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 Admission Ticket with Transport from Paris
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.
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 and Vaux Le Vicomte full day private tour
On the way to the château of Fontainebleau, which has been from Louis VI to Napoleon III for 8OO years one of the most appreciated residences of the French kings and emperors, your guide will give you an introduction to the history of the palace. Guided visit of the château with it’s glorious Renaissance décor, it’s richly adorned wood paneling, gilded carvings, frescoes , tapestries and paintings . Discovery of the Trinity Chapel, the François 1er Gallery, the Ballroom and the Royal Apartments. After a stroll at the gardens drive to the village Barbizon for a lunch stop. Once lunch finished drive to the idyllic castle of Vaux le Vicomte, the one that inspired Louis XIV to build Versailles, where the key architect Andre Lenotre design one his masterpieces; the french "style gardens". After a guided tour at the palace and gardens drive back to Paris.
Fontainebleau Half Day Private Guided Tour from Paris
Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel or in front the apartment you will be renting. Usually we pick you up at your accommodation at 8:00am or 2:00pm (please send us your exact address in Paris when booking)You will start by with a guided visit of castle of Fontainebleau, where the Kings of France and Bonaparte lived in the past.- 5 hour Fontainebleau guided tour from pick up to drop off in Paris- Skip the line entrance tickets included for the castle of Fontainebleau- Private tour guide speaking to you personally and ansering your questions (this is NOT a tour with audioguides) We offer the most comfortable door-to-door service from your accommodation in Paris with our luxury Mercedes air conditioned vans. Keep in mind, this is your private tour and you may customize it the way you like. As a reminder, we only give private guided tours.