Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau

Highlights

The main structure of the palace consists of a two-story building complex with countless rooms, separated by beautiful inner courtyards. The most famous of these is the Courtyard of the White Horse, where Napoleon bade farewell to the soldiers who had fought alongside him for 20 years. Hence, the “Courtyard of the White Horse” is also known as the “Courtyard of Farewell,” and can be considered the most historically significant room in the Château de Fontainebleau.

The Château de Fontainebleau also features a Chinese Museum, built by Empress Eugénie during the Second Empire. Glass display cases house art treasures such as incense burners, gold and jade ornaments, ivory and jade carvings, porcelain, along with many paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of these treasures were looted from the Old Summer Palace.

Located 65 kilometers southeast of Paris and surrounded by forests, the Château de Fontainebleau is a favorite hiking destination for Parisians. Originally a royal hunting lodge, it was expanded during the reigns of François I and Henry II into one of the most important palaces of the French Renaissance. Renovations and expansions continued through the 19th century, with numerous renowned architects and artists contributing to the construction of this imperial residence. Architectural styles from various periods are all reflected here.

The surviving structures include a main tower from the castle dating back to the time of Saint Louis in the 13th century, royal residences built by six dynasties of kings, five courtyards, and four gardens representing the characteristics of four different eras. However, the exterior of the buildings still retains the traditional French Gothic style.

Currently open to the public are the Horseshoe Staircase, François I Gallery, Chapel, Throne Room, Ballroom, Diane Gallery, Napoleon’s Salon, as well as the bedrooms, studies, suites, and salons of the emperors and empresses. There is also a dedicated museum for Napoleon I.

Transportation

Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon toward Montereau, get off at Fontainebleau station (journey time: 40–60 minutes), then cross the underpass and take a bus (approximate travel time: 15 minutes).

Admission | Opening Hours

Two routes are available: the Grand Apartments route costs €5.5, including the Renaissance Museum, Imperial Apartments, State Apartments, Chinese Museum, etc.; the Small Apartments route costs €3, mainly featuring the Museum of Napoleon I. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday.

 Paris, France