With the return of beautiful days, On a Sunday morning, the urge to sit on a terrace becomes irresistible. Steaming coffee, a full plate, no alarm clock, no programme.
Le brunch, It's that moment suspended between a late breakfast and a gourmet lunch. We take the time to savour, to chat, to plan nothing. A true ritual of weekend, especially when the setting lends itself to it.
In Fontainebleau, several addresses have made this their speciality: all-you-can-eat buffets facing the château, eggs Benedict in a sunny courtyard, homemade tartines in a local café, or locavore dishes in a charming village just a stone's throw away.
Here is my selection of addresses where bruncher à Fontainebleau and in the immediate vicinity, tested or recommended by regulars. Some have been tried and tested for years, while others are more recent surprises. In all cases, remember to book On Sundays, tickets go fast.
Le Patton
€€€€Housed in a 19th-century bourgeois house adjoining the residence where Picasso lived in 1921, Le Patton offers a culinary journey through French creations and specialities, all made with fresh, local produce. The terrace overlooking the landscaped garden is particularly popular for Sunday brunch.
Paul & Paulette
€€ - €€€A warm and intimate address, Paul & Paulette is a café-grocery shop where you immediately feel at home. Generous sandwiches, homemade soups, savoury and sweet tarts make up a short but carefully prepared menu. The Sunday brunch (10am-3pm) attracts a loyal clientele who love the ginger lemonade and homemade cakes, including an irresistible blueberry cheesecake.
Gina
~45 €Elegant Italian trattoria nestled in the heart of the Hôtel de Cavoye, opposite the château. Chef Robin Sanchez offers a signature menu combining tasty antipasti, revisited Italian dishes and gourmet desserts. The magnificent 160 m² terrace and 900 m² garden make Sunday brunch a moment of absolute dolce vita.
Monument Café - Château de Fontainebleau
20 - 32 €A unique experience: brunch in the very heart of the Château de Fontainebleau, a listed historic monument. All-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays and public holidays (€32), Discovery menu (€20) and Imperial menu (€28) during the week. Buffet of verrines, tasty casseroles and hot dishes in a bright room with a view of the château.
Happy Curious
€€ - €€€Located just a stone's throw from the château, L'Happy Curious combines retro and modern decor to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The French menu is slightly Italian and features fine meats and remarkable braised vegetables. The restaurant is the most talked-about in Fontainebleau, a sign of the high number of visitors and the often memorable dining experience.
Luwei Brunch Café
€€Opened in 2023, Luwei Brunch Café is a local nugget on two levels, with communal tables, sofas and cosy corners. A family-run project with a focus on local produce: avocado toast with poached eggs, eggs benedict with caramelised bacon, pancakes, acai bowls and homemade granola. Creative lattes (matcha, chai, black sesame) complete a warm, modern brunch experience.
At Elemiah
€ - €€Tucked away in the courtyard of a cobbled street, Chez Elemiah is the benchmark vegan and organic tearoom in Fontainebleau. On Sundays, the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet offers seasonal vegan dishes, gourmet burgers and animal-free pastries. The cosy atmosphere and passionate team make it a popular place for vegans and the curious alike.