Château de Fontainebleau Culture & history

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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.

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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.

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.

Discover the Fontainebleau Castle and the beautiful village of Barbizon in half a day! TOUR OF FONTAINEBLEAU CASTLE Fontainebleau Castle is located in the south-east of Paris. Testimony of the French History since the Middle Ages, Fontainebleau Castle was one of the favorite French kings' residences (from François 1er to Napoléon III). Most of them took part in the history and the building of the castle. Surrounded by a wonderful garden, the castle is marked by a great cultural heritage. Its architecture and interior decors are a mixture of Italian and French art. Since 1981, the castle belongs to the UNESCO world heritage. Nowadays, the Fontainebleau Castle is renowned for the beauty of Napoleon III apartments and its small theater recently restored. During the audioguided visit of the Castle (with individual visio guides available in English, French, Spanish, Italian), you will discover the architecture of the monument, its wonderful decor and the ancient era furniture. You will also enjoy free time to stroll through the gardens. BARBIZON VILLAGE On the way back to Paris, we will go through the charming village of Barbizon, a small village from the early 19th century dedicated to impressionism and to many well-known painters such as Corot and Millet... A short stop will give you the opportunity to discover the school workshop of painter Millet.

Join us on a captivating half-day journey to Fontainebleau, immersing yourself in the allure of France's cultural and artistic heritage. With a private guided tour, delve into the rich history of Fontainebleau's majestic château, once favoured by French royalty. Marvel at its opulent interiors, adorned with exquisite art and furnishings. Let our expert guide illuminate the stories and secrets behind this enchanting destination, creating unforgettable memories of your exploration into France's past and artistic legacy. Book now.

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.

- 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.