Amazing Day Trip To Fontainebleau From Paris, France
Did you know a day trip to Fontainebleau is the perfect addition to your Paris vacation?
Nestled amidst the lush countryside, just a short distance away from the bustling streets of Paris, lies a hidden gem of historical grandeur – the magnificent Fontainebleau Castle.
Embark on a captivating day trip from the French capital and immerse yourself in centuries of royal history, remarkable architecture, and captivating landscapes. Join us as we explore the wonders of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site and discover why a visit to Fontainebleau Castle is an absolute must for any traveller seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
There are many day trips that you can take from Paris, one of them being Fontainebleau. I visited Fontainebleau a few times, with school and by myself; this stunning castle is a great addition to any Paris itinerary if you spend more than a few days in the city.
While it might not be considered as luxurious or opulent as Versailles Castle for some, I can tell you this is definitely worth the day trip, and you can still find some opulence and amazing art pieces.
One of the many perks that make Fontainebleau Castle worth the visit is that it is a less touristy landmark near Paris; this means a thousand people won’t surround you and not be able to walk more than 5cm per minute. Which is, believe it or not, pretty impressive. Also, the queue goes by pretty fast, which is exceptionally pleasing.
Things To Know About Fontainebleau Castle
Fontainebleau castle was built during the XIIth to XIXth century and was home to several royals and important French personalities throughout its history.
Upon arriving at the castle, prepare to be transported back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur.
With a history dating back over eight centuries, Fontainebleau Castle has served as a residence for numerous French monarchs, including King Louis VII and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Its stunning architecture seamlessly combines medieval, Renaissance, and classical styles, creating a visual feast that delights the eyes at every turn.
Before accessing the castle, you’ll be beyond the castle walls; the sprawling gardens of Fontainebleau are a true haven for nature enthusiasts.
Designed by famed landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who also created the gardens of Versailles, they showcase perfectly manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene lakes. I find it less luxurious than Versailles, but it’s a pleasant experience nonetheless, and it shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Fontainebleau’s castle.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Grand Canal or find a peaceful spot to relax amidst the shade of ancient trees. The gardens offer a serene respite from the castle’s grandeur, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.
While Fontainebleau isn’t as popular as Versailles Palace, it’s still a beautiful castle, and it draws many people to visit Fontainebleau’s Castle from Paris, so it’s best to plan in advance.
So, make sure to book your ticket in advance so you can skip the queue and save time!
Day Trip To Fontainebleau From Paris, France
Here is everything you need to know and what to expect for your day trip to Fontainebleau.
Fontainebleau Castle boasts an extensive number of rooms for visitors to explore. In total, there are approximately 1,500 rooms within the castle complex. However, it’s important to note that not all of these rooms are open to the public.
The accessible rooms and areas have been carefully curated to showcase the castle’s rich history, architectural features, and notable royal occupants.
During your visit, you can expect to explore a significant portion of the castle, including the State Apartments, Napoleon’s Apartments, the Ballroom, various galleries, chapels, and other historically significant spaces. The exact number of rooms available for public viewing may vary depending on the ongoing restoration and preservation efforts.
How Long Does It Take To Visit Fontainebleau Castle?
The duration of a visit to Fontainebleau Castle can vary depending on individual preferences, interests, and the level of exploration desired.
On average, visitors spend approximately 2 to 4 hours exploring the castle and its grounds. This timeframe allows for a leisurely stroll through the castle’s main highlights, including the State Apartments, Napoleon’s Apartments, the Ballroom, and selected galleries.
We spent around 2h30 in the castle, we didn’t read everything there is to know about the castle, but we still took our time to enjoy each room and admire the details while reading about what interested us.
Additionally (and I recommend that you do this for a full experience, as I mentioned above), if you plan to explore the extensive gardens and also take a leisurely walk through the Fontainebleau Forest, you’ll spend the full day out in the area!
However, if you don’t want to dedicate a full day to visiting Fontainebleau and are only interested in visiting the castle, you can do that easily in one morning or one afternoon.
How To Get To Fontainebleau From Paris
Located approximately 55 kilometres southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau Castle is easily accessible by train or car, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
As you depart from the city’s vibrant atmosphere, you’ll find yourself venturing into the heart of the scenic Fontainebleau Forest, a sprawling natural haven that adds to the charm and tranquillity of the journey. Fontainebleau is really easy to access from Paris by public transport, and here is how:
- Take a Train (RER) To Fontainebleau from Paris: Taking a train is a convenient and popular way to reach Fontainebleau from Paris. You can catch a train from central Paris from the Gare de Lyon station. RER to Fontainebleau runs regularly; the journey typically takes around 40 minutes. Make sure to check the train schedules in advance and choose the train that is most suitable for your planned visit; tickets are available at every booth in the metro stations.
