Prehistory

The Fontainebleau region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The first evidence of human presence dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era, around 14,000 years ago. One of the earliest sites of prehistoric habitation in the region is the Grotte du Cheval, located south of the forest. Here, remnants of stone tools and animal bones have been discovered, indicating that early humans likely used the cave for shelter and hunting.

The Mesolithic era, which lasted from around 11,500 to 7,000 BP, saw significant cultural and technological advancements in the Fontainebleau region. The rising levels of the Seine River transformed the landscape, and humans adapted by developing new hunting techniques and making use of new resources. Evidence of this period exists in the form of flint tools, as well as the remains of animal bones and plants, that have been discovered throughout the region. One notable site from this period is the Grotte de la Tortue , located near Samois-sur-Seine. Here, artifacts such as harpoons, needles, and fishing gear suggest that fishing was an important part of the local economy.

During the Neolithic era (5,000 to 2,500 BCE), humans in the Fontainebleau region began to develop agricultural practices, including the use of polished stone tools and pottery. Settlements began to take on a more permanent character as they shifted towards a more sedentary lifestyle. The megalithic monument of the Roche-Clochard, located south of Fontainebleau, is one of the main sites from this period. It is thought to have functioned as a tomb or funerary monument, and contains more than 130 standing stones.

The Bronze Age (2,500 to 800 BCE) saw even more technological advancements in the Fontainebleau region. Bronze tools, weapons, and ornaments have been found at various sites, including the Megalithic tomb of La Pierre-Plate. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and the trade of goods such as copper, tin, and amber all played a role in shaping the region’s economy during this period. Today, numerous archaeological sites throughout the Fontainebleau forest provide a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric inhabitants of the region.