Do you fancy a weekend getaway from Paris? Then, a day trip to Château de Fontainebleau might be right for you. Discover the beauty of the French countryside in one of the most important historical towns in France, Fontainebleau. Known for the Chateau de Fontainebleau, it is one of the must-sees castles in France at the heart of the town’s forest. Are you a history buff, castle enthusiast, traveller, or a local who wants a stress-free day or weekend? What to see and do in Chateau de Fontainebleau? Read on.
Apart from its lavish furnishings, Château de Fontainebleau has a vital role in French history: “The home of Kings, the house of ages”, as Napoleon said in Saint Helena in August 1816. It used to be a hunting lodge left in ruins but eventually developed into a medieval castle. King Francis, I grew fond of Fontainebleau and turned it into a French Renaissance style castle, and it has since been the favourite residence of French royalty.
Horseshoe Staircase
Although the restoration works were ongoing during the visit, the staircase is just a preview of the grandeur inside. I have never seen an elaborate staircase as the one in Fontainebleau that is truly fitting to welcome and bid farewell to royalty. It has become the castle’s signature.
The Royal Chapel of Trinity
Francis I Gallery
Francis I’s gallery is adjacent to the Royal Chapel of the Trinity, which links the chapel to the dwellings. It is an interesting gallery to visit due to carved wood panelling, colourful frescoes, and Stucco blocks from renowned artists. It is also the most symbolic Renaissance room.
The New Diana Gallery
The New Diana Gallery is a room in the 19th Century galleries, originally called the “Queen’s Gallery”. It is the most extended room in the castle, named after the Goddess of hunting. Emperor Napoleon III had Napoleon I’s globe from the Tuileries installed there and transformed the gallery into a library. Although it took 16 years to complete the restoration work in 1826, I must say they did a fantastic job in preserving the gallery.
The Ballroom
The Ballroom is between the oval court and the gardens. Pillars wrapped in Oak Panelling with fluted pilaster columns dedicated to festivities of the Valois court adorn this room. Nicolo dell Abbete’s frescoed paintings are on display. It was an all-weather ballroom; Henry’s emblem “H” and the Salamander symbol are predominant in this room. The salamander is a mythical animal believed to survive fire, making it indestructible. No wonder it’s a popular choice for monarchs.
The Royal Apartments
The throne room used to be the King’s Bedchamber converted in 1808 under Napoleon I. There are over 1,500 rooms to explore (if all apartments are open to the public), and it’s impossible to visit them in a day. I would say it was a privilege to see stately rooms, even if it was just a handful compared to the actual number—for instance, The Queen’s apartment and other rooms, which had separate functions. Napoleon’s Bedroom is an essential room in the apartment with four-column pedestals representing Nobility, Glory, Abundance and Justice adorning the bed. Not only because they’re richly decorated but also because of their historical importance.
The Imperial Theatre
We were fortunate enough that the Imperial Theatre was already open to the public after 12 years of restoration when we visited and was part of our guided tour. As a result, we had access to the main hall, the stage, backstage, the waiting rooms and the balcony. This part of the tour did not disappoint. The amount of work put in to preserve and restore the theatre’s beauty must be tremendous to bring it back to its glorious days. The lavish decors were jaw-dropping.
The Gardens and Courtyards
If you want to be one with nature and get your weekend dose of fresh air, you might want to explore the following:
A massive Carp Pond that holds drained water from the gardens surrounds an octagonal pavilion. Boating is quite popular, especially in summer.
Oval Court – The site of the first medieval castle and the central courtyard of the Chateau
Diana Garden is close to the monarch’s apartments with remarkable trees and redesigned to look like a landscaped English garden.
The English Garden has rare trees from around the world, and the “Fontaine -belle-Eau”, one of the springs from which the town’s name originated, can be located next to the Louis XV wing.
When Is The Best Time to Go?
It’s best to go from Spring to Autumn and from May to October. I recommend these months to profit from excellent weather and do outdoor activities. As well as see the vibrant colours of the gardens surrounding the palace or castle. Meanwhile, visiting the courts during the winter months can still be magical with the winter shows they offer or if you want to stay indoors.
How to Get There?
Driving would be the most convenient way of travelling for a day trip to Château de Fontainebleau due to its flexibility. For instance, there is no need to follow a group’s schedule but your own. Consequently, you can choose your route and stops. However, if you wish to steer clear from the steering wheel, taking public transport is an option and takes about an hour from Paris Gare de Lyon Station.
Although example routes are available below, it would be best to check the SNCF app to get real-time updates on train departures as it used to be a 40-minute trip to Fontainebleau and better plan your trip. These are example routes you can take:
Take the TER train heading towards Montargis and get off at Fontainebleau – Avon and take the bus 21 heading towards Centre Commercial (Villiers-En Bière) and get off at Château (Fontainebleau).
Hop on the TER and get off at Melun, then take Bus 34 heading towards Place Verdun (Château-Landon) and get off at Cours des Adieux (Fontainebleau).
Take the TER train to Montereau and get off at Fontainebleau – Avon, then take the BUS SAMOIS heading towards Lucien Cézard (Fontainebleau and get off at Château (Fontainebleau).
FAQ
Are dogs allowed on the grounds? Unfortunately, they’re not.
Is pre-booking an admission ticket needed? Not necessarily, as these are available on site. However, buying tickets online will save time.
Are there restaurants near the Chateau? There are food stalls, a café, and an ice cream stand near the fountain and Grand Parterre. Otherwise, there are many restaurants and cafés in the city centre.
Where can I go for a picnic? The English garden.
Do I need a ticket to walk around the gardens? It’s free
Is taking pictures allowed? It’s okay to take photos but without flash. Just watch out for signs in some areas where there are restrictions.
For more photos and updates? Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Are you planning to take more day trips like this? For example, spending a day in Chartres might interest you.
Are you ready for a day trip to Château de Fontainebleau? Did you find this post helpful for your future travels? Feel free to share by using the super-easy share buttons below.
