Fontainebleau forest and castle near Paris

A hunting forest since the Middle Ages (right), Fontainebleau has had the favor of the Kings of France since the 16th century. They built there one of their greatest castle (below).

Francois 1er, the King who bought the Mona Lisa, built most of the magnificent Renaissance castle in the early 16th century. The castle was also a favorite of Napoleon, who resigned there in 1814.

The Fontainebleau forest and rocks

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 rocky hills (above) make it the perfect training ground before going to the Alps in the summer.

The Fontainebleau forest is as well a favourite destination for everyone wanting to escape the hustle of Paris for a day.

Fontainebleau is a very pleasant combination for a one day relaxing excursion from Paris. The easiest way to visit Fontainebleau is on a bus tour from Paris.

You can also combine the visit of Fontainebleau with the famous village of Barbizon and magnificent Vaux le Vicomte castle near-by. 

Fontainebleau castle web site (in French)
Vaux le Vicomte castle

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