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Château de Fontainebleau – what to expect, tickets, prices, timings, FAQs

Palace of Fontainebleau or Château de Fontainebleau (in French) is the largest French royal châteaux.

From Louis VII to Napoleon III, various French kings lived in this medieval castle that later was transformed into a palace.

Due to its distinctive and magnificent architecture and historical significance, it was recognized as a national museum in 1927 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Thus a visit to Château de Fontainebleau Paris is a must!

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Château de Fontainebleau tour.

Top Château de Fontainebleau Tickets

# Château de Fontainebleau entrance ticket # Tickets for Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris # Tickets for Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte small group tour

Table of contents

What to expect at château de fontainebleau.

At the Château de Fontainebleau, take a deep dive into the history of France and get a closer look at the lives of the past royal families. 

The castle’s location by the waterside, surrounded by lush green gardens, is something that will make you fall in love with this place.

Chateau de Fontainebleau has nearly 1500 rooms–Trinity Chape, Francois I Gallery, and Pope’s apartment, to name a few.

The 130-acre Château de Fontainebleau Garden offers a peaceful and pleasant environment for a stroll.

You’ll encounter Renaissance masterpieces throughout the castle, each echoing a distinct and interesting tale.

The spectacular interiors of the building, royal bedrooms, salons, and bathrooms will leave you awe-inspired!

At the Great Apartments circuit and the Napoleon I museum, be ready to take history lessons. 

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Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Château de Fontainebleau are available online and at the attraction. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work?

Go to the Château de Fontainebleau ticket booking page , select the number of tickets and date, and click the Book Now button!

Once you purchase Château de Fontainebleau tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Do bring your official IDs for verification purpose.

Château de Fontainebleau ticket prices

The standard tickets to Château de Fontainebleau Paris are priced at €14 for all guests above 18 years of age, and guests under 18 get free admission. 

Tickets for Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux day tour from Paris cost €105 for adults aged 12 years and above. 

Children between three to 11 years get €10 discount and can buy tickets at €95 while, toddlers up to two years can take advantage of free entry. 

Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte small group tour tickets are priced at €189 for all participants aged seven years and above.

Tickets for Fontainebleau Palace private guided tour are priced a little higher at €429 for all guests above the age of seven years, and guests under that need not buy any ticket.

Château de Fontainebleau entrance tickets

Get this Château de Fontainebleau entrance ticket and see how Marie Antoinette,  Empress Josephine, Napoleon, and François Gérard lived a royal life.

Wander through gardens, galleries, rooms, and chapels and soak in the beauty.

With this ticket, you get admission to the Great Apartments circuit, the Napoleon I Museum, and temporary exhibitions. 

Ticket Cost (18+ years): €14

Tickets for Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris

With this ticket, get an audio-guided tour of France’s top two castles: Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau châteaux.

Guests will get a round-trip transportation service from the meeting point (as mentioned on the ticket) by air-conditioned vehicle making your tour hassle-free. 

You will be picked up around 9 am from Paris with your first drop off at Vaux-le-Vicomte, a castle inspired by the Palace of Versailles. 

Explore the cellars, kitchens, rooms, galleries, and gardens and marvel at its unique architecture. 

You’ll leave Vaux-le-Vicomte at 1.30 pm for Fontainebleau châteaux. 

Discover the 12th-century castle-Fontainebleau châteaux and sneak peek into the royal family’s private apartments. 

The castle tour terminates at 5 pm, and you’ll be dropped off in Central Paris (meeting point) by 8.30 pm. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): €105 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): €95 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Tickets for Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte small group tour

Go on a Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte small group tour with your friends and family and take the history lessons from knowledgeable guides.

Exploring these castles in a group makes the tour more entertaining and enthralling, keeping the educational aspect intact. 

Guests will be picked up from the meeting point (as mentioned on the ticket) and taken in a fully air-conditioned minibus. 

The first drop-off will be Vaux-Le-Vicomte (2.5 hours tour) and the second at Chateau de Fontainebleau (2 hours tour).

On your way from Vaux-Le-Vicomte to Chateau de Fontainebleau, there will be a 1-hour lunch break in Fontainebleau.

We strongly suggest you be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time (usually 9 am) because if you miss the van, there is no way you can catch up with the tour!

The tour is limited to 8 participants, and kids under six years are not allowed. 

Ticket Cost (7+ years): €189

Tickets for Fontainebleau Palace Private Guided Tour

Buy this ticket and tighten your shoelaces for this amazing private tour, where the tour guide will be only yours. 

You can ask as many questions as you want and set the pace of the tour at your will by selecting a time slot when booking online tickets.

Meet your tour guide outside the castle, who will take you on a historical tour passing from one gallery to another, visiting opulent rooms and exhibits. 

Adult Ticket (7+ years): €429 Child Ticket (up to 6 years): Free

Save time & money! Buy Paris Museum Pass and visit over 60 famous attractions in and around Paris. Book now and explore museums and monuments such as the Louvre and Versailles.

How to reach Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau lies south of Paris city in the town of Fontainebleau. 

Address: 77300 Fontainebleau, France. Get Directions

You can reach Château de Fontainebleau by public transport or car. 

From Paris Gare de Lyon , take the train on the main lines towards Montereau, Montargis, or Laroche-Migennes, and get down at the Fontainebleau-Avon station. 

Then take Bus line 1 to the Château bus stop. From here, the castle is just a two-minute walk away. 

Take Bus Line 1 (towards Les Lilas) and get down at the Château bus stop. 

If traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started. 

There are a few car parking garages around Château de Fontainebleau to park vehicles.

Opening hours of Château de Fontainebleau

The Château de Fontainebleau Paris is open every day of the week except Tuesdays.

From October to March, the castle is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm (last access at 4.15 pm) and from April to September from 9.30 am to 6 pm (last access at 5.15 pm).

The chateau remains closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

How long does the tour take

You need at least 2 hours to explore Château de Fontainebleau, spread across 130 hectares. 

The castle has beautiful gardens, parks, courtyards, and rooms, which take time to cover on foot. 

Best time to visit Château de Fontainebleau

The best time to visit  Château de Fontainebleau Paris is when it opens to the public at 9.30 am. 

Visiting during the early morning hours avoids encountering large crowds, which otherwise may slow down your tour and spoil your pictures.

Since your palace tour will be indoors and outdoors, factoring in weather conditions is equally important for a comfortable tour. 

Though the castle is open year-round for tours, we suggest you avoid going in June when it’s extremely dry and hot. 

Spring (March to April) is an apt time to visit when you can see beautiful colorful flowers blooming in the gardens setting up a scenic view to take pictures.

FAQs about the Château de Fontainebleau

Here are some questions guests usually ask about Château de Fontainebleau. 

Where should I book tickets for Chateau Fontainebleau?

You can purchase online tickets for Chateau Fontainebleau.

What are the  Chateau Fontainebleau opening hours?

Chateau Fontainebleau opens at 9.30 am daily except on Tuesdays when it is closed. 

Does Château de Fontainebleau offer free entry to parks and gardens?

Yes, you can get free admission to the parks and gardens of Château de Fontainebleau. However, to explore the interiors of the castle, you must buy a ticket. 

Does Château de Fontainebleau provide free admission?

Guests under 18 years, EU residents under 26, disabled people, and their carers get in free, provided they bring official IDs for verification purposes. Also, free admission is provided on the first Sunday of each month, except July and August.

How many rooms does Chateau Fontainebleau have?

Chateau Fontainebleau Paris has 1,500 rooms.

How far is Château de Fontainebleau from Paris?

Château de Fontainebleau is nearly 55 km (35 miles) from Paris and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach by train. 

Can I do boating at Château de Fontainebleau?

Yes! Guests can go boating in Château de Fontainebleau pond for an additional fee. 

Is photography allowed inside the Château?

In the outdoor section, visitors can take pictures and record videos but photography restrictions may apply indoors to protect the artworks and furnishings.

Does Chateau de Fontainebleau offer guided tours?

Yes! the Chateau offers a range of private and group guided tours. For instance, you can select Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte small group tour or a Fontainebleau Palace Private Guided Tour. Such tours provide in-depth understanding about the monument.

Is there any locker facility at Château de Fontainebleau?

No, there are no lockers at the attraction.

Is Chateau de Fontainebleau worth it?

Located one hour from the hustle and bustle of Paris, Chateau de Fontainebleau in Fontainebleau town offers a serene environment to relax and learn about the history of the castle from experts.

