Cultural activities in Fontainebleau

Cultural activities in Fontainebleau

1. Historical tours

• Château de Fontainebleau

  Le Royal Château of Fontainebleau bears witness to three centuries of French architecture, from Renaissance to classical styles. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the residence of Francis I who brought in the greatest Italian artists of his time.Visit Napoleon's private flats and the famous Galerie François Ier are the most visited attractions of this “true residence of kings, home of centuries”. The castle is organised around four main courtyards: the Cour du Cheval Blanc, the Cour Ovale, the Cour de la Fontaine and the Cour des Offices.
  📍 Please note: The château has over 1,500 rooms and 130 hectares of formal gardens.

• Local historic sites

  The town of Fontainebleau has 32 listed buildings to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments and two listed buildings. The'Saint-Louis church, built from 1610 onwards under Henry IV, is a masterpiece of French classicism with its remarkable architecture. The Chapel of the Trinity, This Renaissance jewel, commissioned by François I, boasts a coffered ceiling and exceptional Italian frescoes.The religious heritage of the Fontainebleau region also includes Our Lady of the Assumption at Samoreau, with its 12th-century Romanesque nave.

• Themed walks

  From themed guided tours allow you to discover local history through the streets and monuments of Fontainebleau. These organised tours reveal the urban and architectural evolution of this imperial city through the centuries.Professional guides offer adapted routes to understand the link between the castle and the town that developed around it. These walks often include visits to mansions and iconic buildings in the historic centre.

2. Museums and art galleries

• Napoleon Museum

  Le Napoleon Museum, located in the Louis XV wing of the château, presents more than 500 works retracing the ten years of Napoleon I's reign. The exceptional collections include period furniture, objets d'art, paintings, sculptures, weapons, costumes and ceramics that belonged to the Emperor. Visitors can admire the famous portrait of Napoleon directed by François Gérard and wander through the private apartments of the man who ruled Europe.
  📍 Did you know? The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Napoleonic history through masterpieces and luxurious staging.

• Local galleries

  La House of Artisans, opened in September 2025 at 4 rue Royale, bringing together local artisans in an exhibition and sales space. This permanent gallery showcases around twenty traditional crafts: upholstery, jewellery, leaf gilding, leather goods, stained glass and enamels. Temporary exhibitions, which change every two months, showcase the diversity of the region's arts and crafts. The space also offers introductory workshops accessible to all audiences to learn about manual trades.

• Artists' studios

  The European Artistic Crafts Days allow visitors to discover the workshops of local artisans, who open their doors to the public each year. The workshop of castle tapestry offers exceptional guided tours to understand the maintenance and restoration of historic furniture. Ceramics, stained glass and other craft workshops located in surrounding towns such as Recloses welcome visitors for demonstrations. These encounters allow you to observe the age-old gestures passed down from generation to generation and the specialised tools of each trade.

3. Theatre and performing arts

• Concert halls

  Le Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau offers a multidisciplinary programme of live performances throughout the year. This venue organises events that bring audiences and artists together, particularly during events such as “Curious Days” and “A week in”. As part of its public service remit, the theatre is also developing specific cultural initiatives for audiences with special needs, the disabled and schoolchildren.From unusual guided tours are offered on weekends to discover the world of live performance and go behind the scenes of this iconic cultural venue.

• Cultural festivals

  Le Art History Festival takes place every year on the first weekend in June, bringing together artists, museum professionals and international researchers.This unique event offers conferences, round tables, film screenings and exhibitions in various venues across the city. A major film section is held in the four screens of the Ermitage cinema, retracing the history of world cinema through various genres and countries.
  🎭 Did you know? The festival also includes a book and art magazine fair, which welcomes more than 70 specialist publishers in the castle's oval courtyard.

• Street art

  Professional theatre companies such as “The Harlequins” are based in Fontainebleau and offer live shows and workshop activities. The Theatre of the Green Donkey, This historic venue at 6 rue des Sablons seats 74 in an intimate room with excellent acoustics and direct contact with the artists. La Naphralytep Company, The company, which has a permanent residency, offers a wide range of shows, including many original creations.Open-air shows and dramatised events are also organised in the Forest of Fontainebleau, including storytelling trails for children.

4. Literature and writing

• House of poetry

  From poetic interventions are organised in schools with artists travelling from class to class for meetings lasting 15 to 20 minutes.These literary mediation initiatives enable young people to discover the contemporary poetry and exchange ideas with professional authors. Artist residencies and cultural mediation programmes promote local literary creation and encounters with the public. public readings and literary events regularly punctuate the city's cultural life.

