Fontainebleau

Architecture

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.

Discover the Château de Fontainebleau, one of the largest French royal châteaux and home to French monarchs for seven centuries. On this small-group tour limited to 10 people, you'll explore the grand State Apartments and galleries with an expert guide who will share fascinating stories and history. Wander through the luxurious apartments and see exquisite decor. View priceless artworks by Renaissance masters like Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio. After touring the royal apartments, visit the private apartments of Emperor Napoleon I and his wife Josephine. See Napoleon's throne room, council chamber, and the Pope's bedroom. Your guide will recount anecdotes about Napoleon's life at Fontainebleau. Visit the Napoleon Museum which holds one of the most important collections of Napoleonic artworks and artifacts in France.

Your expert local city guide will show you the city's best parts, including many hidden secrets you can’t find easily on your own. On this walking tour will be able to see a lot of sightseeing points within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sightseeing points your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city like a local. However, this private tour can be customised according to your wishes. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. STANDARD sightseeing places we can easily visit during the tour are: - Montmartre: Famous for its artistic heritage, has a distinct village atmosphere characterized by steep winding cobble streets. It is the most famous district in Paris. - Le Marais: A historic district that has magnificent architecture and rich history. - Notre Dame Cathedral: A widely recognized symbol of Paris and the French Nation. It houses numerous significant religious artifacts such as the “Crown of Thorns” believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ. - Eiffel Tower: One of the most iconic monuments not only in Paris but the entire world. - Champs-Élysées: The most beautiful and well-known avenue in Paris. Connects Arc de Triomphe with the Place de la Concorde. - Arc de Triomphe: One of the most famous monuments of Paris. It honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. - Louvre Museum: A national art museum and is home to some of the most canonical works of Western art such as the Mona Lisa. - Galeries Lafayette: One of the most historic shopping malls in Paris featuring niche and luxury brands. - Luxembourg Gardens: The gardens are filled with history and beautiful fountains. It is the second-largest park in Paris. - Palace of Versailles: The principal residence of the French kings. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. This attraction is located outside of the city and needs at least a half day to visit. Some examples of HIDDEN SECRETS we can visit: - Canal Saint-Martin: Take a cruise on passenger boats on this canal. There are also many popular bars and restaurants along the canal. - Galerie Vivienne: One of the most iconic shopping arcades in Paris. - Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes: Second-oldest zoological garden in the world. Home to rare small and medium-sized mammals. - Louis Vuitton Foundation: Art museum and cultural center - Parc des Buttes Chaumont: Fifth-largest park in Paris, with an artificial lake, a temple and interesting fauna. - Montparnasse Tower: It is the tallest building in Paris with magnificent views over the city. Please note that it is not guaranteed to visit all the sightseeing places listed here. How many places you can visit depends on the length of the tour booked and how much time you spend at each place. After booking you can discuss the detailed itinerary with your guide.

See everything Paris has to offer with this 2-4-days Exclusive Pass, visiting world class museums such as The Louvre and Orsay Museum. From the deck of the Hop-On Hop-Off Seine River boat, you will have the privilege to admire the most astonishing monuments Paris has to offer from the Seine. With your 4-day Paris Museum Pass enjoy a golden ticket to the city's artistic and historical legacy. Enjoy access to: • Musée du Louvre • Arc de Triomphe • Musée d’Orsay • Musée de l’Armée • Tours de Notre-Dame • Musée national de l’Orangerie • Tombeau de Napoléon 1er • Centre Pompidou • Conciergerie • Musée Rodin • Sainte-Chapelle • Panthéon • 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 • Musée national Eugène Delacroix • Musée des Égouts de Paris • 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 • Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération • Musée des Plans-reliefs • Musée de la Poste See these sights: • Châteaux de Versailles et du Trianon • Château de Rambouillet • Maison d’Auguste Rodin à Meudon • Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis • Villa Savoye • Château de Vincennes • 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 • Musée national de la Renaissance • Château d’Ecouen Complement your visits to Paris' art and historical sights with a 4-day ticket for a hop-on hop-off cruise. Stop at: • Notre-Dame Cathedral • Jardin des Plantes • Hôtel de Ville • Louvre Museum • Place de la Concorde • Eiffel Tower • Notre-Dame Cathedral • Saint-Germain-des-Prés • Musée d'Orsay • Invalide

- 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.

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.

▪️The chauffeur will be at your disposal and can drive you to several places in Paris and around (Disney, Versailles, Fontainebleau, Normandy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Burgundy, etc...) ▪️All our chauffeurs have an excellent knowledge of Paris and its area, they will drive you around with an optimal itinerary to ensure an enjoyable experience. Additional Information: + The airport transfer is included in the disposal service if the hours are consecutive. The airport transfer can take 1h-1h30. + You can extend the hourly service, and any additional hours will be charged at the end of the service. + All prices include VAT and fees.