Sources # Chateaudefontainebleau.fr # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Home > Paris to Fontainebleau Day Trip – Things to Do and Best Tips

Paris to Fontainebleau Day Trip – Things to Do and Best Tips

Paris fontainebleau day trip.

A Paris Fontainebleau day trip is a great idea to escape the hustle and bustle of the French capital and see a bit of the French countryside. Fontainebleau is located 68 Km south-east of Paris and there are many ways – public and private – for getting to Fontainebleau from Paris.

While most of the people associate Fontainebleau with the Royal Castle, there are other ways to spend a nice day in Fontainebleau on a day trip from Paris. This article covers the Château of Fontainebleau – one of the best castles near Paris -, but also other interesting things to do in Fontainebleau.

Fontainebleau is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best Paris day trips

Fontainebleau vs Versailles

Versailles vs Fontainebleau; Fontainebleau vs Versailles: which one to visit?

Trying to convince you to visit Fontainebleau instead of Versailles is almost an impossible task because everybody wants to visit Versailles !  However, there are some aspects in which, in our opinion, Fontainebleau beats Versailles.

“The true home of kings, the house of ages” (Napoleon I, 1816)

Versailles was home to three kings of France, from King Louis XIV (1643-1717) to King Louis XVI (1754-1793) whilst Fontainebleau can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. From the first keep surrounded by walls of the 12th century to the Second Empire, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. While Versailles represents an important chapter of the French History, it’s in Fontainebleau where you can get the full picture.

An impressive showcase of French architecture

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful castles of France (and the world!) and a jewel of French Baroque architecture. The main Palace boasts a quite uniform architecture and design because everything was built in less than 100 years.

What greets the visitor today in Fontainebleau is the single greatest assemblage over time of French architecture and décor – from the 12th to the 19th centuries – still in its original state, even if it is still the 16th-century design and buildings that dominate.

The richness and variety of its buildings, inside and out, is remarkable and some elements, like the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase  (King Louis XIII), the Galerie des Cerfs (King Henry IV), the ballroom or the Royal Chapel are must-sees.

Beautiful Gardens

Versailles Gardens , with its beautiful fountains, sculptures, and grooves, are the best example of French-style gardens and André Le Notre’s masterwork.

Fontainebleau Gardens were King Louis XIV’s main contribution to Fontainebleau. He put his landscape designers into work to create magnificent gardens, water games, and the Grand Parterre which is today the largest in Europe.

Zero crowds

Everybody knows about the Château de Versailles crowds and a visit to Versailles needs to be planned well in advance to choose the right day and time slot, the right ticket, and the best itinerary.

A visit to Château de Fontainebleau instead, is very straightforward and easy-going! The last time we visited Fontainebleau was the first Sunday of November when the castle is free to visit, and there were no crowds.

Château de Fontainebleau History

The castle was originally built in the 12th century as a hunting lodge for the Kings of France. Since then, Château de Fontainebleau was a base for the Kings of France for eight centuries.

In the 16th century, Fontainebleau was substantially rebuilt and transformed by King Francois I. It was at this time that the French renaissance style for which the castle is well known was in vogue. However, all the kings left their personal footprint in Fontainebleau, that’s why the castle shows a variety of architectural styles.

It was a particular favorite residence of King Henri II, King Henry IV, and later Napoleon I . Fontainebleau was also the background of important moments in the history of France. For example, King Louis XIV signed the important Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685 and it was in Fontainebleau where Napoleon I gave the historical farewell to the Old Guard.

What to See in Fontainebleau Castle

Playground for some of France’s greatest architects — Philibert Delorme, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, and André Le Nôtre among others —, Château de Fontainebleau is immense, and immensely varied, with more than 1,500 rooms. Take your time, make some choices, and plan your visit depending on your interests.

The self-guided visit of the Château includes the museum of Napoleon I, the Grands Appartements, and the Gardens whilst other rooms like the Imperial Theater, the Petits Appartements, the apartments of Mme de Maintenon and Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir are visited with different guided tours. 

The rooms part of the Grands Appartements can be classed into 6 different groups: Royal Chapels, Royal Apartments, Renaissance Halls, Pope’s Apartment, Napoleon I Apartment, and 19th-century Halls.

Below, the list of top things to see at Château de Fontainebleau:

• Built in 1558, the Ballroom mixes ornate Italian frescoes with intricate woodwork.
• The horseshoe-shaped staircase that leads to the Château de Fontainebleau was built for King Louis XIII.
• The Imperial Theater of Napoleon III (with guided visit).
• The Turkish boudoir , built for Marie Antoinette in 1777, is an Orientalist room set away from the other royal apartments (with guided visit).
• The Trinity Chapel , with its beautifully painted ceilings and walls.
• The Gallery of Francois I , decorated in Renaissance style.
• The surrounding Gardens, with the Grand Parterre and beautiful sculptures.

How to Visit Château de Fontainebleau

INDIVIDUAL VISIT

A Paris to Fontainebleau day trip is very easy to organize by yourself. From Paris Gare de Lyon take a train Paris – Fontainebleau Avon , the Paris to Fontainebleau train is line R, and it takes 40 minutes. At Fontainebleau Avon , there’s a shuttle bus that takes you to the castle that works with the same train ticket.

For the Château you can buy a Fontainebleau priority entrance ticket to be sure to skip the lines. Once inside, visit the Château and Gardens as you wish.

DID YOU KNOW? The Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days includes a skip the line entrance to Château de Fontainebleau! Save money and time with this fantastic pass, you can check here our Paris Museum Pass review .

When you are at Paris Gare de Lyon , take note of the time schedule to go back from Fontainebleau to Paris because trains from Fontainebleau to Paris are less frequent in the afternoon and there’s nothing to do at Fontainebleau Avon! You don’t need to buy your tickets in advance but we recommend buying the return ticket also in Paris.

GUIDED TOURS

The Paris Château de Fontainebleau guided tours are very interesting, especially if you are short of time. These tours with transportation included usually take half-day (morning or afternoon) which allows you to spend an extra half-day in Paris or somewhere else. This is impossible to do if you are visiting Fontainebleau by yourself by taking the train + shuttle.

Apart from the logistics, guided tours are always more interesting thanks to the explanations of your knowledgeable guide.

This half-day private Fontainebleau guided tour is very good for families or a group of friends if you can share the cost with them. A very popular alternative is this full-day tour to visit Château de Fontainebleau + Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte , another beautiful castle near Paris.

Other Things to Do in Fontainebleau

Hike in the fontainebleau forest.

Fontainebleau Forest is the second-largest national forest in France and it was the French Kings’ favorite hunting place. Today the Forest of Fontainebleau is the cradle of many outdoor activities, from hiking to rock climbing or horse riding.

Fontainebleau is the Mecca for bouldering in Europe. If you want to climb in Fontainebleau , the full-day Circuit des 25 bosses (25 boulders) in Fontainebleau . It consists of 25 different sized mounds in the Trois Pignons massif that will give you a chance to enjoy some light climbing while providing some great exercise.

Hot Air Balloon over Fontainebleau Forest

A hot air balloon flight, wherever it is in the world, is always a great experience. But if you have the opportunity of flying over one of the most beautiful forests in France, then it’s magical.

France Montgolfières proposes to see Fontainebleau from above and we really recommend it (you can read about our flight with France Montgolfières here ). Fly over the French countryside for approximately 1 hour and toast your journey on landing.

Click here to book your hot-air balloon flight

Barbizon is one of those small towns near Paris worth a detour. From the mid-nineteenth century, landscape painters moved to the village of Barbizon, nestled in Fontainebleau Forest, inspired by its remarkable natural heritage and atmosphere.

Corot, Millet, Rousseau are only a few names that set up their easels in the forest. They were also followed by Romantic writers and poets such as Sand,  Flaubert, Hugo, Stevenson, and others.

We hope that you enjoyed this virtual Fontainebleau day trip from Paris, it is a beautiful place to see!

Click here for more side-trips from Paris

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Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

A Perfect Day Trip to the Château de Fontainebleau from Paris

• March 29, 2023
• by Jenoa Matthes

Planning a day trip to visit the Château de Fontainebleau? This majestic 1,500-room castle of the kings (and emperor) rivals any chateau in France and is one of the best ways to escape the city and and enjoy the rich history of France.

With its lavishly decorated interiors, vast gardens, and French Renaissance grandeur, the Château de Fontainebleau is a must-see on your trip to Paris.

We recently visited Fontainebleau and were blown away! Not only is the palace absolutely stunning, but the gardens were equally as beautiful.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know for a day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris, including how to get there by train, what to see, and tips on making the most of your visit.

What is the Château de Fontainebleau?

