Fontainebleau in a day

Fontainebleau is the ideal destination for an enchanted break from the hustle and bustle of Paris, without having to stay overnight. In less than an hour, you'll be completely immersed in history, nature and the gentle Bellifont lifestyle. Here's a suggestion for making the most of a day in Fontainebleau, whether you're coming solo or with the family.

Morning: royal immersion at the Château de Fontainebleau

The easiest way is to take the direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon: just three stops (Melun, Bois-le-Roi, Fontainebleau-Avon). And you're there in 40 minutes, with no changes.

At the station exit, take bus 3401, direction "Les Lilas", which will take you to the stop in about ten minutes. Château.

The Château de Fontainebleau, inhabited by all the French sovereigns from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries, is a landmark in the history of France.e in the XIXe century (!), is a must-see. For a first visit, I highly recommend booking a guided tour (several formulas are available). Beyond the architectural heritage, it gives a better understanding of the richness of the site, from its medieval origins to Napoleon I. The château is open daily except Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:15 p.m.) from October to March. Allow around two hours for the tour.

Lunch: a gourmet break at Monument Café

For lunch, the first option, if a little early or if discounted, is to stay on site and take advantage of the Monument Cafélocated in the castle grounds, self-service. The restaurant offers a self-service buffet with traditional dishes revisited in a sober, lively decor. The setting is relaxing, and the staff professional and friendly - two welcome criteria after a busy morning. It's a safe bet and a convenient, pleasant local option, especially in fine weather thanks to the gardens. The restaurant is open every day except Tuesday, from 9.30am to 6pm.

Alternatively, we have the bistro or picnic option, setting up in the park for a picnic: more bucolic, less practical.

Afternoon: practical advice and nature at your fingertips

After lunch, if you've still got your day pretty much planned out (it's fine, but hey 😅 ), I recommend a trip to theTourist officePlace de la République, just behind the Saint-Louis church. The team is always ready to help you find out about current cultural events.

But if you're the kind of person who likes to enjoy "feeling" (that's good!), you can also use the resources Fontyblog abounds in (that's our mission! 😁 ).

The forest of Fontainebleau, of course! It's also within easy reach.

The easiest way is to stroll along the paths or the many marked trails in the forest (bring good shoes and find out the level of difficulty). Others may prefer to go to the nearest climbing spot and climb a few boulders (without equipment, if necessary). And if you're curious, why not discover the painters' route or the old circuits (itinerary recommended)? The forest is full of surprises: it's a veritable natural and cultural heritage. It's easy to see why painters and writers came here for inspiration.

A complete getaway, without having to sleep on site

It's perfectly possible to spend a full day in Fontainebleau without staying on site, discovering an exceptional heritage while returning home in the evening. This combination allows you to enjoy 100 % of the destination without logistical stress, and in complete lightness. A true bubble of tranquillity.

Want to give it a try? Book your tickets, prepare your itinerary and let yourself be surprised by all that Fontainebleau has to offer in just one day! And if you'd like to extend the adventure, Fontyblog has other ideas for exploring the region.

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