• Literary salads

  La Librairie du Marché offers a literature section dedicated to lovers of fine literature, with a selection of novels, contemporary short stories and timeless classics. The team at independent booksellers, The bookshop, which is staffed by people who are passionate about literature, offers personalised advice to help you find the ideal book to suit your individual tastes. The bookshop regularly organises themed selections and highlights new releases and current bestsellers.Specialised sections cover poetrythe theatre, tales and legends, as well as the art of letter writing for all lovers of words.

• Writing workshops

  Creative spaces offer introductory workshops to different forms of writing, from poetry to autobiographical narrative. These sessions enable participants to develop their literary creativity in a supportive and stimulating environment. Professional facilitators guide aspiring writers in their creative process, whether they are beginners or more experienced. The workshops cover both narrative techniques than stylistic exercises, encouraging personal expression and the discovery of one's own literary voice.

5. Cinema

• Film clubs

  Le Ermitage de Fontainebleau cinema hosts screenings of arthouse and classic films, with sessions presented and followed by discussions. These film events provide an opportunity to discover rare works, archive films and little-known international productions. The screenings are hosted by critics and specialists who shed light on the history of cinema and film techniques. The programme includes thematic cycles, retrospectives of filmmakers and discoveries of foreign cinema.
  🎬 Programming : Art films, classic cinema and international productions with critical commentary

• Film festivals

  The cinema section of the Art History Festival offers around sixty screenings of short and feature-length films, fiction and documentaries from all eras.Meetings with directors, Artists, actors and researchers enrich the screenings to create a genuine dialogue around the seventh art. The festival Series, dedicated to European series creators, organises public events and a professional summit to shape “Europe of series”.The Summer of Shooting Stars offers free outdoor screenings in various towns in Seine-et-Marne, with entertainment and food-trucks.

• Local cinema

  Le Ermitage cinema, located just a stone's throw from the château, is Fontainebleau's main cinema venue.This historic venue regularly hosts previews, specialised festivals and major national film events. The programme combines mainstream blockbusters and art house cinema to satisfy all audiences in the region. Partnerships with local cultural institutions make it possible to organise theme evenings and cycles dedicated to specific subjects.

6. Crafts and artistic trades

• Craft workshops

  La House of Artisans offers introductions to traditional crafts such as enamelling, traditional embroidery and the art of leaf gilding.Visitors can discover age-old techniques such as lacquer or learn the art of stained glass in workshops supervised by professionals. These creative spaces allow visitors to observe and practise centuries-old skills passed down from generation to generation. The workshops welcome everyone, from children to adults, for sessions of discovery or'in-depth depending on your level.

• Art markets

  The European Artistic Crafts Days give you the chance to meet the artisans directly in their workshops and discover their unique creations.Visit live demonstrations reveal the technical skills specific to each craft, from ceramics to topiary pruning. These events encourage exchanges between craftspeople and the public, helping them to understand the challenges facing the industry. preserving traditional trades.
  🎨 Event : The Maison des Artisans d'Art also organises temporary exhibitions showcasing the creations of local artisans.

• Training and courses

  From introductory and advanced courses are offered throughout the year in various craft disciplines. Participants can enrol in short courses to discover a trade or in longer courses to develop expertise. Supervision by master craftsmen ensures the faithful transmission of traditional techniques and good professional practices. These training courses are aimed at both passionate amateurs as well as those considering a career change into the arts and crafts.

7. Cultural events

• Open-air concerts and performances

  La Fontainebleau forest hosts concerts and musical performances in its remarkable glades and natural spaces.Shows by classical music, jazz and contemporary music are organised in exceptional settings in fine weather. These open-air events are a great way to combine cultural discovery with the enjoyment of music. immersion in nature preserved forest area. Concerts often benefit from the'natural acoustics rocks and undergrowth to create a unique atmosphere.

• Temporary exhibitions

  Le château de Fontainebleau offers regular temporary exhibitions to complement visits to the historic flats.The House of Artisans renews its exhibitions every two months to showcase the diversity of local creations. These events allow visitors to discover little-known aspects of local history or to highlight contemporary artists. The temporary exhibition spaces offer a varied programme accessible to all audiences throughout the year.

• Conferences and symposia

  Le Art History Festival organises international conferences bringing together researchers, curators and art enthusiasts. These scientific meetings cover a wide range of topics, from archaeology to contemporary arts, in exceptional heritage sites. round tables facilitate exchanges between professionals and the general public on current developments in art history research. The Chapel of the Trinity The château regularly hosts conferences in its exceptional Renaissance setting.
  📚 Preferred location: The Trinity Chapel offers a unique Renaissance setting for art and history lectures.

8. Music and dance

• Music Conservatory

  From concerts and recitals are regularly organised, showcasing local talent and students from the region's musical establishments.Programmes include classical music than jazz and contemporary music to appeal to all audiences. From masterclasses with professional musicians allow amateurs to perfect their technique and interpretation.Visit public hearings offer a showcase for young talent and create links between generations of musicians.