The Château de Fontainebleau is a 1,500 room palace that dates back to the 12th century. The first king to reign here was Louis VII from 1137 during the Middle Ages.

One particularly interesting fact is that the Château de Fontainebleau was home to all of France’s rulers (monarchs and emperor). Starting with Louis VII and ending with Napoleon III.

The chateau was even the place where Napoleon I abdicated the throne and threw a farewell party on his way to Elba (where he spent 10 months in exile).

Many renovations took place at the château, the most notable were completed by Francis I. Inspired by the French Renaissance in the 16th century, he hired Italian artists to decorate the main gallery and the ballroom. Both of which are incredibly beautiful and detailed.

Napoleon I added the Napoleonic throne room in 1808, which is the only remaining throne room in a palace in France.

Is the Château de Fontainebleau worth visiting?

While there are many incredible day trips from Paris , a day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau is a must and is 100% worth visiting! The most obvious reason is that it’s an incredible palace that’s only an hour away from Paris.

The other reason is that unlike Versailles that gets around 10 million visitors per year, is extremely crowded, and has huge line. The Château de Fontainebleau only gets 300,000 visitors per year, and you get to wander around the palace without the huge crowds.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit the Palace of Versailles – it’s Versailles for a reason! But if you want to visit an equally beautiful palace, in my opinion, and have a more relaxing experience, a day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau is for you.

Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau

During your visit to the Château de Fontainebleau, you will tour the Napoleon I museum, the palatial rooms, and the palace gardens.

Unless you book a group tour, the tour is self-guided with arrows marking which way to go. I appreciated the one-way route because it’s often easy to get lost in such large palaces.

We spent several hours visiting the rooms inside of the castle, so plan accordingly with lunch.

Here are a few of the highlights inside of the Château de Fontainebleau.

Napoleon I Museum

The Napoleon I Museum takes you through Napoleon’s 10-year reign as the First Emperor of France. From his porcelain collections to fancy furniture and family portraits, the museum displays all sorts of historical artifacts that represent his time at Fontainebleau.

Francis I Gallery

This ornate and incredibly detailed hallway was designed by Rosso Fiorentino from Florence in the 16th century. Francis I had this portion of the palace renovated in a style that resembled the current period of the time, which was the French Renaissance.

The gallery is a stunning showcase of some of the finest artistry during this time period.

The Ballroom

One of the most spectacular rooms in the entire palace is the ballroom. This room, which was also renovated in the 16th century, features frescoes by Italian painter Nicolo Dell’Abbate.

The wood paneling, bronze lamps, and large windows are just a few details that make this my favorite room in the palace.

The Royal Chapel of the Trinity

The chapel resembles a baroque style and was completed in 1633. It’s located to the left of what used to be the main entrance of the chateau.

Make sure to visit both the top floor and the main floor of the chapel to take in all of the details. The views from both levels are wonderful.

The Napoleonic Throne Room

The throne room was built by Napoleon I in 1808, seven years after he became the Emperor of France. It is the only remaining throne room in a palace in France.

The Palace Library

My jaw dropped when I first saw the Palace Library. It’s worthy of being at a top-tier university, and I immediately started day dreaming what it would be like to have a library of this scale in my own home. I’ll keep day dreaming . . .

This library was built during the time of Napoleon III and is located in the Diana Gallery. There are over 20,000 books along the walls of the gallery. Unfortunately, in order to preserve the library, you aren’t allowed to walk through it.

The Gardens

The grounds of the Château de Fontainebleau total 130 hectares (321 acres). I recommend spending the afternoon exploring the gardens and enjoying a picnic lunch on the lawn.

There are several gardens to visit: The Grand Parterre, The Diana Garden, The English Garden, and the park surrounding the Grand Canal.

My personal favorites are the English Garden and the Diana Garden – both surrounded by tall trees and beautiful flowers. If you have a picnic lunch, the English Garden is the perfect spot for it.

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours wandering around the gardens. They are worth exploring.

Tickets for the Château de Fontainebleau

We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to ensure you get a time slot for your visit.

Where to purchase tickets:

You can purchase your tickets to the Château de Fontainebleau online at the official website. You can also purchase a skip-the-line entry ticket on GetYourGuide .

The tickets include access to the grand apartments and the Napoleon I museum, and the gardens are free to the public to visit.

Cost of tickets:

The cost to visit the Château de Fontainebleau is €13 for adults and free for anyone under 18.

If you want to get in for free, the chateau is free to visit every first Sunday of the month except during the months of July and August.

Guided tour options:

There is a video guide available to rent at the ticket office for an additional €4 fee.

If you prefer a guided tour, we suggest booking a guided English tour through GetYourGuide . Otherwise, all of the guided tours that you can book directly at the chateau are in French.

Château de Fontainebleau Opening hours

The Château de Fontainebleau is open every day except Tuesdays, Christmas day, New Year’s day, and May 1st

• October-March: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• April – September: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

How much time do you need in Fontainebleau?

I recommend planning an entire day for your day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau from Paris. Try to arrive right when the chateau opens (at 9:30 AM) because you will get to enjoy the entire chateau to yourself. Most people arrive mid-morning around 10:30 AM.

We spent a total of 6 hours in Fontainebleau on our day trip from Paris. This does not include the 2 hours of travel time to and from Paris.

How to get to Fontainebleau from Paris

Getting to the Château de Fontainebleau from Paris takes around one hour each way and is fairly straightforward. The journey requires both train and bus , but with these directions you should have no problem getting there easily.

First, I want to explain what train ticket to buy because this was the most confusing part for us. Instead of buying a traditional train ticket, you need to buy a full-day Mobilis pass for zones 1-5.

You can buy your Mobilis pass at any metro, bus, RER, and tramway stations that sell tickets. It looks like the ticket machine in the photo below. There is also a ticket machine directly in front of the train platform at the station.

How much is the train from Paris to Fontainebleau?

The Mobilis train pass costs €17.80 per person for the entire day . This covers your round trip tickets to and from Paris to Fontainebleau. You can also use the pass to get around around the Paris metro area on any type of public transportation.

You do not need to buy separate metro/bus tickets – just use your Mobilis pass for the day.

Train from Paris to Fontainebleau

The train from Paris to Fontainebleau departs from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris and arrives at the Fontainebleau-Avon station. It’s a direct route and takes around 40-minute each way.

Make sure to validate your ticket before getting on the train.

Bus from Fontainebleau-Avon to the Château de Fontainebleau

Once you arrive at the Fontainebleau-Avon train station, follow the signs to the “Château de Fontainebleau” bus. The bus stop is located across the street from the station.

You need to take bus line 1 , which leaves every 15-minutes from the station, with the exception of a few times during the day. You can see the bus schedule here .

Your Mobilis pass can be used as your bus ticket. There is a machine behind the driver that you can use to validate your ticket.

Get off the bus at the “Fontainebleau Bibliotheque” stop and walk 3-minutes to the entrance gates of the château – you’ve arrived!

When is the best time of year to go to Fontainebleau?

The best time of year to visit is during the spring, summer, or fall months. I often don’t recommend visiting places during the high season (summer), but we visited at the very beginning of August and there weren’t any crowds.

The grounds are beautiful in the summer with the green grass and flowers in bloom. I imagine the spring gardens are even more beautiful.

Where to eat in Fontainebleau?

For a quick meal, I recommend getting a sandwich (or salad) from the sandwich shop in the main courtyard at the Château de Fontainebleau that leads to the gardens. We bought sandwiches for €6.50 each and ate them in the English Garden. The sandwiches were delicious.

Because we visited on a Sunday in August, almost all of the shops in town were closed, so we didn’t get the opportunity to try anywhere else. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Fontainebleau that will have good options if you visit during another time of year.

If you want something quick and cheap, there is a Paul near the chateau. This is a popular chain restaurant that sells sandwiches and salads.

Getting back to Paris from Fontainebleau

To get back to Paris from the Château de Fontainebleau, the nearest bus stop is located just across the street from the main gate. If you’re wandering around town before heading out, there are several stops in the city as well. You can use Google Maps to find the nearest one to you.

You need to get off at the “Plateau de la Gare” bus stop and walk an extra 3-5 minutes to the train station from here. Keep this in mind when you are trying to time your bus to catch the train in time.

From here, the train will drop you off at the Gare de Lyon where you can enjoy the rest of your evening in Paris!

Tours from Paris to Fontainebleau

If you are looking to visit the Château de Fontainebleau with a guide and without the hassle of booking your tickets, we suggest one of these tours.

