Château de Fontainebleau
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Château de Fontainebleau - by Lionel Wisinioski on Google
Description
The Château de Fontainebleau is one of France's largest and most famous royal palaces, having served as a residence for monarchs since Louis VII in the 7th century to Napoleon III in the 19th century. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In its early days as a fortified castle, it was one of the kings favourite hunting lodges due to the abundant game in the surrounding area. It was turned into a splendid Renaissance Chateau at the beginning of the 16th century by architect Le Breton (commissioned by King Charle VI) followed by architect Serlio and the Florentine painter Rosso Fiorentino. The expansions continued under Henri II and Henri IV, with the latter also focusing his attention on the parc and gardens, and even into the 17-18th century when Versailles had become the main royal residence. Famous rooms include the Gallery of Francis I, the Ballroom, the Apartment of the Pope, the Gallery of Diana and the Chapel of the Trinity.
Access & Transport
The estate is located 60km southeast of Paris. Public transport from Paris: regional train (TER) from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau and then bus 21 OR Line R to Fontainebleau-Avon and transfer to bus #1. The journey takes about 60-65mins. By car, take the A6 and exit toward N37/N7/Fontainebleau and keep on driving until you reach.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with a walk and discovery of the Fontainebleau Forest and / or the village of Barbizon. The château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is also nearby but we think that is a little redundant on the same day.
Environmental & Social
We have no data on the energy consumption required to operate the palace, but the gardens are environmentally friendly. The activity has a positive social impact, not only does it preserve the country's cultural and architectural heritage, but it also employs people locally.
Conclusion
The Château de Fontainebleau is one of the region most impressive examples of royal palaces, alongside Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Like them, it is wonderfully designed, impressive in scale and endowed with large gardens and parc. It can't compare in terms of extravagance to Versailles but it has a far longer and more interesting history and a great surrounding area to explore.
Key positive
Impressive building facade and perspective
Spacious parc and relatively uncrowded visit
Key negative
The rooms maintenance and presentation need improvement
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (lift to floors)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 18:00
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 17:00
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 17:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 17:00