Palace of Fontainebleau, France

The Palace of Fontainebleau is located in the town of Fontainebleau, about 55 km southeast of Paris. Surrounded by the vast Forest of Fontainebleau, the palace served as a residence for French monarchs from the 12th century until the 19th century. Unlike many royal residences, Fontainebleau was continuously inhabited and expanded by successive rulers, including kings and emperors, which resulted in a unique blend of architectural styles from medieval to Renaissance and classical periods. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.

Fontainebleau is especially famous for its role in French history and as a center of artistic innovation. During the reign of Francis I of France, the palace became a major hub of Renaissance art and culture, attracting Italian artists and influencing French architecture and decoration. Later, it was closely associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, who used the palace as an imperial residence and abdicated there in 1814. The palace is often described as the “true home of kings” due to its long continuous use by French rulers.

Main Attractions

The palace complex includes more than 1,500 rooms, many of which are richly decorated and open to visitors. Highlights include the Throne Room of Napoleon, the Gallery of Francis I with its Renaissance frescoes, and the lavish royal apartments. The famous Horseshoe Staircase in the Courtyard of the White Horse is one of the most recognizable features of the palace and was the place where Napoleon bid farewell to his Imperial Guard.

The surrounding gardens are also a major attraction. Visitors can explore the formal French gardens, the large Grand Canal, and landscaped parks that extend into the forest. These outdoor areas provide walking paths, viewpoints, and a contrast between geometric garden design and natural woodland surroundings.

Visiting the Palace

The Palace of Fontainebleau is easily accessible from Paris. Visitors can take a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station in about 40 minutes, followed by a short bus ride (line 1) or a 20–30 minute walk to the palace. By car, the journey from Paris takes approximately 1 hour.

Entrance to the palace costs €17 for adults; it is free for under-18s and EU residents under 26, and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month outside July and August. The gardens and park are free. The palace is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9:30 to 18:00 in April–September and until 17:00 in October–March. A full visit to the palace and gardens usually takes 3 to 4 hours, although visitors interested in exploring the forest and parklands may spend an entire day.