• Best Small Group Tour – This small group tour through GetYourGuide offers a fantastic day trip itinerary to both the Fontainebleau castle and the nearby Vaux-Le-Vicomte castle. The tour departs from Paris and is about 10-hours long. The group size is no bigger than 8 people, which is a huge plus, as you’ll get a more intimate experience during the tour.
• Best Priced Tour – This group day tour to Fontainebleau also includes a trip to the Vaux-Le-Vicomte castle. While the price of this tour is much cheaper than the other one, the group size is also much larger. The tour leaves in the morning from Paris and lasts for about 9 hours.

Tips for your day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau

• Arrive when it opens – You’ll have the chateau to yourself and will be able to take some nice photos of the front of the chateau before everyone else arrives for the day.
• Bring or pick up a picnic lunch – This is the best way to enjoy the gardens!
• Plan to be there for a least 6 hours – Take your time to see the chateau, wander around the property, and explore the town. It’s worth the entire day.
• Pack sunscreen – If you plan to spend a few hours in the gardens, pack sunscreen because it’s not all shaded.
• Bring water – Bring water because it costs €3 to buy a small bottle at the chateau.
• Use the restroom in the chateau – This may seem a little silly, but the restrooms inside of the chateau are much nicer than the ones by the ticket booth.
• Don’t visit in August – From our personal experience, I recommend visiting during another month when the shops in town are open. We would have liked to explore the town more.

FAQ Château de Fontainebleau Day Trip

Can you visit fontainebleau for the day.

Yes! One full day is enough time to visit the town of Fontainebleau and the Château de Fontainebleau. You will want to leave early in the morning and try to arrive by 9:30AM when the chateau opens to make the most of your day trip.

How far is it from Paris to Fontainebleau?

Fontainebleau is about 70km south of Paris. The easiest way to get from Paris to Fontainebleau is by train, which takes 40-minutes each way.

Does Fontainebleau have a train station?

Yes, the train station in Fontainebleau is called Fontainebleau-Avon station. However, the station is outside of the center of town, so you will need to take a local bus to get into town from the train station.

Is the Château de Fontainebleau free to visit?

No, you need to purchase tickets to visit the interiors of the Château de Fontainebleau. However, the gardens are free to visit all year.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Fontainebleau from Paris

Whether you love learning about history or admiring Baroque architecture, a day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau from Paris is a must if you have time during your visit to the French capital.

With its small crowds, wonderful gardens, and swoon-worthy interiors, you are sure to have an unforgettable day in Fontainebleau.

If you have any questions about your day trip to Fontainebleau or want to tell us about your experience, leave us a note in the comments below!

4 COMMENTS:

We are on our way their now on the train from Paris. Thank you for this posting it helped us prepare our trip to Fountainebleau!

Hi Jeff! Happy to hear that our post was helpful! Enjoy your day at Fontainebleau!

Best, Jenoa

Thank you for such concise and easy to follow info. Only 13 Euros to enter? A bargain! I’ve been to the Loire Valley, Vaux le Vicomte and, of course, Versailles. Longing to be back in France, Carol

Hi Carol! Happy to help. It’s such a beautiful chateau!

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Plan the Best Day Trip to Fontainebleau from Paris

A perfect day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris is easy, affordable, and an excellent alternative to Versailles for those who don’t love crowds. 

Hi! It’s me! I’m the one who doesn’t love crowds. 

That means I knew I wanted to prioritize a one-day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris during our long-term stay from our French home base in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Our trip was a little trickier than what I’ll get into here, as had some extra mileage to deal with from the ‘burbs.

That’s OK. That just means I know you’ll have an even shorter commute there to enjoy the impressive Château de Fontainebleau and all the rest the cute commune has to offer.

Quick Tips for Your Fontainebleu Visit

Your Flight:  Find deals to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris-Orly Airport using Skyscanner . Love those deals? Subscribe to Going .

Your Accommodations:  We lived outside of Paris so we weren’t looking for accommodations. Browse Booking.com  or Hotels.com  for your options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

Top Spots: Take a DIY tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, walk the chateau’s gardens, and indulge in lunch at Le Mansart.

Disclosure: Travel on the Reg uses affiliate links to keep things running around here . At no additional cost to you, I earn a lil’ commission if you make a purchase. Any income earned supports the upkeep of this site . I appreciate you!

Can you visit Fontainebleau for the day?

You can easily visit Fontainebleau for the day if you’re coming from Paris or the outskirts of Paris. 

As far as how much time you need to visit Fontainebleau, that depends on what you want to do while you’re there.

We were there for the Fontainebleau castle, a nice meal, and some exploring around the charming French commune. 

We were able to get through those tasks in about half a day, with a few hours spent at the castle itself.

If you want to do more, you can fill up a full day or even stay overnight. I’ll get into some suggestions for those with more time.

How far is Fontainebleau from Paris? 

Fontainebleau is about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Paris. The distance from Paris to Fontainebleau can be traveled in about an hour by car or about 40 minutes by train. 

I’d highly recommend public transit for a day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris by train. 

How to Get to Fontainebleau from Paris by Train

To get to Fontainebleau from Paris by train, follow these steps:

• Take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes. You’ll want the train line labeled as a pink R.
• This train stops at Melun and Bois-Le-Roi before your stop.
• Get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station.

That’s it. You’re there.

If your endgame is the Fontainebleau chateau, you’ll take a bus (line 1) towards Les Lilas straight there. You should be on the bus for about 10 minutes, with eight stops before the castle.

I’ve read that the driver typically alerts passengers when they’re approaching the castle, but I have faith that you’ll know it when you see it.

You can also use your context clues and follow other tourists off the bus. You’ll know ’em when you see ’em.

As far as buying your tickets, you can purchase a Mobilis day pass or purchase separate train and bus tickets from Paris. A day pass costs €20.10, so you’re paying for convenience here.

That’s more than your palace ticket, by the way.

If you buy tickets separately, your ride from Paris Gare de Lyon will cost you €5 each way. You can purchase these at one of the many ticket machines at the station on the day of your travel. There are no assigned seats. 

You’ll need to validate your ticket before getting on the train at one of the little machines at the foot of the stairs before you get to the platform.

You’ll do this automatically when you enter the station on your return trip. We did have someone checking for this on the way back.

A bus ride costs €1.90 each. You can buy an onboard ticket (these are more expensive) or purchase bus tickets at the train station and most newsstands around Paris. Yes, it requires some pre-planning, but you’ll save some money that way.

You can also walk to the chateau from the train if you want to be aggressive about it.

We love getting those steps, so we hoofed it to the Fontainebleau palace from the train station. It took us 38 minutes (I timed it) at a decent clip, so it’s not close by any means. 

I will say it’s a nice way to get to know the town, and there are all kinds of cute shops and boulangeries to stop at along the way.

Watch the timetables for the Paris to Fontainebleau train and vice versa. On the Sunday of our Paris to Fontainebleau day trip, we were limited to service every half hour or so.

We had just missed trains on either end, which meant quite a bit of time wasted. Your Google maps will give you fairly firm times of when the trains are coming and going.

How do you spend a day in Fontainebleau?

You can spend a day in Fontainebleau like this:

• Get to Fontainebleau in time for a delicious brunch or lunch.
• Take a self-guided tour of the Château de Fontainebleau.
• Walk the chateau gardens and take in views of the canal.
• Take a walk through the Fontainebleau Forest.
• Explore the city center’s best boulangeries and shops.

READ MORE: Planning more Paris day trips? Check out this guide to Giverny, the home of Monet.

Château de Fontainebleau History

Most of you are probably here for the Château de Fontainebleau. That’s what drove our decision to visit on a Paris day trip.

Fontainebleau itself is nice, but if you come all this way and skip out on the main claim to fame here I’m not sure this is the right place for you. Are you trying to be edgy? 

Let’s start with the history.

The chateau has been inhabited by 34 different kings, two emperors, and every queen in French history.  Louis VII, Francis I, Henry II, Louis-Philippe, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Napoleon III all spent time here at one point. 

Fun fact: There is no other chateau in France that can boast the fact that every French monarch has lived here at some point in time.

Historians date the property’s origins to somewhere between 1060 to 1108. It’s been the site of numerous historical events, including Napoleon’s abdication speech to supporters.

This is also where he signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau which sent him into exile on the Mediterranean island of Elba.

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest French castles open to the public.

This place has 1,500 rooms, about 200 of which are open to the public, and 130 acres of green space and gardens.  Much of what you’ll see inside is decor from the 16th century. While that’s not original to its 12th century beginnings, that’s still pretty darn old.

Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau 

To visit the chateau, just go there. The grounds are free for you to explore at your leisure.

If you’re able, try to time your visit for a nice day so that you can spend your time strolling the Diana garden, the English garden, and the fountain areas outside.

Tickets to the inside of the royal residence are available upon arrival.

Don’t bother with tickets online at this one and resist the urge to purchase scammy “skip the line” tickets. There are no lines here.

Note: We accidentally arrived at the chateau on a free day, which happens on the first Sunday of the month. If I had gone through the website, I would have paid. There was no option for “free” online. I’m all about pre-planning, but this one really doesn’t need it. It wasn’t crowded even on a free day.

Tickets are self-guided unless you book a guided tour.

The guided tours looked pretty fun, especially if you’re visiting Fontainebleau with kids. On several of the tours available, your guide (or guides) are dressed up to fit with the royal theme throughout your tour. I love a little cosplay.

We went self-guided as our timing just didn’t fit with the available tour times that day. They also weren’t offering audio or video guides that day, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on too much. 

We had done some pre-research on the site before our day trip, and the main signage for each room throughout the property was in English.

Inside, you’ll follow arrows as your guide through opulent rooms designed by French royals, including Marie Antoinette, and the property’s royal chapels. 

You’ll start at the Napoleon I Museum. The spaces here are filled with a collection of furnishings, art, weapons, and artifacts related to Napoleon I’s reign. Pass through 10 rooms that tell the story of that period, including his abdication.

Napoleon I was forced to abdicate in 1814 after a series of unsuccessful invasions that led to a European alliance against him. Fontainebleau is where he signed a treaty that removed him from power and made it impossible for any of his heirs to take over. 

Fun fact: Before hitting the road for exile in Elba, he made a farewell speech to his Old Guard out in the courtyard, which is often called the “courtyard of farewells.” 

From there, you’ll double back to explore the Grand Apartments. This is where you’ll see the Francis I Gallery, a hallway with views of the gardens on one side and frescoes on the other.

The ballroom, queen’s bedroom, throne room, and Gallery of Diana follow. You won’t get to go inside that last gallery, but the view from just outside with that antique globe is a stunner. 

We thought it was a library, but it was actually a place for royals to promenade and/or feel good about themselves, depending on the monarch in charge at the time.

The apartments of Napoleon are up next, but I found these to be less impressive than the queen’s bedroom. I suppose that might have given him a complex.

It took us nearly an hour to get through the interior spaces of the chateau, but a video guide would probably slow that down some. I know that some folks say to budget two hours for the self-guided tour, but that seems excessive.

I also read that you can spend a half-day just at the palace itself. That also seems excessive, especially if you visit in the winter as we did, but there are more activities on the grounds in the warmer months.

Canoeing, guided tours via horse-drawn carriage, and the Little Train (their words, not mine) are all available to you if you come in late spring through the summer.

READ MORE: Love whimsy? You don’t want to miss Strasbourg at Christmas.

More Things to Do in Fontainebleau

While the Château de Fontainebleau is likely where you’ll spend the bulk of your time in Fontainebleau, there are more ways to fill your time if you’d like to linger.

Here are a few more ideas to add to your Fontainebleau things to do list:

• Hike or bike the forest of Fontainebleau, or Fontainebleau Forest. It seems like everything is bigger in Fontainebleau. This beast is 49,000 acres and one of the largest forests in France. Start with the Gorges de Tranchard trail.
• Ride a vintage carousel. This merry-go-round dates back to the early 1900s, so well before I was born. There are over 40 wooden animals, cars, and other vessels to ride on the Place Napoléon Bonaparte.

• Shop at the Marché de Fontainebleau. If you’re here on a Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday morning, pop by this busy market. The locals may be here shopping for dinner, but you’ll want to beeline it to the cheesemonger.
• Go rock climbing. This one isn’t for me, but you can leave me eating the cheese over there if you’re interested. The climbing and bouldering scene in Fountainbleau is a big deal. Bas-Cuvier is the most popular spot.
• Visit the Église Saint-Louis de Fontainebleau. You’ll likely pass by this Catholic Church if you’re a glutton for punishment and walking from the train station to the castle. It’s worth a stop to at least admire the architecture.

Where to Eat in Fontainebleau

There is a small café at the chateau that you can use to your advantage, but there are tastier and cheaper eats off the palace grounds.

We had an early lunch at Le Mansart to fuel up before the chateau. Prices were reasonable, service was friendly, and the food was fresh and delicious.

We shared a croque monsieur, beef tartare with fries, and a platter of herring and potatoes.

When the herring calls, I must answer. If you know, you know.

I haven’t even gotten to the convenience factor. The restaurant is a two-minute walk to the chateau. Let’s give this one applause all around, shall we?

Note: I read that another blogger just ate at the palace restaurant because they were there on a Sunday and everything was closed. We didn’t experience this, and we were there in the solid off-season on a Sunday. There were several eateries open well before noon for lunch, so don’t worry too much about that.

If you like variety, here are a few more options that looked good:

• Bistrot des Amis: This popular option in central Fontainebleau serves up classic French food in a casual setting. Reservations are available online .
• Il Primo Bacio: Sometimes you’re in France and you have a craving for Italian food . You’ll want to make reservations at this one if you’re here for all the pasta.
• L’Axel Restaurant: Foodies call this Michelin-starred eatery the best in Fontainebleau. You’re not eating on a budget here. Make reservations .

You can also grab sandwiches from any of the boulangeries in town like the highly-rated Boulangerie Patisserie Dardonville and bring them to the palace grounds.

We saw quite a few people noshing on casual lunches in this manner.

I mean, you’ll still be eating at a castle. It’s really not that casual.

Is Fontainebleau worth visiting?

It’s worth visiting Fontainebleau for its Napoleon-related history, massive size, and easy access from Paris. It’s also an easy trip to plan on your own without relying on guided tours.

If you’re planning other castle tours, like day trips from Paris to Vaux-le-Vicomte, it’s a great base for that, too. I’ve even seen travelers do both on the same day.

It’s lovely and easy to make happen is the point I’m making here. Plan a visit to Fontainebleau on your next Paris trip. I’m sure I’ll be back just to have a whimsical canoe ride on that pond.

Planning more travel in France?   Check out these guides:

• Planning Christmas Travel? Don’t Miss Colmar
• How to Plan a Trip to Cannes From Nice, France
• Things to Do in Charming Nice When it Rains
• How to Plan a Trip From Nice to Luxe Monaco
• A Day Trip Guide to Antibes From Nice

Love options? Here’s more inspiration in and outside of France:

• An Itinerary for a Weekend in Nice, France
• A Complete Guide to Brussels Things to Do
• A Guide to Playing Le Golf National
• Is Venice Worth the Trip? Let’s Find Out!
• A Guide to the Best of Charming Burano

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Too much, or just enough?

Agnes Groonwald

Day Trip to Fontainebleau From Paris (Best Tips & Map)

Ready to explore Fontainebleau, one of France’s cultural highlights? Whether you’re just looking for a fun getaway or aiming to learn something about its famous castle, follow this guide!

With my tips, your one-day trip from Paris to Fontainebleau will leave you with unforgettable memories of the castle’s many treasures.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Fontainebleau?

Fontainebleau’s castle is a one-hour drive from Paris, excluding traffic jams.

Take the A6 (Porte d’Orléans or Porte d’Italie) then the Fontainebleau exit.

Next, head towards Fontainebleau and follow the signs for the “château” until you arrive at Place General Charles de Gaulle .

There is a private parking lot where you can leave your car for €21.20 a day.

For free parking , you have to go further away from the castle. Both of the following locations are open seven days a week.

• Lagorsse Parking at a 22 minutes walk, 4 Bd Crevat Durant .
• La Faisanderie , at 14 min, Route de l’Ermitage .

Fontainebleau is a 45-minute train ride from Paris, with one train running every two hours.

To go there, hop on the Transilien (TER) Line R from Paris Gare de Lyon to Montargis, and get off at Fontainebleau-Avon. From here, it’s a 20-minute bus ride to the castle or a 35-minute walk if you want to burn some calories.

You could also book a cab for €28. (French website.)

If you’re neither keen on walking nor calling a cab, get on the Line 1 bus direction Les Lilas and get off at Château . It’s a €7.50 trip: €5 for the train ticket and €2.50 for the bus.

There is a bus roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays and every half hour on Sundays . Counting the train ride (45min) and the bus (20min) it should take you around 1h05 to reach your destination.

