Welcome to Fontainebleau
Fresh air fills your lungs on arriving in the classy town of Fontainebleau. It’s enveloped by the 280-sq-km Forêt de Fontainebleau, which is as big a playground today as it was in the 16th century, with superb walking and rock-climbing opportunities. Situated 68km southeast of Paris, the town grew up around its magnificent château, one of the most beautifully decorated and furnished in France. Although it’s less crowded and pressured than Versailles, exploring it can still take the best part of a day. You’ll also find a cosmopolitan drinking and dining scene, thanks to the town’s lifeblood, the international graduate business school INSEAD.
Top experiences in Fontainebleau
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Fontainebleau activities
Chateaux de Fontainebleau, Vaux le Vicomte Day Tour from Paris
Leave central Paris by luxury coach and travel to Vaux le Vicomte, a handsome little town just 34 miles (55km) southeast of the capital. Its star attraction is the Vaux le Vicomte Castle – the impressive Baroque chateau that allegedly inspired the Palace of Versailles – so hop off your coach and head inside for your audio-guided tour.While admiring the castle’s plush interiors and elaborate vaulted cellars, learn about Nicolas Fouquet – King Louis XIV’s finance minister – who created the building using the crème de la crème of French architectural talent. Unfortunately for him, King Louis felt upstaged by the extravagant building, and threw him in prison before he could spend too long enjoying it. After exploring the castle, head outside to soak up the extensive garden scenery, seeing the dramatic fountains, lawns and flowerbeds that cover the whopping 99-acre (40-hectare) site. Enjoy some time for lunch in the on-site café (own expense), and then return to your coach.Travel the short distance south to Fontainebleau, and then visit your second majestic building of the day: Château Fontainebleau. The only royal castle to be continuously inhabited for over seven centuries, Fontainebleau is one of the country’s more exceptional palaces – deservedly taking a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.Step inside and explore the opulent Renaissance building with an audio guide, hearing all the gossip about the French royals who once called the place home. Gaze upward to see mesmerizing ceiling frescoes, and admire the intricate wood carvings and 15th-century furniture that typifies the castle’s lavish interior.At the end of your audio tour, head outside to explore the grounds and ornamental lakes independently. Have your camera ready to capture the romantic gardens against the backdrop of the castle, and then return to your coach for your journey back to Paris.
Chateau de Fontainebleau from Paris, Plus Ticket, Audio Guide
After pickup at a centrally meeting point in Paris, set off from Paris on board your air-conditioned coach and head to the historical town of Fontainebleau, roughly 34 miles (55 km) south of the city. After just an hour, arrive at Château de Fontainebleau (Fontainebleau Castle), where you’ll spend your afternoon!One of the largest French châteaux, this impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle is a joy to behold. Lived in by sovereigns since the Middle Ages, the castle exudes royalty on every level. Gaze in awe at its architecture, built across seven centuries, and admire the famous horseshoe staircase that leads from the castle’s palatial doors.Your host will hand over your entrance ticket and state-of-the-art audio headset, and then leave you at the admission gates. Following the route described by your audio guide, set off to explore!There are more than 1,500 rooms comprising elaborate dining halls, galleries and ballrooms, not to mention 130 hectares (321 acres) of parks and gardens. Wander over to the beautiful Pavilion on Fontainebleau’s famous Carp Pond, or stroll through the English Garden – lined with pristine lawns, shrubs and trees. After approximately 2.5 hours of exploring this magnificent site at leisure, meet your host back at the pre-arranged point for your relaxing journey back to Paris.
Fontainebleau Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Your hot-air balloon experience takes place in Fontainebleau, a town about 45 minutes outside of Paris, home to the Château de Fontainebleau. You'll start with balloon preparation and inflation, watching as it rises into the air. Then hop aboard the basket and take off on your 1-hour flight, admire views of town, the castle, and the forest. When you land, enjoy a glass of Champagne for the traditional toast des aéronautes, and then return by vehicle to the starting point.Please note: When booking, please specify if you prefer the morning or evening tour, or you may contact the local operator after booking.
