Nestled in the heart of the majestic Forêt de Fontainebleau, this French town is brimming with charm and history. In short: everything you need for a weekend or short break! With its royal palace, picturesque alleyways and forest trails, Fontainebleau promises an enchanting getaway between nature and town, modernity and history. Discover a rich cultural heritage and unspoilt natural surroundings that invite you to explore, dream and marvel. Discover the 13 must-sees in Fontainebleau.
1. Admire the Château de Fontainebleau
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, the Château de Fontainebleau has been the jewel of many sovereigns over the centuries. Built in the 12th century, this architectural treasure has been the residence of many sovereigns, from François I to Napoleon III. Magnificently restored under Napoleon in the 19th century, the royal palace offers a journey through time, revealing the splendors and secrets of successive courts. Napoleon's private apartments, Marie-Antoinette's sumptuous interiors and many other architectural treasures will plunge you into the opulent life of the French aristocracy.
We recommend this this guided tour from Paris which will take you to the superb châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau in one day.
How about a bird's eye view of the Château de Fontainebleau? It's one of the most beautiful destinations to visit by hot-air balloon! An adventure in the skies that will literally transport you back in time.
The icing on the cake : the newly renovated horseshoe-shaped staircase, inaugurated in May 2022, adds a contemporary touch to this historic site, without distorting it. This recent renovation, combining modernity and respect for heritage, enhances the appeal of the Château de Fontainebleau. More than ever, it is a must-see destination, elegantly blending past and present.
2. Relax at the carp pond
Do you like original experiences? Visit the château's parks and gardens, then hop aboard the boats at the carp pond ! The landing stage is located in front of the Château de Fontainebleau, so you can stand back and admire the majesty of the palace, next to the surrounding forest. You can easily do all three in one day. The Marin d'Eau Douce boats let you explore the Château de Fontainebleau, its gardens and the pavilion, nestled in the heart of the pond. Easy to handle, they offer a fun experience for the whole family.
Want to take it all in? Let loose completely! You can enhance your stroll with a sweet or savory platter, accompanied by champagne.
3. Discover the Fontaine de Diane
Go green at the Jardin de Diane, a popular spot for locals to take a breath of fresh air. Here you can admire the impressive and sublime Fontaine de Diane. This magnificent 16th-century work was commissioned by King Henri II to celebrate his love for Queen Catherine de Médicis. Located in the grounds of the Château de Fontainebleau, the fountain depicts the goddess Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, accompanied by a doe. A remarkable work of art, it bears witness to the history and romance of the period. After a visit to the Château de Fontainebleau, you'll enjoy a delightful immersion in nature. It's a great place for a family picnic or snack, while strolling through the gardens once reserved for the Queen. What a privilege!
4. A walk in the forest of Fontainebleau
The forest of Fontainebleau, or how to immerse yourself in nature just an hour from Paris! Its varied landscapes invite you to escape, between rocks, ponds and dense woods. It's not for nothing that it's one of the best destinations near Paris for enjoying nature! Love hiking? Here's the perfect place to spend a day during your stay in Fontainebleau! Marked trails offer plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts alike. You can climb the famous sandstone massifs, or simply stroll along the winding paths, listening to the birdsong. On foot or by bike, the Fontainebleau forest is a must! With its 22,000 hectares, it's a huge playground accessible to the whole family, free of charge and offering an idyllic setting just outside the city: paradise at the gateway to Paris!
5. Visit the medieval old town
Of course, Fontainebleau is best known for its castle and forest. But the old town is also well worth a visit. A resolutely medieval atmospherestill pervades the town's pedestrian streets. It's not hard to get under the skin of the artists of the XIXᵉ century, who loved it for the inspiration it provided. From old houses with superb facades to museums and other art galleries, the bourgeois atmosphere halfway between ancient and modern is striking! No less than 800 years of history can be found in the city's streets and alleys. If you listen carefully, you'll still hear the cobblestones and facades telling their story..
6. The Barbizon Painters' Museum
Immerse yourself in the artistic history of the 19th century at the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon, located on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest! The museum is housed in two historic buildings: the Auberge Ganne, where many artists stayed between 1820 and 1860, and Théodore Rousseau's home and studio. The museum's permanent collection transports you into the daily lives of these artists. You'll discover decors painted by the artists on the inn's furniture and walls, as well as a superb collection of paintings, drawings and prints by the great masters.
Explore the ground-floor rooms with their ornate furniture and period atmosphere, then head upstairs to admire the drawings and paintings left by the artists on the walls of their rooms. A bit of a borderline attitude, we admit, but one that leaves us with superb traces of their passage, so thank you, artists!
7. A day at the Solle racecourse
Thehippodrome de la Solle in Fontainebleau offers an interesting experience, combining a passion for racing (or the desire to discover it) with an exceptional natural setting. From the grandstands, you can admire the grace of the horses and the skill of the jockeys. Whether you're an avid racing fan or simply looking for a bit of entertainment, the Solle racecourse is a great idea to make the most of your stay in this pretty corner of France. And who knows? Perhaps this immersion in the bewitching world of horse racing will have triggered a real passion in you in the future?
8. Discover the church of Saint-Louis
Lovers ofreligious edifices will marvel at this beautiful, imposing church with its ochre and red tones. Unlike many churches, this one has a relatively recent history. It took shape in the early 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIII.Saint-Louis was built between 1611 and 1614, then remodeled under the Second Empire, notably with the addition of the main façade and the chapelle de la Vierge (Virgin's chapel), an extension of the apse. This historic church bears witness to the evolution of Fontainebleau. A place of worship steeped in charm and history, it's a must-see if you want to discover a little piece of Fontainebleau's heritage.