Hours and Prices

Opening Days and Hours 

The castle is open every day of the year except Tuesdays, the first of January and May, and December 25th.

• 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. from October to March. Final admission: 4:15 p.m.
• 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. from April to September. Final admission: 5:15 p.m.

The park and the garden are open every day and freely accessible:

• 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.) from November to February
• 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. (final admission 5:00 p.m.) in March, April, and October
• 9:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. (final admission 6:00 p.m.), from May to September

Diana’s garden closes 30 min earlier than the indicated time. The English garden, one hour.

A €13 ticket will give you access to the Napoleon I Museum and the Grand Appartements . I strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

Things to know:

• The castle is freely accessible on the first Sunday of each month except July and August.
• A video guide is available upon request for €4. Fair warning, the stocks are limited. The guide comes in 11 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Dutch, and Polish.
• An elevator leading to the Grand Apartments is available to guests with reduced mobility.

My advice: If you’re like me, and this is your first visit, you’ll want to do as much as possible in your limited time. In that case, you should try the guided tour: “ une journée au château ”.

The entry ticket only gives access to Napoleon I Museum and the Grand Appartements . To explore the remaining rooms of the castle, you need a guided tour. Each one costs €19.

So, if you also want to see the Imperial Theater , you’ll have to add a €19 guided tour to the entry ticket’s price. And more of the same if you want to see other areas of the castle excluded from the circuit covered by an entry ticket.

With “ une journée au château ” you can access 3 guided tours for €33.

Unless you prefer to restrain your visit to the gardens, the Napoleon I Museum, and the Grand Appartements, this is the most affordable way to see as much as possible of the castle’s halls in one trip.

Free Admissions and Reduced Rates

Upon presentation of the appropriate documents, some visitors can benefit from free admissions or reduced rates . For example:

• People under 18 years old
• UE residents between 18 and 26 years old
• Job seekers
• Disabled people and their aides . . .

Full list here

How Long Does it Take to Visit Fontainebleau’s Castle?

A complete tour of Fontainebleau’s castle takes two or three hours , one for the gardens and two for the castle’s halls.

If you want to avoid running out of time, it’s best to arrive before 3 p.m. 

While the length of the guided tours can vary, none exceed two hours.

When to Visit Fontainebleau’s Castle?

There are at least two factors to consider for a visit to Fontainebleau’s castle: the weather and the crowd .

In that regard, I recommend a springtime trip in May or April to avoid the peak period of the summer holidays. In July and August, tourists are flooding the place, and the high temperatures can also be an issue.

September’s weather tends to be agreeable, so that can be a good time for a visit.

Come in the morning if you want to waste as little time as possible. It’s pretty quiet around 10 or 11 a.m., and you have good odds of avoiding any ticket lines .

Better to avoid the weekend because it is always more crowded.

Must-Sees: What to See in Fontainebleau?

The park and gardens.

Fontainebleau’s castle sits at the heart of a 321 acres estate composed of a park and three gardens scattered with statues. And, to the great delight of its visitors, it boasts a 1,200 m canal , whose inviting banks are perfect for leisure strolls.

There is no lack of treasures to uncover here.

South of the castle, visitors can find the Grand Parterre . We owe this marvel of symmetry designed to Andre Le Notre and Louis Le Vaul. Don’t miss the blue-green checkerboard pattern of its square pool and the surrounding flower beds. Or its central fountain, which they call the boiling pot .

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par Château de Fontainebleau (@chateaufontainebleau)

West of the Carp Pond, the English Garden is a web of narrow paths and sinuous tracks intertwined around an artificial river ,  where you can enjoy a picnic in peace.

North of the castle, there is Diana’s Garden and its famous statue of the Roman goddess of the hunt. It’s an enchanting place, full of roses, magnolias, and peonies.

Last but not least, there is also the “ Pines’ Grotto ” an artificial cave built in the right wing of the castle. The stone giants sculpted in its frame are very much worth seeing.

Walking is only the most straightforward way to explore the park and the gardens. Here are some other :

• You can board the little tourist train departing every hour from the Cour d’Honneur, for a 35m ride in the estate. Visitors can buy an €8 ticket for a 5 km journey every day from April to November. The ride is free for children under 4, and anyone between 4 and 18s can get a ticket at half price. You can buy tickets in advance online or onsite.
• Another option is to take a carriage ride. For €7.50 (or €5 for children), you can get on an old-fashioned coach pulled by two horses and explore the place as the royals it hosted did. Information and booking (website in French)
• Finally, you can do some boating on the Carp Pond , every day from May to August. It’s €5 for a 30 m turn on the water, €8  for an hour. Information and booking

Now that we’ve covered the gardens and the park let’s go back to the star of the show: Fontainebleau’s castle and its hidden gems.

The Horseshoe Staircase

Freshly restored to its original glory, the parallel flights of stairs that greet visitors entering Fontainebleau’s main courtyard are a sight to behold. Shaped like a horseshoe, the gleaming white sandstone of the staircase leading to the castle’s first floor is an architectural wonder.

If you want a keepsake to remember it by and you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the Suzy and Arlette bakery at 95 Rue Grande, 77300 Fontainebleau .

They make a marvelous chocolate cake shaped like the horseshoe staircase called “ Les Marches du château ” or the castle’s stairs.

The shop is only a 10 min walk from the castle.

Francis I Gallery

No true art lovers can remain unmoved by the splendid frescoes and paintings adorning the Francis I Gallery. Every inch of its walls is a testimony to the creativity and talent of Renaissance artists such as the Florentine painter Rosso Fiorentino .

Between us, among all the brilliant artwork on display, I found one piece particularly striking. With its coat covered in lilies and the salamander on its brow, there is something quite peculiar and captivating about the Royal Elephant.

Imperial Theater

Don’t miss the fresco drawn on the ceiling. Or the Empress’s Foyer , its blue silk walls are charming.

The Royal Chapel of the Trinity

Diana’s gallery.

When thinking about a room dedicated to the goddess of the hunt, you expect to find a hunting lodge rather than a library. And yet Diana’s gallery houses thousands of books, and its centerpiece is not some animal statue or trophy but a globe of the earth.

Repurposed to accommodate a collection of 16,000 books under Napoleon the Third, it is the largest room in the castle (80 meters in length and 6 meters in width).

 Napoleon I Museum

If all these books have put you in a scholarly mood, don’t hesitate to venture into the Napoleonic Museum to discover the history of the First Empire through its collections of paintings, furniture, and sculptures.

Get an insight into the emperor’s reign through the weapons, costumes, and ceramics left behind.

Where to Eat?

On the castle’s grounds.

Near the Carp Pond , you can find the Monument Café: “ Les petites bouches de l’Empereur ” (website in French). Casseroles and terrines are the usual fares here, with a €17 menu of one hot meal and four casseroles. A simple dish costs €12 and Sunday brunches are €29.

In the Gardens

While food and drinks aren’t allowed in the castle’s halls, you can picnic in the English Garden. If you’re worried about eating on the grass, you can sit on one of the many benches scattered around Fontainebelau’s park.

Outside the Castle’s Estate

There is no lack of good restaurants around the place. Here is a list pointing out some of them.

• La petite ardoise (French website): a cozy dining spot focused on traditional French cuisine, where one can try some snails or duckling filet. A full menu costs €36, but the lunch special is more affordable at €22 and is served from Tuesday to Friday. The place is a 7-minute walk from the castle.
• Hirondelle (French website): Here you’ll find scrumptious buckwheat crepes (from €4.80 to €16.90) and their soft wheat equivalent for dessert (from €3 to €8.60). If you get thirsty, you savor some of their artisanal cider. Fair warning, it gets pretty crowded on weekends. Remember to reserve in advance. It is a 6 min walk from the castle.
• L’atelier du goût (French website): Catering for all budgets, with a lunch menu offered at €64 and another at €31.50, this elegant restaurant provides both gourmet meals and simpler fares. It is a 5-minute walk from the castle.
• Le Bistro 9 (French website):  a humble dining spot where you can eat to your heart’s content without fuss. Lunch set menu at €15.5 and evening (full menu) at €20.
• L’Axel : Under the care of Chef Kunihisa Goto, you’ll experience an unforgettable culinary moment in this Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, classical French cuisine meets Japanese ingredients and flavors. Of course, the prices match the restaurant’s standing. The most affordable menu costs €70 and is only available for lunch on weekdays. The Axel is a 5-minute walk from the castle.

