoinette's Mother of Pearl Desk

The Ballroom at the Chateau de Fontainebleau

Diana Gallery

• Apartment of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte: The Apartment of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at Fontainebleau was designed more around function than the other rooms of the Royal Apartments, reflecting Napoleon's pragmatic yet imperial style. He used this suite of rooms as his private residence and office during his stays at Fontainebleau. The two rooms worth your attention in this space during your visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau are Napoleon's bedroom and the Abdication Room. Napoleon's bedroom is richly decorated in the Empire style and served as his personal sleeping quarters. The room is adorned with imperial eagles and rich textiles, reflecting his taste for power and opulence, even in private spaces. The Abdication Room, or Salon de l'Abdication as it is known in French, is the most historically significant room in the entire chateau. This small, but elegant study is where Napoleon conceded defeat, signed his abdication papers, and agreed to exile on the island of Elba on April 6, 1814, officially marking the end of his reign as Emperor of the French.

• The Chapel of the Trinity: The Chapel of the Trinity is another highlight of the Chateau de Fontainebleau and dates to the 17th century. Towards the middle of your tour of the Chateau de Fontainebleau, you will be able to peep inside the upper level of the chapel which was used by the King and his immediate family. The tour of the Chateau de Fontainebleau, however, ends in the lower part of Chapel of the Trinity and allows you to walk through the magnificent space. The chapel is a masterpiece of French Renaissance and early Baroque architecture. Flanking either side of the altar are statues of Henri IV as Charlemagne (on the left) and Louis XIII as St. Louis, formerly Louis IX, (on the right). My favorite feature of the Chapel of the Trinity is the marble stonework both in the floor and the pillars surrounding the altar. The chapel is not just a beautiful space, but it has hosted significant events in its lifetime, including, the wedding of Louis XV and Marie Leszczynska in 1725 and the baptism of Napoleon III in 1810. 

• Gardens: The gardens at the Chateau de Fontainebleau span more than 320 acres and date back to the 16th century. While the gardens pale in comparison to those at Versailles, they are still a highlight of any visit to Fontainebleau. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance gardens in her native Italy, Catherine de Medici is largely credited for creating the French Renaissance gardens that grace Fontainebleau today. The gardens were expanded by French kings in the centuries that followed, seeing the addition of a grand canal and an English-style landscape garden. How far you choose to wander through the gardens at Fontainebleau is up to you, but should spend a little bit of time walking through them as they are really beautiful, even in winter. If you are in a rush, check out at least the Garden of Diana which is on your way to/from the nearest bus stop to the chateau. The Garden of Diana is from the reign of Henri IV and was originally designed to be a private garden for the king and queen. As such, it is small and intimate. The garden is home to a fountain dedicated to Diana, the Roman Goddess of hunting, paying homage once more to the chateau's beginnings as a hunting lodge.

How to Get to the Chateau de Fontainebleau

Visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau from Paris is straightforward and easy, making it an ideal day trip from Paris. From the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris, hop on a direct Transilien train (Line R) bound for Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes. The journey takes about 40 minutes and trains typically run twice an hour. The cost of the journey is €2.50 per person and can be paid with a Navigo card or Navigo pass for zones 1-5.

Once you arrive at the Fontainebleau-Avon station (Gare de Fontainebleau-Avon as it is known in French), it is a short 10-minute bus ride on the #3401 Bus to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The bus is clearly identifiable from the train station with plenty of signage and you can likely count on following the gaggle of other tourists to make sure you board the correct bus. The bus runs in conjunction with the train schedule, so it should be ready for you to board upon your arrival at Fontainebleau-Avon. You can pay the driver directly for a bus ticket. The cost of the bus is €2.50 per person; however, payment to the driver is only accepted in cash. You will get off the bus at the "Chateau" bus stop which is directly opposite the street from the Garden of Diana entrance to the palace. The buses have digital screens that identify the upcoming stops to make it easy for first-time visitors.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk through the charming town of Fontainebleau to the palace. If you are looking to walk, I highly recommend using Google Maps to help you successfully navigate your way through town to the palace.

Preparing for Your Visit to Chateau de Fontainebleau 

The Chateau de Fontainebleau is open daily, with the exception of Tuesdays. The palace is also closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, annually. The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entrance at 4:15 PM from October through March. Throughout the rest of the year, April through September, the palace is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entrance at 5:15 PM. 

You can purchase tickets online ahead of your visit, or you can purchase your tickets once you arrive at the palace. The tickets, if purchased online for the Chateau de Fontainebleau, are valid for the entire day and are not a specific time slot. This can be a bit confusing because the online ticketing platform states the tickets are for 9:30 AM, but they can in fact be used at any time on the specified date. If you want to purchase your tickets in advance of your visit, please visit the Chateau de Fontainebleau website.

A room with lockers is available on-site for you to use if you are traveling to the Chateau de Fontainebleau with large bags or heavy coats. The lockers are available near the ticket office. Clear signs are posted to direct you to this area upon entering the Chateau de Fontainebleau.  

