Château de Fontainebleau: Royal Palace and Napoleon's Residence

Fontainebleau: The True Home of Kings

Château de Fontainebleau is unique among French royal residences: it was continuously inhabited for over seven centuries, from the Capetian kings to Napoleon III. Unlike Versailles, built from scratch by Louis XIV, Fontainebleau evolved through the ages, each monarch adding wings, gardens, and décor. The result is an extraordinary blend of medieval, Renaissance, and imperial styles—a true "house of centuries" as Napoleon called it.

Fontainebleau sits amid 130 hectares of parks and gardens in the Forest of Fontainebleau, one of France's most beautiful forests. The palace boasts over 1,500 rooms, including the spectacular Francis I Gallery (with frescoes by Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio), Napoleon's Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the private apartments of Napoleon and Josephine. The Horseshoe Staircase (Escalier du Fer-à-Cheval) is one of the most photographed landmarks of French architecture.

Napoleon and Fontainebleau

Napoleon Bonaparte had a special attachment to Fontainebleau. He restored the palace after the Revolution, held court here, and signed his first abdication in the palace in 1814. The Emperor's apartments and the Throne Room have been meticulously restored to their imperial splendor. Visitors can see Napoleon's campaign tent, his sword, and personal effects, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal era.

Gardens and Grounds

The palace is surrounded by four distinct gardens: the Grand Parterre (French formal garden), the English Garden, the Pine Garden, and the Carp Pond. Strolling these grounds after your palace visit is highly recommended. The Forest of Fontainebleau, once a royal hunting ground, is now a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers.

Getting There from Paris

Take a Transilien train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (about 40 minutes). From the station, bus line 1 runs to the château (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, guided day tours from Paris include transport. Allow a full day for the visit. Skip-the-line tickets from GetYourGuide save time during peak season.