The Best Itinerary (According to Me)

• From the main courtyard of the castle, walk to the Horseshoe Staircase to check out its peculiar architecture.
• Next step: Francis I Gallery, on the castle’s first floor. It would be a shame to miss the Royal’s Elephant painting.
•  Now, Diana’s Gallery awaits! Be careful, this library does not lend any of its books.
• Leave the castle’s halls and to the Ovale court, from there you can go up north to reach Diana’s Garden and its famous statue.
• After the wildness of the Huntress, our next stop is the well-ordered Grand Parterre .
• From there, you’ll be able to see the Carp Pond . If you don’t suffer from seasickness, you can do some boating on it.
• After this little boating jaunt, you can take a walk in the English garden close by.
• Following the northern path will lead you back to the main courtyard. On your way, you’ll be able to see the stone giants of the Grotte des Pins .

Guided Tours I Recommend

• Bird’s-eye view of Fontainebleau : Take to the skies and watch Fontainebleau’s castle and its famous forest drift by below you. A 3-hour experience (one hour of flight) piloted by a professional crew.  From €260.00 for two adults. (Languages talked: German, English, French, Spanish.)
• Family activities : The video guide available upon request at the welcome desk has recordings tailored to children from 7 to 12 years old. The little tourist train , the horse-drawn carriage rides , and the boating sessions on the Carp Pond are also family-friendly activities.

What to Do if It’s Raining in Fontainebleau?

If it’s raining cats and dogs and you’ve already seen the castle’s halls, one option is to attend Guillaume Dortu’s conferences on the “jeu de paume” or palm game.

It is a ball-and-court game that originated in France and as it happens, Fontainebleau boasts one of the few actual courts designed for it. Here you’ll both be able to play the game and learn about its history.

Information and booking (website in French).

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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• A Day Trip From Paris...

A Day Trip From Paris To Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau has long been a playground for Paris’ elite. From the not-so-glamorously named Louis VI, the Fat, in the 11th century to Napoleon III 700 years later, 34 French sovereigns called this place a home away from home. It remains a popular destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip among Parisians of all means. Annually, 300,000 people visit its royal palace, which is comparable to Versailles in every way aside from the length of the queues (on average 20 times shorter based on visitor numbers), and a further 11 million enjoy the winding paths of its bordering national forest.

What is there to see.

The Château de Fontainebleau is, of course, at the top of most people’s list of things to see in this town 55 km southeast of Paris. Its 1,500 rooms, including Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir and Napoleon III’s lavish theater, have been preserved or immaculately restored in recent years. Set within 130 acres of formal gardens and parkland, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lives up to and exceeds expectations. It is a monument depicting the whole of French culture in (relative) miniature. The palace and the town are surrounded by the Forêt de Fontainebleau . The 25,000 hectares of woodland contain 1,600 km of walking trails, great spots for bouldering, hiking and horse riding, and amazing biodiversity, including its own endemic tree species. If it’s your kind of thing, you can also visit the grave of Katherine Mansfield — the prominent modernist short story writer from New Zealand — in the local cemetery .

What is there to do?

A trip to Fontainebleau wouldn’t be complete without sampling a few of the local specialties. Cheese lovers should head straight to the Fromagerie Barthelemy to try the signature Le Fontainebleau, which they have been making for over a century. If you have a sweet tooth then the patisserie and tea room of Frédéric Cassel have to feature prominently on your agenda. Twice the Patissier of the Year, in 1999 and 2007, Cassel opened his first shop here in 1994 before becoming a global success and opening branches in Tokyo , Kyoto , Casablanca , and Berlin . Set aside some time to wander around the town’s narrow streets and some of its 400 stores. The Teo Cabanel perfume shop is one not to miss. A short distance out of the town and into the forest, you’ll find the Grand Parquet racecourse. Check out its website for upcoming events.

Where’s good for lunch?

After a morning of touring the castle and its ground, you’ll probably want to refuel before heading out again for an afternoon of country walking. Luckily, Fontainebleau has a thriving gastronomy scene that meets the high standards of all those Parisian weekenders. Three top-notch restaurants are La Table du Parc , which is attached to the beautifully redesigned hotel La Demeure du Parc (just in case you want to extend your day trip to a weekend); Le Caveau des Lys , where you can enjoy gourmet food in the chill ambiance of a converted wine cellar; and L’Axel . Other popular local choices include the Bistrot des Amis and La Petite Ardoise , both of which offer classic French cuisine at a reasonable price. If you choose to visit the town on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, you can also pick up a bite to eat at its renowned open-air food market , but get there early as it wraps up at noon.

How do you get there?

If you want to get to Fontainebleau from Paris by public transport, take a Transilien train from Gare de Lyon heading towards Migennes, Montargis or Montereau. You want to get off at Fontainebleau-Avon (normally the first, second or third stop), and the journey should take around 40 minutes. Trains run between every 20 and 90 minutes and the ticket costs 8.85€ each way, unless you have a Navigo or five-zone Paris Visite card. Once at the station, you can head directly into the forest or take Bus 1 in the direction of Les Lilas to the Château de Fontainebleau, which will take about 15 minutes. You can also walk the three kilometers into the town in under 40 minutes.

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Touring the Chateau de Fontainebleau

Buying tickets to the Chateau de Fontainebleau

A note to my English-speaking friends regarding the self-guided tour:  The signs are all in French . ​A "video guide" is available and maps are available in English.

Time to start the Chateau de Fontainebleau tour!

Looking for another day trip from Paris? Check out A Day Trip to Chartres and Visiting Strasbourg from Paris .

FAQ: Why is it so dark in the Chateau de Fontainebleau?

Chateau de Fontainebleau gift shop 

Chateau de Fontainebleau gardens and grounds

Getting back to Paris from Fontainebleau

Finding Fontainebleau , ​by Thad Carhart

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Wow! Thanks for a great idea! I am adding the to my itinerary.

Wonderful!! Bon voyage! x

I had this saved to my Pinterest account in a type of wish list, and now we are going to visit Fontainebleau this coming October. I am beyond excited!

I have seen this Palace four times and never had enough, I felt at home in that place. and personally I preferred Fontainebleau over Versailles. Fontainebleau was to far away during the French Revolution that is why there was more furniture to be seen. The public took their anger out on Versailles as it was much closer to Paris. I can spend days in that place without getting enough of it.

Hello, for me the Chateau de Fontainebleau is the prettiest around Paris, I have had the pleasure of visiting it twice and I would like to go there again because I am sure that I have not looked at everything in the details given the size of this castle. Thank you for sharing

I loved the Chateau de Fontainbleu. I lived for about two months nearby. just a walk a couple streets and through a long forest lined with trees, and there it was. I enjoyed it more as it was more quiet than all the other sites. I also went walking along the gardens nearby and the shopping area, too. Really something great to visit. Charlotte

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Château de Fontainebleau: Guided tours and Audio tours

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Visit of the castle of Fontainebleau

"The true home of kings, the house of all centuries" are the words Napoleon used to describe a mix of classical Renaissance style the  royal castle of Fontainebleau , located next to the centre of Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne), some 37 miles towards the south-east of Paris . Unesco declared the castle a World Heritage site in 1981. The famous horseshoe-shaped staircase, an iconic feature of the palace, is a work added during the reign of King Louis XIII, based on a Renaissance model. The improvements to the palace have been made continuously throughout the centuries (eight to be precise).

In the 16th Century, Francis first turned it into a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. As a result, one can witness his personal gallery, the Trinity church and the ballroom, all sublime in their stylishness. Further still are the two boudoirs of Marie-Antoinette that Louis XVI offered to his wife. With over 1500 examples, this place houses one of the most important collections of old furniture in France , as well as an excellent collection of paintings.

Within the parks and gardens, spread out over a 130-hectare plot, each sovereign has left his mark: a carp pond here, an ornamental statue of Diana there, not forgetting the Grand Parterre de le Nôtre and Le Vau , the biggest flowerbeds in Europe. if your schedule leaves you the leisure and you'd like to visit the castle and its museum you'll be able to wander in the gardens and the immense park annexed to the field.

For those interested in Marie Antoinette, Paris City Vision offers a mix of the Versailles and Fontainebleau tours with ab skip the line access. he will be the occasion to discover two exceptional places, superb castles testifying to the splendors of the French monarchy of the Renaissance.

Discover the best day trips from Paris with Paris City Vision.

+33 188 611 149 (8AM to 8PM Paris Time)

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Castles of Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte

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• Description •
• Tour Highlights •

2 castles in one day!

Discover two of the most beautiful and historically interesting Chateaux 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 Fontainebleau where more than seven centuries of kings and emperors lived and shaped world history.

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 inside of the Chateau itself.

