Chateau de Fontainebleau
The Chateau Fontainebleau is a large royal palace located in the town of Fontainebleau in France. The castle has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Its earliest record was as a fortified castle, however, it was expanded and reconstructed by various French monarchs over the centuries, which led to its current appearance.
The castle served as a favorite residence of France’s royal family from the 16th to the 19th century. King Francis I was the first to make extensive renovations in the 16th century, which included rebuilding the palace’s central wing and adding galleries, fountains, and gardens. In the 17th century, King Louis XIII added a new wing to the castle, and King Louis XIV expanded the palace by adding the Grande Galerie.
In the 18th century, the castle served as the primary residence of King Louis XV and King Louis XVI. The latter made further renovations, including building the Grand Salon and creating the Tapestry Museum. The castle played an important role in the history of France, as it served as the location of several important historical events. For instance, Napoleon Bonaparte signed his abdication in the palace’s Throne Room in 1814.
In addition to its historical significance, the Chateau Fontainebleau is renowned for its splendid architecture, gardens, and art collections. Visitors can enjoy visiting the Renaissance and Baroque-style rooms, which are adorned with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and tapestries. The palace’s gardens are also stunning, and they feature several fountains, sculptures, and colorful flowerbeds.
Today, the Chateau Fontainebleau is an iconic landmark and a symbol of France’s rich history and cultural heritage. It continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world who come to admire its grandeur and splendor and, in 1981, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Table of Contents
Activities
Carriage Rides
What better way to see the grounds of the Chateau, and to keep the children amused, than by horse drawn carriage. Normally available after 11:00 am and departing from the Porte Dorée, pricing is 7.50€ for adults and 5€ for children.
Food
There are a two places to buy food on the Chateau grounds, both in the courtyard called Cour de la Fontaine. The first is a small crepe stand and the second is the Monument Café.
You can of course also bring your own and there is a bakery called Paul near the chateau entrance and another called Le Gout de Pain that is near the entrance to the Jardin de Diane4.
Jeu de Paume
One of the precursors to tennis, Jeu de Paume5 is still played on the courts of the Chateau and you can watch a game at the Salle du Jeu de Paume6 accessed by a small door in the north eastern corner of the Cour d’Honneur.
Playground in the Forest
There is only one official playground in the park and it is on the north side of the park above the canal. It has slides, jungle gyms and a small viking ship. There are usually other children there and the paths are all pushchair (or learning to ride a bike) friendly.
The best car parking is either at Place d’Armes or on the other side of the park along Avenue des Cascades.
Rowing on the Pond
Accessed from the Cour de la Fontaine, you can row on the Étang des Carpes. This is best on a non windy day and gives a special view of the chateau. It also allows you to approach the Pavilion de l’Étang more closely where historically people met for private conversations although you are not allowed to land.
Pricing is 5€ for half an hour and 8€ for an hour. Life jackets are included and children under 3 are free.
Train Tour
There is a small train that leaves from inside the western entrance of the Cour d’Honneur and then travels through the Jardin de Diane before beginning it’s tour of the Chateau’s gardens. It is a nice way to see the grounds quickly although it is quite bumpy when on cobblestones and can be quite dusty in the height of summer.
The 35 minute trip costs 8€ for adults and 4€ for children with discounts given for groups.
Visiting the inside of the Chateau
You can book tickets online to visit the inside of the Chateau, or for that matter any events there. The general admission ticket costs 14€.
However, if you live in the Fontainebleau Region it is worth remembering that entry to the Chateau is free on the first Sunday of each month (except July and August) and on Museum Night, Art History Festival and European Heritage Days.
Walking
Chateau de Fontainebleau is a splendid place to walk with well laid out paths in many directions. The more adventurous can even walk to the Carrefour du Mail Henri IV with it’s view of the Chateau laid out as a hunting lodge. More accessible are,
Grande Prairie
Running alongside the Grand Canal, the Grande Prairie is perfect for a picnic or just walking with friends.
Jardin Anglais
The Jardin Anglais houses the Fountaine Belle Eau and you can walk on the grass making it the best garden to sit down and have a picnic in or wander around its exotic trees and paths.
Jardin de Diane
You may not be able to walk on the grass in the Jardin de Diane but there are plenty of benches to rest on especially down by the fountain. It is also a nice way to walk through to access the Jardin Français.
Jardin Français
The Jardin Français is perhaps the grandest of the gardens laid out around it’s fountain and pond. Again, you cannot walk on the grass but you can admire the scenery and its views of both the Chateau and the Grand Canal.
