Château de Fontainebleau
Île-de-France
Château de Fontainebleau is a historic royal palace located near the center of Fontainebleau, about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris. It served as a residence for French monarchs from the Middle Ages through Napoleon III, reflecting a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and classical architectural styles. The château is renowned for its artistic heritage, notably the School of Fontainebleau, which marked a significant period of French Renaissance art influenced by Italian artists invited by King Francis I. The palace's interiors host one of France's most important collections of furniture, paintings, sculptures, and art objects spanning from the 6th to the 19th century. Surrounded by extensive gardens and adjacent to the vast Forest of Fontainebleau, the château offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Visitors can explore grand royal apartments, Napoleon's quarters, and numerous decorated rooms that illustrate the evolution of French art and history. The palace's significance is further highlighted by its association with key historical events, including the signing of the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685 and various treaties. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, offering insights into centuries of French monarchy and artistic achievement.
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Tip: The château is open daily except Tuesdays and certain holidays, with longer hours from April to September. To avoid queues, it is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance. The surrounding park and gardens are free to visit year-round. Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. The on-site restaurant operates daily except Tuesdays until mid-April. Guided tours and special exhibitions enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The château has been home to 34 French sovereigns from Louis VI to Napoleon III.
- •Francis I aimed to create a 'new Rome' at Fontainebleau, attracting Italian Renaissance artists.
- •The School of Fontainebleau significantly influenced French Renaissance painting until the mid-17th century.
- •Napoleon I called the château the 'House of the Centuries' due to its historical importance.
- •The Edict of Fontainebleau, revoking the Edict of Nantes, was signed here in 1685.
- •The château holds one of the most important collections of French antique furniture and art.
- •Its medieval donjon, known as the Saint Louis donjon, still exists within the palace complex.
History
The Château de Fontainebleau originated as a royal hunting lodge in the 12th century, first mentioned in 1137.
It was expanded and transformed over centuries by monarchs such as Louis IX, Francis I, and Louis XIV.
Francis I notably renovated it into a Renaissance palace, inviting Italian artists and founding the School of Fontainebleau.
The château witnessed significant historical events, including the signing of the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685 and various treaties in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It remained a royal residence until Napoleon III and was classified as a historic monument in 1862.
Since 1981, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its architectural and artistic legacy.
Place Guide
Medieval Donjon of Saint Louis12th century
The oldest part of the château, this square medieval keep dates back to the 12th century and was part of the original fortified hunting lodge. It still stands within the Oval Courtyard, symbolizing the château's medieval origins.
Francis I's Renaissance Apartments16th century
Lavishly decorated rooms reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance art, featuring frescoes, stuccoes, and ornate woodwork. These apartments were the centerpiece of Francis I's transformation of the château into a Renaissance palace.
Napoleon I's Apartments19th century
A suite of rooms used by Napoleon Bonaparte, showcasing Empire style decoration and personal memorabilia. This area illustrates the château's continued importance in French history into the 19th century.
The Gardens and Park
Extensive landscaped gardens and parklands surrounding the château, open year-round and free to visitors. They provide a beautiful setting and connect the palace to the adjacent Forest of Fontainebleau.
Contact
Phone: 01 60 71 50 70
