Chateau de Fontainebleau 

Since its construction in the 11th century the chateau de Fontainebleau has been continuously inhabited by French royals for eight centuries. 

Fontainebleau Palace, since 1981 on UNESCO's World Heritage list, has been used by all important sovereigns of France. Some of the most famous inhabitants of the Fontainebleau Palace are Madame de Maintenon (the mistress and later the second wife of Louis the 14th), Marie-Antoinette and  Josephine de Beauharnais (first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte).

The first thing that strikes me when approaching Chateau de Fontainebleau is how quiet it is. If you have visited Versailles Palace, you expect queues as far as the eye can see. Not at Fontainebleau, there are barely any tourists, and you can wander around the palace at your own pace. And the remarkable thing is, this palace is used by all the royals of France, while Versailles is only used by three (or four, if you count Napoleon, who spend some of his time in the Trianon Palace).

Under the supervision of all these monarchs the palace constantly was enlarged and embellished. The Chateau de Fontainebleau today is one of the rare French castles that stil is completely furnished.

Gallery of Henry II at Fontainebleau Palace

Bedroom of Napoleon I, Fontainebleau Palace

Bedroom of Marie-Antoinette, Fontainebleau Palace

Chateau de Fontainebleau today

Schloss Fontainebleau is located in the town of Fontainebleau about 67 miles south of Paris. It was used as a hunting lodge as well as a House.

Nowadays it is surrounded by 130 acres of park and gardens, composed of more than 1500 rooms, and exceptional embellished with decorations and furniture. There are three chapels and a theatre. Today the Fontainebleau Palace is home to four museums.

• The Chinese museum; treasures from the Far-East. The museum includes diplomatic gifts from the Ambassador of Siam who visited Fontainebleau in 1861.
  
  
• The museum of Napoleon I, where you can see all kinds of items related to the imperial family.
  
  
•  The Paintings Gallery 
  
  
• The furniture gallery

Historical events at Chateau de Fontainebleau

Siamese diplomats visit Napoleon III at the palace of Fontainebleau in 1864

The Palace was often the scene of important historical events.

For the crowning ceremony Napoleon had Pope Pius VII come to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Here he had an apartment ready for him full of stolen art from the Vatican. However, it was not his intention that the Pope would crown him; Napoleon put the Crown on his own head and then crowned Joséphine himself. With this act, he wanted to indicate that he was not subordinate to the Pope.

Bonaparte then established his throne room with impressive gilded eagles in the Castle.

Napoleon signes his abdication at Foutainebleau Palace.

Also the end of his reign took place at the Palace of Fountainebleau; He signed his abdication there and said goodbye to his troops from the stairs of the palace.

The castle was decor for many international meetings: There are 5 treaties of Fountaineblue, the first signed in 1785 by Emperor Joseph II and the Dutch Republic, and the last was the abdication of Napoleon on 11 April 1814.

Although the palace of Versailles is more famous than the palace of Fontainebleau French history really comes to life in the last one. Versailles was the home of only three French kings, while for eight centuries all French monarchs are conneted with Fontainebleau. It is therefore well worth a visit. Please find practical information for your visit to palace of Fontainebleau below.

View on the gardens of Chateau de Fontainebleau

Famous rooms of Chateau de Fontainebleau 

Some famous royals lived in this palace, and they all left their mark. Here are some of the most interesting rooms.

Diana Gallery

Diana Gallery, Chateau de Fontainebleau

Napoléon III turned the former banquet Hall to a grand Library. The name of the room goes back to Henry IV who constructed it and had it decorated with paintings depicting the myth of Diana. Of course he was inspired by his mistress Diana the Poitiers!

Bedroom of Pope Pius VIII

Bedroom of Pope Pius VII, Chateau de Fontainebleau

When Napoleon prepared his coronation in 1804, he had 40 apartments renovated for the arrival of Pope Pius VII, whom he invited to perform the coronation.  In addition he prepared lodgings and stables for the 200 people and 400 horses that the Pope brought along in his party. This bedroom's last royal inhabitant was Anne of Austria. 

Throne room

Throneroom of Napoleon, Chateau de Fontainebleau

Napoleon made the Chateau de Fontainebleau one of his formal residences,. The only thing that lacked was a Throne room. He choose the former King's bed chamber for this, replacing the bed with this throne, that was originally designed for the Chateau de Tuileries. IIt is still in the original state of 1808. 

Queen's bedroom

Queen's bedroom, Chateau de Fontainebleau

This room was used by all the Queens and Empresses of France. Surely, it looked a lot different when Marie de Medici slept here,. What you see today is merely the design that was made for the first Empire. The ceiling over the bed however originates from 1644, made for Dowager Queen Anne of Austria, the mother of Louis XIV. So every queen after her, including Marie Antoinette, gazed at the same ceiling when lying awake. 

Plan you visit to Chateau de Fontainebleau

Hints and tips

Chateau de Fontainebleau is open every day except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

How to get there

Where to stay

Here you will find hotels in Fontainebleau. Some suggestions:

Mercure Royal Fontainebleau The Mercure Royal Fontainebleau is situated in a residential neighbourhood. The hotels is 500 meters away from the Fontainebleau Castle and is surrounded by sumptuous gardens. It is only 5 minutes from the train station. Fontainebleau, France Hotel, 97 rooms Prices from EUR 120  More information and reservation

Yourte Nomade-Lodge This is something else! Staying in a  typical Mongolian yurt with decorated hand-painted wooden furniture. In the summer you can open the roof and sleep under the stars. Located in La-Chapelle-Gauthier, 74 km south east of Paris, and 26 km from Fontainebleau. La Chapelle-Gauthier, France Hotel, 20 rooms Prices from EUR 80 More information and reservation

La Rotonde 77 Located in Barbizon, La Rotonde offers B&B accommodation just 7 km from the Forest of Fontainebleau and 10 km from Palace of Fontainebleau. Free Wi-Fi, pétanque facilities and free private parking are provided at the B&B. Barbizon , France Bead & Breaksfast 3 rooms Prices from EUR 80 More information and reservation