Fontainebleau was home to French rulers for eight centuries – from medieval kings to Napoleon III. Napoleon called it *“the true home of kings”*. Less crowded than Versailles, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in a vast forest south-east of Paris.
What to see
The Gallery of Francis I
Francis I brought Italian artists to Fontainebleau, and his Renaissance gallery, with frescoes and stucco by Rosso Fiorentino, launched a new style in France.
The Ballroom and the royal apartments
The Ballroom and the apartments of kings and queens show every period of French history, from the Renaissance to the Second Empire.
Napoleon’s rooms
See Napoleon’s throne room and private apartments, and the horseshoe staircase in the Cour des Adieux, where he said farewell to his Guard in 1814.
The gardens and the forest
The Grand Parterre, the Carp Pond and the English garden lead to the Forest of Fontainebleau, famous for walking and bouldering.
Getting there
Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon reach Fontainebleau-Avon in about 40 minutes; a bus takes you to the palace.
Tips
- Avoid Tuesdays, when the palace is closed.
- Rent a rowing boat on the Carp Pond in the warm season.
- Bring walking shoes if you want to explore the forest.
Palace of Fontainebleau FAQ
How long do you need at Fontainebleau?
Half a day for the palace and gardens; a full day with the forest.
Fontainebleau or Versailles?
Versailles is grander; Fontainebleau is calmer and covers more periods of history.
