History - Practical info

I arrived in Fontainebleau somewhat by chance in 2013, and immediately fell in love with the town: I've never left. Here are a few things that might just make you fall in love too... (don't say I didn't warn you!).

An exceptional château

Le château de Fontainebleau is an extraordinary piece of architecture. Good to know: it welcomed all the French sovereigns of the XIIIe in the XIXe This historical continuity is unique in France, It is the only castle to have been inhabited by 34 kings and 2 emperors.

Useful information :

  • Open every day except Tuesday, from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April to September, and 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March.
  • A free left-luggage office is available to leave your bags and personal belongings during your visit.
  • For a bite to eat, the Monument Café offers a range of packages. I'm a fan of Sunday brunch with a view of the Etang aux Carpes.

It's not unusual for me to go there early in the morning, before the castle opens, to enjoy the peace and quiet and the reflections on the water. For me, this suspended moment when the light illuminates the façades remains one of the most beautiful sights in Fontainebleau.

To prepare for your visit : the castle's jeu de paume - discover the gardens

A majestic green setting

The château's gardens are a remarkable example of French landscape gardening. The Jardin de Diane, the Grand Parterre, the Carp Pond and the English Park offer peaceful walks in an enchanting setting.

For joggers, these green spaces are perfect for running, with their well-kept paths and majestic vistas. If you're staying near the park, this is clearly an experience not to be missed.

A town with authentic charm

Fontainebleau has a remarkable tradition of gastronomic excellence.

You can consult menus of the day or search for a restaurant according to your wishes.

These include The Loop for a meal on the go without sacrificing quality, or even Gina and the superb Hôtel de Cavoye for a more relaxed and gastronomic experience.

I love this diversity: you can enjoy a bagel on the terrace, share a table with friends or enjoy an elegant dinner without ever leaving the city centre. It's this mix that gives Fontainebleau its personality.

To extend your discovery: going out in Fontainebleau - cultural activities

An ideal starting point

Fontainebleau is particularly easy to get to from Paris, with direct trains from the Gare de Lyon, , for a journey of around 40 minutes.

Once there, you can head off to the Fontainebleau forest, which stretches over 25,000 hectares, , with more than 300 km of trails signposted hiking trails, renowned rock-climbing sites and a varied landscape of rocky chaos, moorland and forest.

You probably won't be able to do everything in one trip, especially if you're only there for a weekend. I advise you to prepare your visit in advance and book your activities, including guided tours of the château and nature outings in the forest.

Continue your discovery : back to the castle - golf de Fontainebleau - Solle racecourse