Château de Fontainebleau Culture & history

Enjoy skip-the-line access to over 60 museums and monuments in and around the city of Paris including the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and Centre Pompidou with the Paris Museum Pass. Choose from 2, 4, or 6-day options with the pickup point conveniently located a mere 10-minute walk from the Louvre. Benefits of the pass include free admission to many attractions, sights, and museums. In Paris: Arc de Triomphe Musée de l’Armée Tombeau de Napoléon 1er Centre Pompidou Musée national d’Art modern Musée national des Arts asiatiques Guimet Les Arts décoratifs Musée des Arts et métiers Musée de l’Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris Musée du quai Branly Musée Picasso Paris Chapelle expiatoire La Cinémathèque française Musée du Cinéma Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie Conciergerie Musée national Eugène Delacroix Musée des Égouts de Paris Musée du Louvre - Musée national de la Marine Musée de la Monnaie Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine Musée national des Monuments français Musée Gustave Moreau Musée national du Moyen Âge, Thermes et hôtel de Cluny Cité de la Musique, Musée de la Musique Crypte archéologique de Notre-Dame Tours de Notre-Dame Musée national de l’Orangerie Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération Musée d’Orsay Panthéon Musée des Plans-reliefs Musée de la Poste Musée Rodin Sainte-Chapelle Outside Paris: Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace Musée d’Archéologie nationale de Saint-Germain-en-Laye Musée national de la Céramique de Sèvres Abbaye royale de Chaalis Musée et domaine nationaux du Château de Compiègne Musée Condé, Château de Chantilly Musée départemental Maurice Denis Château de Fontainebleau Château de Maisons-Laffitte Musée national des Châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau Château de Pierrefonds Musée national de Port-Royal des Champs Château de Rambouillet Musée national de la Renaissance Château d’Ecouen Maison d’Auguste Rodin à Meudon Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis Villa Savoye Musée national des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon Château de Vincennes

This full-day trip from Paris takes you to the Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau châteaux for guided tours of the castles and a chance to explore their gardens. Set off from Paris at 09:15 on the hour-long drive to Vaux-le-Vicomte, the château that inspired King Louis XIV to build his Versailles Palace. A masterpiece of mid-17th century classical architecture, the château and its grounds were created by 3 talented artists working for Nicolas Fouquet, a rich, high-ranking French official and Louis XIV's Superintendent of Finance. The 3 artists were the painter and decorator Charles Le Brun, the architect Louis Le Vau, and the landscape gardener André Le Nôtre. With an audio guide you’ll explore Nicolas Fouquet's private apartments, the state rooms, and the château's great kitchens and vaulted cellars. Enjoy a stroll through the stunning French-style formal gardens on the estate’s 86-acre grounds, featuring sculpted bushes, lakes, and multicolored flower beds. If you like you can eat lunch on the lawn or in the Vaux-le-Vicomte restaurant. You’ll leave Vaux-le-Vicomte at 13:30 for the second part of the tour, heading to the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau. Fontainebleau is the only royal château to have been continuously inhabited for 7 centuries. Dating back to the 12th century, it was one of the residences of French rulers from Francis I to Napoleon III. During your audio-guided visit, you’ll explore the richly furnished château, admiring its unique collections and key pieces such as the throne of Napoleon I and the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase. You’ll also see the spacious private apartments. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the vast grounds surrounding the château, as well as its 3 lovely gardens. Departure from Fontainebleau is scheduled for 17:00, with arrival back in central Paris at around 18:15.

Discover two of the most beautiful and historically interesting castles in the Paris region on this small group day trip. You’ll visit the lovely Chateau and gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, where the “jardin à la francaise” was born and then explore the regal splendor of Chateau de Fontainebleau where more than seven centuries of kings and emperors lived and created history.  Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, with its deluxe 17th century decor and outstanding French Gardens is enchanting. It is so beautiful that it directly inspired the Sun King to build the Palace of Versailles, in order to rival it. You’ll learn about the captivating history of the estate and its past owners, wander through the perfectly ordered French Gardens and enjoy free time to explore the inside of the Chateau. Chateau de Fontainebleau is unparalleled in its extravagant architecture and links to important events in French History. With more than 1,500 rooms inside, it is a sumptuous palace and according to Napoleon Bonaparte "The true home of kings, the house of ages". It was home to three dynasties of Kings, a Pope and two French Emperors and as such is truly unique among the castles in Europe. You’ll explore its majestic halls, extravagantly gilded rooms, beautifully decorated Chapel and learn its fascinating history.

Explore Château de Fontaine bleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte on a day trip from Paris. Admire the elaborate interiors and take a stroll through the French gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte at your own pace. - Fontainebleau Palace The only royal château still inhabited for over seven centuries, Fontainebleau is one of the country's most exceptional palaces - rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to stroll through the gardens. -Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte The impressive Baroque Château is said to have inspired the Château de Versailles. Discover elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this gigantic house, Nicolas Fouquet, King Louis XIV's Minister of Finance. After Fouquet entrusted the design of Vaux-le-Vicomte to a renowned architect, the king took offense and threw the minister in prison. When you've finished inside, stroll outside to discover the château's 40 hectares of fountains, flowerbeds and vast lawns. If you're hungry, grab lunch at the on-site café (at your own expense) before hitting the road for the return journey.

- Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you first to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Visit the majestic house of French kings, passed from generation to generation until Middle Ages. See the Napoléon Bonaparte's Throne in this castel. - For lunchtime, explore and choose a restaurant or a French bakery with local specialities in Fontainebleau. - After lunch, discover the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte. Visit the Wonderfull castle where the 3 famous the architect Louis le Vau, the painter and the decorator Charles Le brun and the gardener André Le Nôtre collaborated. This castel was so magnificent as it inspires the Chateau de Versailles and a lot of others in Europe. Visit also the park and garden of the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte. After this day trip, your driver will drive you to your hotel in Paris.

