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 is easy to understand why so many visitors from Paris come to Fontainebleau, sometimes even just for the day or a weekend.

Best known for its majestic castle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The city also boasts a spectacular forest, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Why plan your visit?

There is PLENTY to do in Fontainebleau: choosing your itinerary in advance, especially if your stay is short, is a really good idea to maximise your experience and avoid the frustration of missing out on things you wouldn't have had time to see/do (but you plan to come back anyway, right?).

Whether you are 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 Fontainebleau: a former French royal residence, this castle is a living testament 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 available to you for travelling to this charming town 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 there is by train. From Gare de Lyon station, take the Transilien line R direct service to Montargis, Montereau or Sens. Trains stop at Fontainebleau-Avon station and take you to your destination in just 40 minutes (3 stops). Trains run frequently, with departures every hour.

TIP

Tip: you can install the free application Citymapper, clear and highly reliable, providing real-time directions and timetables for public transport.

TGV to Gare de Lyon then regional trainFor those coming from other major French cities, taking a high-speed train (TGV) to Gare de Lyon station is a quick and efficient solution. Once you arrive 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 connects Paris directly to Fontainebleau. Allow approximately one hour depending on traffic and between £150 and £200 for a private hire car, depending on the time and 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 stops).
  • From there, take the Transilien R line towards Montereau or Montargis to Fontainebleau-Avon (3 stops).

From Orly Airport:

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

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 very often booked by INSEAD students and professors, and enjoys an excellent reputation among 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, once again, the app 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 do not 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 board the bus.

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

Bus ticket prices vary depending on the distance travelled. A single journey generally costs around €2, but for frequent travel, it may be more economical to opt for a day 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 highly recommended. This ticket offers complete freedom of travel throughout all fare zones in the Île-de-France region for a full 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 purchase this ticket, go to any underground station or RER station. Ticket machines and ticket offices 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.
So, of course, as these places are free, they are often snapped up, and the free service sometimes comes at the cost of a little time spent searching.

Paid parking

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

Rates: In general, rates vary between €1.50 and €2 per hour. 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 preferred mode of transport, getting to Fontainebleau and getting around is simple and enjoyable.

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 Barbizon Painters Museum.
  • 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 are ready to plan an unforgettable visit to Fontainebleau. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Fontainebleau is sure to charm you!