Chateau de Fontainebleau
9 expert reviews
“This château is at once evocative of the Renaissance, with its famous horseshoe staircase, and of the imagery of Épinal, with the poignant scene of Napoleon bidding farewell to the...”
– Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"The tour of the Château de Fontainebleau's Grand Apartments takes in the superb Galerie François I. Built between 1528 and 1530, the gallery is decorated with frescoes and stuccoes by..." Full review
"The Château de Fontainebleau, a former hunting lodge, is a real mix of styles." Full review
1 Star
"This château is at once evocative of the Renaissance, with its famous horseshoe staircase, and of the imagery of Épinal, with the poignant scene of Napoleon bidding farewell to the faithful soldiers" Full review
"A quick 40-minute train ride from the Gare de Lyon in central Paris takes you to one of the best day trips out of the city: a forest preserve surrounding a palace that dates back nine centuries." Full review
"The castle is a mix of architectural styles, making it a prime place for a one-and-done castle visit. Come see its galleries, ballrooms, and the striking Chapel of Trinity."
Top Choice
"The northern side of the Château de Fontainebleau is the formal Jardin de Diane...Le Nôtre’s formal, 17th-century Jardin Français, also known as the Grand Parterre, is east of the Cour de la Fontaine" Full review
"The château began life in the 12th century as a royal residence and hunting lodge and still retains vestiges of its medieval past, though much of it dates to the 16th century." Full review
"Napoleon Bonaparte put his own stamp on things, and present-day visitors can tour the only Napoleonic throne room still around today. Other highlights include Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir"
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Fontainebleau in Paris
November 16, 2023