Take a half-day trip from Paris to the metropolitan area of the city - Fontainebleau. The place is known for beautiful forests and the Royal Palace of Fontainebleau which is compared to the Palace of Versailles. On the day of the trip, the Welcome driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Paris and give the complete tour in an air-conditioned, spacious car. All Welcome vehicles are equipped with Wi-Fi, water, and light snacks, to ensure you stay hydrated and comfortable during the tour. During your ride towards Fontainebleau, you will have a chance to stop at the places of your choice. Upon your request, it is possible to have lunch or dinner at the local restaurant, recommended by the Welcome Driver. At each stop, your friendly driver will answer all the questions you may have, and share the local knowledge and more tips about each destination. Your day will begin with a personal pickup by your English-speaking driver from your hotel or apartment in Paris. The first stop along the way can be the Château de Vaux le Vicomte. The biggest Chateau in France and one of the most magnificent ones. In 2 hours the Welcome Driver will take you to Fontainebleau, a beautiful commune in France located 55 km Southeast of Paris. Since this experience is a personal tour, you are free to decide on the places of visit together with your driver. You have an opportunity to stop anywhere you like along the way to Fontainebleau and enjoy the best of France according to your needs. When you reach Fontainebleau, we suggest visiting the iconic place in the commune - the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is one of the largest royal castles in France with more than 1500 luxury rooms and covering 230 acres of parkland. The Palace of Fontainebleau is a hidden treasure of France which locals compare to the Palace of Versailles. The Palace of Fontainebleau is surrounded by a beautiful forest where you can stroll with your friends or family. This mixed forest covers an area of 280 km and is home to thousands of flora and fauna species.

- Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you first to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Visit the majestic house of French kings, passed from generation to generation until Middle Ages. See the Napoléon Bonaparte's Throne in this castle. - For lunchtime, explore and choose a restaurant with local specialities in Fontainebleau. - After lunch, discover the Versailles Palace - Admire the the Queen's and King's apartments, the famous hall of mirror and the wonderful work of the painter Charles Le Brun in each room. - Explore the Palace Gardens by André le Nôtre with the Estate of Trianon, the bosquets, the monumental sculptures and the Orangerie. - After this day trip, your driver will drive you to your hotel in Paris.

08:00 Hotel pick up and Departure to Fontainebleau. The Guide will welcome You and give on the way You general Information about the French history. There are approx. 70 km to drive from Paris to Fontainebleau. It takes in general about 1,5 hour. 09:30 - 11:00 Arrival in Fontainebleau. Palace visit with audio-guide. 11:00 - 12:00 Free time for walking in the Gardens of Fontainebleau. 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break in Fontainebleau. We recommend You a good local restaurant or You can have free time. 13:00 Departure to Versailles. It is 70 km drive which takes about 1 hour. During Your trip from Fontainebleau the Guide will make explanations about the rich history of Versailles and its inhabitants telling You a lot of interesting facts. 14:00 - 15:30 Versailles Palace visit with audio-guide. Versailles Palace is a timeless symbol of French grandeur. Enhance your Versailles Palace experience with audio-guide after having got enough back ground informations from Your Live Guide. Pause at any spot you desire for as long as you wish, allowing you to form your own personal impressions. You will visit as well the legendary Hall of Mirrors and the magnificent Royal Apartments. All in all this will be your personalised and informative adventure. 15:45 - 16:30 Guided visit to the Big Trianon, a historical masterpiece, once the private retreat of French royalty. Enjoy neoclassical architecture and captivating tales of the past visiting lavish rooms and picturesque grounds of the Big Trianon, a symbol of elegance and prestige. 16:30 - 17:30 Small Trianon Guided visit and walking around Hamlet de la Reine. Guided visit to the exquisite Small Trianon with its elegant architecture, favored by Marie Antoinette. Walk around the charming idyllic Hamlet de la Reine, a quaint village created for the queen's pleasure. Enjoy pastoral beauty of this unique retreat, featuring rustic cottages, a picturesque lake and gardens. 17:30 - 18:30 You 'll have free time for walking around the Versailles Gardens taking pictures. Walking around the iconic Versailles Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design and historical significance, You will learn the beauty of meticulously manicured lawns, ornate fountains, enchanting groves, hidden corners and statues. 18:30: Departure to Paris. It takes between 40 minutes to 1 hour depending of traffic. 19:30 Arrival in Paris, drop off at Your hotel.

Discover Château de Fontainebleau with an entry ticket and guided tour. Hear about the castle's history from your private guide, visit the grand apartments of the monarchy, and marvel at the immense ballroom. Meet your guide outside the palace and head inside. As you stroll, learn about the rich history of this impressive palace and how it morphed from a royal hunting lodge to the family home of the kings. Marvel at Italian Renaissance works from Primaticcio and Il Rosso, the founders of the School of Fontainebleau. Continue to the monarchs’ luxurious apartments, furnished in different styles from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Next, head to the impressive Francis 1st Gallery, decorated with frescoes and stucco in the Renaissance style. Then pass the impeccably decorated ballroom. Finish with a visit to the apartments of Emperor Napoleon Ist, including the beautiful imperial bedroom.

The driver will pick you up at your hotel or any other place in central Paris. You will enjoy the trip to Fontainebleau firstly with our attentive and professional driver who will comfortably take you along the route. Upon arrival there you will have about 3 hours to observe the castle and its gardens. If you wish the driver will recommend you a nice place for dining on the way. After the tour the driver will bring you back to your accommodation in Paris. Please pay attention that entrance tickets and professional guide service is not included in the price. We can offer you these services at extra charge.