Fontainebleau, Paris

Visit Fontainebleau near Paris

You want to see more of France than just Paris. The Fontainebleau forest and Fontainebleau Castle are a top combination for one day out of Paris.

The simplest way to visit Fontainebleau is on a tour from Paris. See also the tour from Paris combining Fontainebleau with Vaux le Vicomte (not in winter).

History of Fontainebleau near Paris

As a hunting forest, Fontainebleau has had the favor of the Kings of France since the 16th century. They had there one of their greatest castles.

Francois I, the King who bought Mona Lisa, built most of the magnificent Renaissance Castle in the early 16th century. The castle was also a favorite of Emperor Napoleon, who resigned there in 1814. You can see below Napoleon's throne room.

Fontainebleau forest near Paris

One of the largest French forests with its 25 000 hectares, the Fontainebleau Forest, 50 km south of Paris by the A6 freeway, is a favorite of Parisian alpinists, who can train there on weekends.

Its many rocky hills make the perfect training ground before going to the Alps in the summer.

Go to Fontainebleau on your own

By car, take the A6 freeway. You will then be able to best discover and enjoy the Fontainebleau Forest.

You can take the train at Paris Gare de Lyon: 40 minutes ride to Fontainebleau Avon train station, 15' shuttle to Fontainebleau Castle. Check train schedule.

Fontainebleau web sites

Fontainebleau Castle web site

Fontainebleau tourist office

Vaux le Vicomte Castle

We also recommend Loire Castles near Paris