Experts' Choice Award Chateau de Fontainebleau
What the experts agree on
This centuries-old palace blends architectural styles from medieval to Renaissance, showcasing Napoleon's throne room, opulent galleries, and stunning formal gardens. An easy day trip from Paris with layers of royal history.
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
Time Out "The Château de Fontainebleau, a former hunting lodge, is a real mix of styles." Full review
Michelin Guide 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
Afar Magazine "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
Travel + Leisure "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."
Lonely Planet 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
Fodor's "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
Travel + Leisure "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
Condé Nast Traveler "Tell me: What’s this place all about?It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, but perhaps one of the most underrated landmarks in France. For one thing, it was inhabited by French royalty..." Full review
Independent "The highlight is the Chateau de Fontainebleau, which Francis I transformed from a 12th-century medieval castle into an Italianate palace. As a royal residence, it pre-dates Versailles...."
