Why come to Fontainebleau?

Fontainebleau is a charming, world-famous French town, rich in history and natural beauty. Located just 60 kilometres south-east of Paris.

From Paris :
- about 40 minutes by RER
- 3 stations from Gare de Lyon
- direct route with no changes

... it's easy to see why so many visitors from Paris come to Fontainebleau, sometimes just for the day or a weekend.

Best known for its majestic castle, UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe town also boasts a spectacular forest, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Why plan your visit?

There's a LOT to do in Fontainebleau: choosing your programme in advance, especially if your stay is going to be short, is a really good idea to maximise your experience, and to avoid the frustration of missing out on things you might not have had time to see/do (but you're planning to come back anyway, aren't you?).

Whether you're interested in history, art, culture or outdoor activities, having a well-organised itinerary will ensure you don't miss a thing.

Overview of the main attractions

Fontainebleau is packed with fascinating sites:

The Château de FontainebleauA former French royal residence, the château is a living testimony to several centuries of history.
The Forest of FontainebleauA paradise for hikers, climbers and nature lovers.
The surrounding villagesBarbizon, for example, is famous for its artists and picturesque atmosphere.

Getting to Fontainebleau by train

Transport to Fontainebleau There are several options for getting to this charming city from Paris. Whether you prefer the train, bus or car, each mode of transport has its advantages.

Transport options from Paris

Train from Gare de LyonThe fastest and most convenient way to get to Fontainebleau-Avon is by train. From Gare de Lyon, a direct Transilien line R journey, with trains to Montargis, Montereau or Sens stopping at Fontainebleau-Avon station, will take you to your destination in just 40 minutes (3 stations). Trains are frequent, departing every hour.

TIP

Tip: you can install the free application CitymapperThis clear, highly reliable service provides real-time instructions on public transport routes and timetables.

TGV to Gare de Lyon then regional trainFontainebleau: for those coming from other major French cities, taking the TGV to Gare de Lyon is a quick and efficient solution. Once in Paris, simply take the regional train (Transilien line R) to Fontainebleau.

Car via A6 motorwayIf you prefer to travel by road, the A6 motorway links Paris directly to Fontainebleau. Allow around an hour, depending on traffic, and between €150 and €200 for a VTC journey, depending on the time of day and the day of the week.

Getting to Fontainebleau from the airports

Travellers arriving by plane and wanting to go directly to Fontainebleau (like INSEAD students, for example)

Airport to Fontainebleau by public transport

From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG):

  • Take the RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles.
  • At Châtelet-Les Halles, change to metro line 1, direction Château de Vincennes, to Gare de Lyon (4 stations).
  • From there, take the Transilien line R towards Montereau or Montargis to Fontainebleau-Avon (3 stations).

From Orly Airport:

  • Use the Orlyval to Antony.
  • Take metro line 14, direction Saint-Denis Pleyel, to Gare de Lyon (11 stations)
  • Finally, take the Transilien line R, direction Montereau or Montargis to Fontainebleau-Avon (3 stations).

Airport to Fontainebleau by car...

... if you hire a car :

... if you prefer to be driven :

TIP

Alternatively, you can contact Hicham :

By phone or WhatsApp: +33 6 68 82 41 29

It has a fleet of 5 vehicles and offers fixed prices,you know in advance how much you will pay.

Hicham is often booked by INSEAD students and professors, and enjoys an excellent reputation with them.

You can tell him I sent you: Emmanuel from Magnhome

Practical advice:

  • Book your transfer in advance to avoid queues at the airport.
  • If you use public transport, buy a Mobilis zone 1-5 ticket for all your journeys.
  • Allow plenty of time for transfers, taking into account any delays.

Public transport in Fontainebleau

The public transport in Fontainebleau are well organised, making it easy to get around the city and its surroundings. To plan your journeys, you can also use the Citymapper will be your best ally for real-time timetable information.

Public transport timetables and fares

Local buses run regularly, with increased frequency during peak times. Timetables may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check the current timetable before you leave.

Line 3401Once you arrive, the journey from the station to the city centre (2 km) can be made on foot (25 minutes) or by bus, line 1, direction Les Lilas.

TIP

Tip: if you don't have a bus ticket, text "BUS3401" to 93100 to receive a ticket valid for one hour (cost €2.50). Show this to the driver when you get on the bus.

  • Line 3402It serves residential areas and points of interest such as the forest of Fontainebleau.
  • Line 3403From the town centre to surrounding villages such as Barbizon.

Bus fares vary according to the distance travelled. A single journey usually costs around €2, but for frequent journeys it may be cheaper to opt for a daily or weekly pass.

Recommended ticket: Mobilis zones 1-5

For optimum access to public transport throughout the Paris region, including Fontainebleau, the Mobilis zones 1-5 is strongly recommended. This ticket gives you total freedom to travel in all fare zones in the Île-de-France region for a whole day.

Advantages of the Mobilis ticket zones 1-5 :

  • UnlimitedUnlimited travel in all zones for one day.
  • Economicalideal for those planning several trips in one day.
  • Practicevalid on all types of public transport (bus, metro, train).

To buy this ticket, go to any metro or RER station. ATMs and ticket machines generally accept bank cards and cash.

By using these public transport options, you can explore Fontainebleau and the surrounding area without worry.

Parking in Fontainebleau

Parking in Fontainebleau may seem tricky, but there are a number of practical options to make it easier.

Free parking

Parking is free on Mondays, Sundays and public holidays, and chargeable on other days from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm.
Of course, as these spaces are free, they are often overcrowded, and free parking sometimes comes at the price of a bit of searching.

Paid parking

The city centre offers a variety of car parks public areas close to major attractions, such as the Château de Fontainebleau.

RatesThe price: in general, prices vary between €1.50 and €2 per hour. You can expect to pay around €20 for a day and around €30 for a week.

These options offer flexibility and comfort for all types of traveller.

Whatever your transport preference, getting to and around Fontainebleau is simple and pleasant.

Discover the surrounding villages

And once you're there, you can explore the surrounding area of Fontainebleau and discover the many museums of the region. charming surrounding villagessuch as :

  • Barbizon : This village was a source of inspiration for 19th-century landscape painters. Stroll through its streets lined with art galleries and visit the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon.
  • Samoreau : Just a few kilometres away, this village offers beautiful views over the Seine and pleasant walks along the river.
  • Moret-sur-Loing : A little further on, discover this medieval village with its half-timbered houses and historic ramparts.

With these suggestions, you're all set to plan an unforgettable visit to Fontainebleau. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Fontainebleau is sure to charm you!