Fontainebleau and Vaux-Le-Vicomte Small-Group Tour from Paris
Discover two of the most beautiful and historically interesting Chateaux in the Paris region on this small group day trip. You’ll visit the lovely Chateau and gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, where the “jardin à la francaise” was born and then explore the regal splendor of Fontainebleau where more than seven centuries of kings and emperors lived and created history. Vaux-le-Vicomte, with its deluxe 17th century decor and outstanding French Gardens is enchanting. It is so beautiful that it directly inspired the Sun King to build the Palace of Versailles, in order to rival it. You’ll learn about the captivating history of the estate and its past owners, wander through the perfectly ordered French Gardens, and enjoy free time to explore inside of the Chateau itself. Fontainebleau is unparalleled in its grandiose architecture and links to important events in French History. With more than 1500 rooms inside, it is a sumptuous palace and according to Napoleon Bonaparte: “ The true home of kings, the house of ages!”. It was home to three dynasties of Kings, a Pope, and two French Emperors and as such is truly unique among the castles in Europe! You’ll explore its majestic halls, extravagantly gilded rooms, beautifully decorated Chapel and learn its fascinating history. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR : - A full-day of adventure in the french countryside: Take a step away from the hustle and bustle of busy Paris and see some of the natural beauty around it. - Visit two of the most important Châteaux in French History: Learn how both Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau have had major impacts on the history of the French Monarchy and the country as a whole. - Enjoy Free time in the French Gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte: This perfectly manicured garden is 99 acres (40 hectares) big. Complete with fountains, flowers, statues, and an interesting optical illusion that will surprise you! - See Napoleon Bonaparte's Throne in Fontainebleau: Fontainebleau was the prefered seat of imperial power for Napoleon Bonaparte and during his reign deemed more important than the Louvre or Versailles. - Learn about French History from an informative guide: Being experts in their researched fields of history and very passionate story tellers makes our guides true assets to each tour we provide! - Round-trip transportation by luxury van from Paris: Enjoy the comfort of our brand new vans, complete with leather seats, big clear windows, and crisp clean air-conditioning. - Small group: You will be in a group with no more than 8 people and your guide! So individual attention and quality time with your guide can be guaranteed. - Audio-guide: Inside each chateaux you’ll be able to use an audio-guide so that you have greater freedom to roam and can focus on the parts that interest you the most.
Chateau de Fontainebleau Skip-the-Line Ticket
Located southeast of the center of Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau is a 40 minute train ride from Paris, and one of Parisians' favorite getaways. Skip the line at the entrance and visit the Château de Fontainebleau, this long-lasting sovereign residence that became a huge palace in which many momentous historical events occurred. Discover this sprawling palace, a veritable showcase of French architecture from the 12th to the 19th century. From the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase dates from the reign of Louis XIII, based on a Renaissance model to the Château's three chapels and the courtyards and gardens, this palace is key for French heritage.The opulent décor and the refined and highly finished nature of the apartment furnishings at the Château de Fontainebleau contribute to its feel as a family home, “the true home of kings, the house of ages”. The Château de Fontainebleau houses an exceptional collection of works of art, from the Empress Eugenie Chinese Museum to Marie Antoinette’s massive bed and Napoleon’s throne, all these precious pieces of architecture, paintings and craftmanship ensure your visit to Fontainebleau brings new discoveries.
Fontainebleau, Barbizon and Vaux-Le-Vicomte Private Day Trip
Your tour starts with pickup in Paris by your private driver and guide for the 1-hour drive south of the city to the town of Fontainebleau, which sits next to the Forest of Fontainebleau. The residence of French kings for eight centuries, Château de Fontainebleau has been home to several royal families, such as Capétiens, Valois, Bourbon, Bonaparte, and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties. Throughout the years, kings, queens, emperors, and empresses made their own improvements and additions to the château, which gives it its diverse yet cohesive look, built around the original keep. With your private guide, explore the palace, gardens, and pond. If you're interested in landscaping, this is a chance to compare the French gardens designed by Le Nôtre under Louis 14th with the English gardens on the other side of the palace. Then head to the village of Barbizon. The Barbizon school of painters got its name from this village, where artists such as Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet painted their landscapes and life scenes in the mid-1800s. Lunch break in Barbizon. Possible to visit the original place where the artists stayed the night in the 1800's. Your tour ends with return to your hotel in Paris for 3.00 pm.