• Dance events

  Shows by classical and contemporary dance are scheduled at the Théâtre Municipal as part of its varied cultural season.Local and national companies regularly perform on this stage, which is renowned for its quality and diversity. quality of reception. From introductory workshops to different forms of dance, enabling the public to discover this art of movement.The performances often combine dance, live music and visual arts to create innovative multidisciplinary shows.

• Musical evenings

  From intimate concerts are organised in heritage sites such as historic churches or castle courtyards. These evenings focus on'natural acoustics and create a special bond between artists and audiences. The programme fluctuates between chamber music, piano recitals and concerts of early music on period instruments. The castle gardens also hosts open-air concerts on sunny days in a relaxed atmosphere.

9. Cultural gastronomy

• Visits to local markets

  Le Fontainebleau market, distinguished as an “exceptional market” by the National Council of Culinary Arts, is held at Place de la République on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. This market offers a wide variety of local produce thanks to its 14 specialist food traders: fishmongers, pork butchers and cheese makers. Visitors can discover regional specialities such as Brie de Melun and the Brie de Meaux, accompanied by locally produced bread.Markets in neighbouring towns such as Fleury-en-Bière, Chartrettes and Samois-sur-Seine complete this offer with their local producers.
  🛒 When? Place de la République market - Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

• Culinary workshops

  From cooking workshops using local produce to discover the gastronomic specialities of Seine-et-Marne.These practical sessions teach traditional preparation techniques and showcase the region's producers. Participants learn to cook with local cheeses, These include the local produce, seasonal market garden produce and local bakery specialities.These workshops create social link to pass on culinary know-how and promote the local gastronomic heritage.

• Historic dinners

  From themed meals are organised in heritage sites to revive the French art of living from centuries past. These gastronomic events recreate the menus and culinary rituals from the imperial era with period products. Guests discover the French tableware in authentic historic settings, from châteaux to town houses.These dinners combine heritage discovery and culinary pleasure based on historical and culinary research.

10. Nature and culture

• Discoveries in the forest

  La Fontainebleau forest, classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, offers 300 km of signposted footpaths to discover its natural wealth.From guided walks allow visitors to observe the fauna and flora and understand the unique geology of this forest massif. Naturalist guides explain the effects of climate change on nature and share their tips for hiking. These educational outings reveal the diversity of landscapes between pine forests, oak woods, moors and rocky chaos with magnificent views.
  🌲 UNESCO : The Forest of Fontainebleau is classified as a World Biosphere Reserve

• Historic gardens

  The gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau illustrate three centuries of French landscape art, from Catherine de Medici's Renaissance garden to the creations of Le Nôtre.Le Grand Parterre, covering 11 hectares, is the largest French formal garden in Europe with its geometric flowerbeds and ponds. The Jardin de Diane, created under Francis I, stretches between the Gallery of the Stags and the private apartments around the famous Fountain of Diana. The Henri IV Canal, The 1,200-metre-long avenue and Napoleon's English gardens complete this exceptional landscape heritage.

• Art en plein air

  From contemporary art installations are regularly set up in the forest and historic gardens to create a dialogue between art and nature.These ephemeral or permanent works invite us to discover landscapes in a sensitive way and question our relationship with the environment. The sculpture trails and art trails combine walking and cultural discovery in an unspoilt natural setting.These artistic projects are often developed in partnership with local cultural institutions and art schools in the region.
  🎨 Les Nuits des Forêts : Annual event combining exhibitions, art walks and concerts in the grounds of the château

11. Intangible heritage

• Local traditions

  The festivals and customs of the Île-de-France region are perpetuated through annual events that bring local residents together.These traditional celebrations keep the local folk heritage alive and create links between generations. The period costumes, folk dances and traditional songs are passed on by local cultural associations. These events provide an opportunity to discover the'specific cultural identity of the region and its historical features.

• Legends and stories

  The history of Fontainebleau is rich in legends and historical accounts passed down orally from generation to generation.These local tales evoke the illustrious figures who have visited the château, from the kings of France to Napoleon and famous artists. Visit professional storytellers perpetuate these narrative traditions during performances organised in venues steeped in history. These stories often combine historical reality and popular imagination to create a narrative heritage unique to the region.
  📖 Oral tradition: The legends of Fontainebleau combine royal history and popular imagination

• Meetings with privileged witnesses

  From conferences and testimonials allow you to meet personalities who have marked recent local cultural history. These exchanges with artists, curators, or historians offer a unique perspective on the evolution of heritage. Witnesses share their memories and expertise to pass on the living memory of significant places and events.These encounters create a bridge between generations and enable us to understand how cultural practices have evolved over time.