Visit and explore Fontainebleau: your guide to the castle and forest

Welcome to your complete guide to Fontainebleau! Whether you're visiting for the first time or want to rediscover this exceptional destination, I'll help you plan your visit to the château, explore the mythical forest, and discover all the hidden treasures of this unique region. Ready for a royal and natural adventure? Let's get started!

The Château de Fontainebleau: a must-see

Opening hours and practical information

The château is open every day except TuesdayJanuary 1, May 1 and December 25. Opening times vary according to season:

• October to March 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last access at 4:15 p.m.)
• April to September 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:15 p.m.)

Count on about 2-hour tour to discover the main circuit. I recommend starting your visit before 3pm in summer and 2pm in winter for the best experience, as the rooms close gradually.

What's there to see?

Fontainebleau is the only château to have been inhabited by every sovereign from the 12th to the 19th century, and the most furnished of all French royal châteaux. Your visit will take you through :

• Visit Large apartments sovereigns
• Visit Napoleon I Museum with its exceptional collections
• The famous galerie des Cerfs
• The refined interiors of Marie-Antoinette
• The ceremonial apartment of Napoleon I

The château is home to nearly 40,000 works of art dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, reflecting 800 years of history. A videoguide is available in 11 languages (€4), with a junior version for 7-12 year-olds.

Rates

• Full price : 14€
• Reduced rate : 12€
• Group rate (20 people or more): €12
• Free for under-18s
• Free for European residents aged 18 to 25
• Free first Sunday of each month (except July and August)

The gardens and park: a free haven of greenery

Visit courtyards and gardens are free and open every day ! Opening times vary according to the season:

• November to February 9am-5pm (last access 4pm)
• March, April and October 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
• May to September 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (last admission 6 p.m.)

Don't miss the Grand Parterre designed by André Le Nôtre and Louis Le Vau, and theCarp pond designed by François I. For a truly royal experience, book a carriage ride in the park at the tourist office.

The forest of Fontainebleau: 22,000 hectares of adventure

An exceptional world heritage

The Fontainebleau forest has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1981. It's one of France's most beautiful forests, famous for its varied landscapes and unique sandstone boulders. Here, you'll discover rocky chaos, plains, deciduous forests, pine forests, heather moors and numerous ponds.

Hikes and trails

The forest offers 400 kilometers of marked trails for all levels. Not to be missed:

• Visit Denecourt-Colinet trails historical
• Visit Apremont gorge and Franchard gorge
• Visit Cuvier-Châtillon rocks
• Visit Rempart du Restant du Long Rocher
• Visit Mare aux Sangliers and the Mare aux Fées

Routes vary from a few kilometers for family outings to over 20 km for experienced hikers.

Remarkable sites not to be missed

• Visit Denecourt Tower with its 360° view of the forest
• Visit Grotte Béatrix and the Rocher du Carrosse
• Visit Apremont Desert
• Visit 200 climbing circuits ("the rocks of Fontainebleau")
• Le site Arbor&Sensa veritable arboretum for discovering tree species

Recommended itineraries

A day of discovery

Start with the visit the castle in the morning (2h), then lunch at the château restaurant (open every lunchtime except Tuesday). In the afternoon, stroll through the free gardens and finish with a discovery walk in the forest.

A full weekend

Day 1 Castle and gardens with a guided tour of the town center offered by the tourist office.
Day 2 Forest hiking and discovery of emblematic rocky sites.

Practical tips for your visit

• Reservations recommended for the castle, especially in high season
• PMR access wheelchairs available and elevator access to the Grands Appartements
• Available instructions for backpacks and bulky strollers (not allowed in the château)
• Baby carriers on loan cane strollers and strollers
• Animals prohibited except assistance dogs

Events and exhibitions in 2025

• Until January 27 The exhibition "Oudry, peintre de courre. The Royal Hunts of Louis XV" exhibition
• April 5 European Crafts Days (free workshops)
• April 6 La Foulée Impériale de Fontainebleau
• May 17 European Museum Night (free admission from 7pm to midnight)
• May 17-18 Les Naturiales (free nature events)
• May 25 to September 22 Grandeur Nature II" exhibition (contemporary art in the gardens)
• June 6-8 Art History Festival (free)

Further information

This page gives you a complete overview of what to expect in Fontainebleau. To find out more :

• History of the castle : sovereigns, architecture, collections
• Detailed hiking routes maps, levels, points of interest
• Family activities games, workshops, child-friendly tours
• Photography The most beautiful spots to immortalize your visit
• Guided tours themes, opening hours, reservations

Fontainebleau awaits you with 800 years of history, artistic treasures and unspoilt nature. Whether you're a history buff, a hiking enthusiast or simply curious, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience here!

Find all the latest timetables, prices and booking information on the dedicated pages. Enjoy your visit!