Additional Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau

• Bathrooms: The only public bathrooms at the Chateau de Fontainebleau are outside the palace entrance. If you think you might need to use the bathroom during your visit, be sure to go before you enter. Clear signage is available directing you to the public bathrooms. They were clean and free to use.
• Time: You can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, or longer if you are interested in listening to the audio guide for each room, plus some of the artifacts on display. 
• Rent an Audio Guide: Most of the signage inside the Chateau de Fontainebleau is exclusively in French and at the time of our visit (and the writing of this blog), guided tours of the Chateau de Fontainebleau were only available in French. However, audio guides are available to rent for €4 per person and come in multiple languages, including English! The audio guides are a must-have in order to better understand the history and grandeur of the palace during your visit. We found the audio guide to be particularly helpful and informative, without it being too long or boring. 
• Explore the Town: The town of Fontainebleau is charming, with cafés, shops, and a vibrant market on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings. For more information about the market, please visit the Fontainebleau Tourisme website.

Guided Tours

As previously mentioned, the Chateau de Fontainebleau does not offer official guided tours in English. Nevertheless, if you are interested in a more personal exploration of one of France's most stunning palaces, or wish to pair it with another remarkable attraction nearby, like the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, you have several options. 

Our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, offers a few tours of the Chateau de Fontainebleau, some of which even include transportation from Paris and other incredible sites nearby. Some of the highest rated tours for the Chateau de Fontainebleau on GetYourGuide are below:

• From Paris: Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Tour (10 Hours)
• Fontainebleau: Palace Private Guided Tour with Ticket (2 Hours)
• Chateau de Fontainebleau & Chateau de Versailles (10.5 Hours)
• Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris (9 Hours)

If you book a tour or experience through one of our GetYourGuide affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!

Looking to spend more than a day in Fontainebleau? 

While Fontainebleau is close enough to Paris to visit as a day trip, there is plenty to do if you want to spend more time in the town, particularly if you are interested in visiting the Forest of Fontainebleau and its miles of hiking and walking trails. Some additional information regarding lodging, dining, and other things to do in Fontainebleau is below. 

Hotels

Fontainebleau is home to some fantastic hotels and lodging options, at affordable prices. If you are looking to stay in Fontainebleau for a night, or two, consider some of the following hotels, all within a short walk of the Chateau de Fontainebleau:

• Aigle Noir Fontainebleau Mgallery
• Hôtel de Cavoye
• Hôtel & Spa Napoléon
• ibis Château de Fontainebleau

If you book a hotel through one of our Expedia affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!

Restaurants

There is a restaurant located at the Chateau de Fontainebleau called Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur. The restaurant is open daily (except Tuesdays when the Chateau de Fontainebleau is closed) and offers a buffet during the week and a Sunday brunch.

However, there are plenty of additional options for restaurants at varying price points and cuisines within Fontainebleau if you want to eat in town. Some of the top rated restaurants in Fontainebleau are listed below. For even more restaurant suggestions and to make dining reservations in Fontainebleau, visit TheFork. 

• L'Axel
• Restaurant La Salamandre
• Crêperie Hirondelle
• La Petite Ardoise 
• Inalis - Néobistrot Fontainebleau 

Other Things to Do in Fontainebleau

Aside from the Chateau de Fontainebleau, the next largest attraction in Fontainebleau is its namesake forest - Forest of Fontainebleau. It is the second largest in France and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. More information about things to do in Fontainebleau is below. 

• Forest of Fontainebleau: One of France’s most beautiful and expansive forests, the Forêt de Fontainebleau covers approximately 50,000 acres and is perfect for outdoor lovers. Enjoy scenic paths through rolling hills, rock formations, and lush woodland. The Gorges de Franchard trail is particularly popular.
• Play Golf: Located within the Forest of Fontainebleau is a what is widely considered the most beautiful golf course in France and surprisingly enough, it is open for play year-round. The course is closed on Tuesdays, but additional information can be found on the Golf de Fontainebleau website. 
• Explore Town: The town of Fontainebleau is charming and worth a leisurely stroll. Wander through its pedestrian-friendly streets, admire classic French architecture, and soak up the local ambiance. You can also visit Église Saint-Louis, a historic church dating back to the 17th century.
• Visit the Nearby Village of Barbizon: Just 15 minutes from Fontainebleau by car, Barbizon is a picturesque artist village known as the birthplace of the Barbizon School of Painting, which influenced Impressionism. While in Barbizon, visit the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon, which showcases the works of artists like Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau, two of Barbizon's most famous resident artists. 

Final Thoughts on Our Day Trip to Chateau de Fontainebleau 

We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The palace is absolutely beautiful and full of rich history. It is also a photographer's paradise! The opulent decor and furnishings only enhance the space, allowing yourself to imagine what court life must have been like during the heyday of the Chateau de Fontainebleau. We did not spend much time in the town of Fontainebleau, only passing through to visit the chateau. We hope to return during the warmer months when the gardens are lush and green, with the intention of spending a full day in Fontainebleau in order to to truly enjoy the town's charm. Overall, it was an easy journey from Paris and made for an incredible day trip!

A day trip to the Chateau de Fontainebleau is a journey into French royal history, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience than Versailles for those looking for a day trip from Paris. Whether you are captivated by Renaissance architecture, enchanted by royal gardens, or intrigued by Napoleon Bonaparte’s legacy, the Chateau de Fontainebleau promises to be a memorable day trip from Paris. 

Looking for more information on Paris? Check out our Paris Travel Guide for more popular sites, incredible restaurants, and more about the City of Light!

Have you visited the Chateau de Fontainebleau? We would love to hear from you!