Once you arrive at the Fontainebleau-Avon station, the castle is approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk away but don’t worry; there are also shuttles if you cannot walk that long.
- Book a Fontainebleau Guided Tour: Another option is to join a guided tour that includes transportation from Paris to Fontainebleau. Numerous tour operators offer day trips from Paris, providing transportation, guided visits to the castle, and sometimes additional stops or activities. This can be a convenient option if you prefer a structured itinerary and the assistance of a knowledgeable guide.
Another perk of the guided tour is combining your visit to Fontainebleau with another famous and cool castle from Paris, Vaux-le-Vicomte!
Here are some options for guided tours of Fontainebleau that you can book through GetYourGuide.
You don’t need a car at all to reach the castle as you can see above it is a really easy day trip from Paris but, of course, reaching Fontainbleau by car is also an option.
- Car: If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car in Paris and drive to Fontainebleau. The journey takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Take the A6 highway southbound from Paris, and then follow the signs for Fontainebleau. The castle has parking facilities nearby, although it can get busy during peak times. It’s worth noting that some areas in Fontainebleau have restricted access, so be sure to check for parking regulations and available parking options before your trip.
Before making your travel arrangements, be sure to check the latest transportation schedules and any travel advisories or restrictions that may be in place. It’s always a good idea to plan your visit in advance and consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and personal preferences to choose the option that best suits your needs.
What Are the Most Famous Rooms to Visit On A Day Trip To Fontainebleau Castle:
- Ballroom: The Ballroom, also known as the Salle de Bal, is a breathtaking space that epitomizes the castle’s grandeur. It was the venue for lavish parties, dances, and official ceremonies. Adorned with crystal chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and gold leaf decorations, the Ballroom offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of French royalty.
- Napoleon III Apartments: The Napoleon III Apartments are a series of lavishly decorated rooms that Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie occupied. These apartments showcase the Second Empire style and feature intricate woodwork, silk wall coverings, and luxurious furnishings.
- Diana Gallery: The Diana Gallery, or the Galerie de Diane, is a stunning space that displays exquisite Renaissance frescoes depicting mythological scenes. King Henri II commissioned it and served as a remarkable example of Renaissance artistry.
- Francis I Gallery: The Francis I Gallery, or the Galerie François I, is another notable castle highlight. Known for its stunning Renaissance frescoes, King Francis I commissioned it and showcases intricate artwork featuring hunting scenes, mythical creatures, and classical motifs.
- Marie Antoinette’s Boudoir: Explore the intimate space of Marie Antoinette’s Boudoir, a charming room that reflects the queen’s personal taste. Delicate pastel hues, ornate furniture, and delicate floral motifs create an ambience of elegance and refinement.
These are just a few of the many rooms and spaces you can explore within the sprawling Fontainebleau Castle. Each room offers a unique glimpse into the castle’s rich history, architectural splendour, and the lives of the monarchs who once called it home; imagine how amazing it’d have been to be able to call this place your home!
That’s a wrap on my guide on how to spend a day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris.
So, whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking an escape into a world of regal splendour, a day trip to Fontainebleau Castle promises an unforgettable journey through time, leaving you captivated and yearning for more.
The list of day trips you can take from Paris is quite long as France has many gorgeous places to visit. If you love castles, another excellent day trip to take is the visit to the Chateau Pierrefonds. You can read more about it in this Guide to visit Chateau Pierrefonds.
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How To Plan A Day Trip To Fontainebleau From Paris
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!
I was just at the Fontainebleau this past March, revisiting it after almost three years. While I agree that it’s not as big or as crazy popular as Versailles, nevertheless it remains a worthwhile day trip from Paris!
It’s beautiful! And you took amazing photos! I love it! Even if I cannot pronounce the name of the castle ? french always has been a challenge for me.
Anyway, definitely I want go there! ?
French people did have something with architecture and good style! Beautiful pictures 🙂
I love paris and the surrounding areas. I haven’t visited Fontainebleau but it looks gorgeous and I think it would be well worth the trip. I love historical sights and castles and the gardens here also look gorgeous!
That architecture is absolutely gorgeous! What a great place to see. Thanks for sharing!
Fontainbleau looks stunning. Those ceilings!!!
I really appreciate your article about a day trip to Fontainebleau. You have made me discover a hidden gem of France, with your wonderful photos and rich descriptions. I was fascinated by the history and architecture of the Fontainebleau Palace. You have also given me some practical advice on how to get there, what to see and where to eat. Thank you for this informative and enjoyable guide. You have convinced me to add Fontainebleau to my bucket list!