9. The Fontainebleau market, a gourmet's paradise
Did you know about the "Marchés d'Exception" label? This title, awarded to the most outstanding markets, was bestowed on the Fontainebleau market by the Conseil National des Arts Culinaires. Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, you'll find succulent foods and other non-food products. 4,500m² of exhibitors: enough to delight market lovers! Residents from all over the Seine-et-Marne come here every week, as the products on offer are so numerous and renowned. It would be a shame to miss out! From rare spices to exotic produce and everyday foods, there's something for everyone.
10. An evening of entertainment at the Théâtre
The Théâtre de Fontainebleau was built in 1905 in a sublime Louis XIII style combining brick and stone. It is one of the few Italian-style theaters outside Paris, located in the Île-de-France region. In 1991, it was listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Nestled in the heart of the city, it continues to shine as one of the city's major cultural centers. You can take advantage of its diverse programming, encompassing all art forms. It's the perfect place for a cultural outing during your stay in Fontainebleau. A must for culture and history lovers!
11. Taste the local specialities
Yes, there are culinary specialities to be found in this part of France too! For example, you can enjoy a delicious Fontainebleau cheese. In fact, it's a fromage frais that resembles a light whipped cream. A pure delight! The rochers bellifontains will also delight you. These little chocolate bites with dried fruit and puffed rice are a must. Petit Caporal is another must-try chocolate in the area. Are Bellifontains gourmands?
On the savoury side, quail with raisins will delight gourmets. Quail is cooked in many different ways in the area, as you'll see in the good local restaurants.
12. Follow the Denecourt Tower itinerary
Explore the route leading to the majestic Tour Denecourt. This monument offers a 360° panoramic view of the forest of Fontainebleau. Simply splendid! Easily accessible from the Fontainebleau-Avon train station, this tour promises an interesting experience if you're extending your stay in Fontainebleau. The tower has a fascinating architecture and history. It's a tour that's sure to delight lovers of beautiful scenery. To get there, all you have to do is follow the yellow signposts and the "viewpoints circuit" signs.
13. Join in the festivities at Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a great idea for a weekend away, less than 2 hours from Paris. Be sure to check out the town's best festivities. From music to cinema and art, cultural and festive events are numerous and varied in Fontainebleau.
For example, you can take part in the Foulée Impériale de Fontainebleau, a 10km race. In a completely different style, the Naturiales de Fontainebleau raise public awareness of nature and the environment. And of course, for a weekend in June, you can attend the festivities associated with the Fête de la Musique. Other festivals may also be of interest, such as the Django Reinhardt Festival, the Festival série séries or the Festival d'Histoire de l'Art.
What's on in Fontainebleau?
What to do in Fontainebleau in 1 day?
You've only got a day to visit Fontainebleau? You'll have plenty of time to see the essentials!
Morning:
Start your day at the Château de Fontainebleau, a royal residence steeped in history. Explore its sumptuous halls (of which there are many!). Take time to admire the works of art and learn about the lives of French sovereigns. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit.
After this interesting discovery, stroll through the château's gardens, where you can relax among flowerbeds, fountains and ponds.
Lunchtime :
For lunch, head to a local restaurant and sample authentic French cuisine. The planks of the In Casa restaurant are particularly worth discovering, on the occasion of a convivial meal.
Afternoon:
How to digest it all? With a stroll through the Forêt de Fontainebleau, of course! Walking, cycling, exploring the Cul du chien sands, dog-sledding... There are many ways to have a good time in this emblematic place.
This short program will enable you to discover the essentials of Fontainebleau in a day rich in history, nature and culinary delights.
What to do in Fontainebleau free of charge?
You can visit the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau free of charge. It's the promise of a pleasant walk in the heart of nature, in a royal setting like no other. In particular, the gardens of Diane are free, so you can admire her fountain and bask in the sun without spending a single euro. Of course, it's also possible to visit the Fontainebleau forest free of charge, while having a great time with the whole family. With so many activities on offer, you'll have no trouble having fun without spending a dime. If you're a fan of religious buildings, you can also visit the churches of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Louis free of charge. It's a great way to discover a town's heritage and history. Finally, don't hesitate to stroll through the old town center, soaking up its atmosphere as you go.
What to do in Fontainebleau as a family?
A visit to the Château de Fontainebleau may be a little time-consuming for children. At least for the youngest among them! You can, however, visit the gardens and take a boat ride on the carp pond. It's an activity they'll love! Throughout the year, special events are organized for families. Suitable for a young audience, they offer a fun way to discover the château and gardens. Every weekend, except during school vacations, children can even take part in "castle investigations". It's a great way to tickle their curiosity, without imposing a traditional visit on them! Even more fun: you can rent period costumes, such as musketeer or marquis, to immerse them 100% in the atmosphere of days gone by.
Finally, head to Place Napoléon Bonaparte to enjoy the 1900 wooden horse merry-go-round. They're superb!
Ready to go green just a few kilometers from Paris? Head for Fontainebleau, its forest and gardens surrounding the château. A splendor that's 100% exotic! If you like this type of visit, you can also discover the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, just 20 minutes from Fontainebleau. The medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing is also well worth a visit.