Fontainebleau is unparalleled in its grandiose architecture and links to important events in French History. With more than 1500 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 bedrooms, see Napoleon Bonaparte’s throne and learn its fascinating history.

Two Amazing Castles Just Outside of Paris

Meet up with our guide in central Paris and head on a day trip to explore two amazing castles that are just outside of Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau. On this day trip the group size is limited to no more than 8 people and the drive, in our luxury van, is only about 50 minutes long each way. So you’ll enjoy not being in a crowd and having lots of time to visit Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau.

Your guide will give you a detailed introduction to both castles and their previous inhabitants. Afterwards you will have free time to explore and focus yourself on the most interesting aspects of each castle and its grounds. Inside each castle you will be given an audio-guide and when you are done with the interior you will be able to wander among the beautiful flower displays, bubbling fountains, and perfectly trimmed shrubbery.

Vaux le Vicomte: the Envy of all

Vaux-le-Vicomte was built for Nicolas Fouquet, Minister of Finance, of King Louis XIV. Fouquet united the most talented French architect, artist, and gardener of his day in order to create the most splendid castle and gardens in France. This dream team consisted of the renowned architect: Louis Le Vau, the artist and interior designer: Charles Le Brun, and the the father of the French garden: André Le Nôtre.

When finished, Vaux-le-Vicomte was the envy of every lord in France, even the king coveted it. So Fouquet was imprisoned, Vaux-le-Vicomte was confiscated, and the talented trio that had created Vaux-le-Vicomte were restricted to working solely for the King himself. The King went so far as to commission the trio to build him a new castle and gardens in the same style as Vaux-le-Vicomte: The Palace of Versailles. Still, today, many prefer the original masterpiece and all of its charm: Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Fontainebleau: “The True Home of Kings”

Fontainebleau, is the only royal castle in France to have been continuously inhabited for 700+ years! Started as a fortress in the 1100’s this amazing Castle turned into a sumptuous Palace little by little thanks to the many Kings, Emperors, and a Pope who lived there. Today Fontainebleau contains amazing architecture and interior decorations dating from the Medieval times, through the Renaissance, and into the 2nd French Empire.

Renowned Medieval saints Thomas à Becket and King Saint Louis dedicated it’s chapels, during the Renaissance Queen Marie of Medici gave birth to 6 children here, and when Napoleon Bonaparte reigned as Emperor of France he installed his throne in Fontainebleau. Among all of the castles and royal residences in France none were cared for more by the nobility than Fontainebleau. It is truly a magnificent palace that should not be missed!

Good to Know:

• This tour finishes around 6:30pm back in Paris.
• For those with a valid drivers license golf carts are available for rental in the gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte at your own cost.
• Lunch costs are not included in the tour price but there will be plenty of great food options to choose from in the town of Fontainebleau where we will have a break for lunch.
• Gratuities aka "tips" are not included but welcomed by our guides.

Max. 8 pers. per tour

9hrs Back in Paris around 6:30PM

What's Included

• Transportation by luxury A/C minibus
• Friendly & Knowledgeable guide
• Fontainebleau castle tickets
• Vaux-le-Vicomte castle tickets

All of our tours are commented in English

Dates & Times

April to October 8:30AM

Meeting point

6 Avenue de Wagram, Paris

Click here for picture Reservation required

For the Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Castles Day Trip from Paris ,you will meet with your driver-guide outside of 6 Avenue de Wagram in Paris , it's located 300ft from the Arc de Triomphe.

Tour Highlights

Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle

Vaux-le-Vicomte is so lovely that the TV series Versailles if filmed there!

Gardens of Vaux le Vicomte

Designed by André Le Nôtre these French Gardens are 100 acres big!

Town of Fontainebleau

For lunch you will be able to eat at one of the many cafés or bakeries in the town of Fontainebleau.

Fontainebleau Castle

One of the biggest and most beautiful Palaces in France, filled with the glory of the nobility of France.

Blandy-les-Tours Castle

Between Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau there will be a photo stop to this charming medieval castle.

Great Guide

Enjoy learning the history of these magnificent castles from a passionate guide who loves their job!

You will have loads of free time to explore at your leisure and focus on what interests you the most!

Paris largest and most celebrated Church, built in a true Gothic fashion it has the most beautiful Rose windows and flying buttresses.

Once the Royal Palace, now the largest and most visited museum in the world. The Louvre is home to the mysterious Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the famous glass Pyramid.

The Musée d’Orsay

Home to some of the most beautiful paintings in the world, the Musée d’Orsay has several works of Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Rue Cler market

Parisians have been coming to rue Cler market street since 1826! Taste some of the best of Paris here when you stop for the 30 minute break.

Seine River banks

The banks of the Seine River, in Paris, are so enchanting that they have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll ride along them and behold the beauty of the river life.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the place where Marie-Antoinette lost her head! Today is has a 2,000 year old Egyptian Obelisk at its center.

The Grand Palais

Constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais is a magnificent architectural feat with its glass, iron and steel beautifully combined.

Champs-Elysées

Known to many as « The most beautiful avenue in the world » you'll have a wonderful view all the way up this avenue to the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb)

Les Invalides was once a hospital for wounded soldiers, and is currently a military museum that is home to the tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Frequently Asked Questions

We allow you to cancel, for any reason, up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. It’s easy to cancel just send us an email then we’ll give you a full refund.

If you fail to email with your cancellation at least 24 hours before the tour starts then we will not be able to provide you with a refund.

We accept children that are at least 7 years old on this tour. While this tour’s content was not planned out with kids in mind we do allow children that are aged at least 7 years old to join it with one of their parents. Kids younger than 7 years cannot join this tour as we do NOT have the suitable baby/child seats for them to ride in that are required by European law.

Book More - Save More

We appreciate and reward fidelity!

Planning on booking multiple tours with us? Contact us to receive a 10% discount . Discount only apply when booking 2, 3 or 4 tours on different dates.

Free Cancellation

We understand that unexpected events can change your travel plans; for this reason Blue Fox Travel offers a full refund, for any reason, if you cancel more than 24hrs before your reserved tour is scheduled to start.

Small Groups

Small Group = Better Experience

We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and higher quality experience for you.

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These are the Terms & Conditions that apply to any tour run by BLUE FOX TRAVEL in France under the brands BLUE BIKE TOURS or BLUE FOX TRAVEL. In this document, BLUE BIKE TOURS might be abbreviated as BBT and BLUE FOX TRAVEL as BFT.

BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée - Limited Liability Company) at the Paris Chamber of Commerce under the number : 534 151 576 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French Travel Operator under the licence : IM075160040 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered Public Service Vehicle Operator under the Licence : 2016/11/0007784 Because BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French company, and all of our tours take place in France, only the French Law will apply in the case of any conflict. Last updated : January 2019. Valid until : the end of the world.

I - Cancellation Policy

BFT offers a 100% refund if a reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. The notification must be made by email. No refunds are given for ANY reason once within the 24 hrs prior to the scheduled tour. All of our tours run Rain or Shine. We do not issue refunds if you choose to skip your tour because the weather doesn’t suit you. You can always wait until the last minute to book your tour to ensure the weather suits you that day. BFT reserves the right to cancel any of its tours last minute in case of an Act of God or crazy act from a large group of people. Flooding, hail, dangerous weather conditions, riots, etc. In such instances full refunds will be given to anyone who had their tour cancelled.

II - Satisfaction Guarantee Policy

If the tour you took with us didn’t live up to what we promised you on our website and failed to meet your expectations, we will be heartbroken. We will also give you a 100% refund so long as you do all of these things: You remember that we we are in no way responsible for the weather and that our guides actually have to give 110% of themselves to you on days when the weather is not as nice in order to help you enjoy the tour. You participate in the entire tour from: being on time at the meeting point until the “goodbyes” at the very end of the tour. You can’t leave a tour half-way and ask for your money back. At the end of the tour you tell your guide, in person, that you were not satisfied with the tour you took. You provide your tour guide with the reasons you were not satisfied with the tour itself.

III - Payment Policy

A valid credit card is required to secure your booking. All reservations must be prepaid online prior to the tour. We accept Visa, Mastercard. None of your personal credit card or billing information is stored by BFT.

IV - Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Your personal informations will never be disclosed to any third parties.

V - Child Policy

All reservations made for children under the age of 18 years old must be made by an adult and we must be informed at the time of booking exactly how many children are in your party and their ages. This is vital information as it allows our guide to prepare the proper child sized equipments for the bike tours and the booster seats for all day trips/excursions that use one of our vans. All reservations made for a minor under the age of 18 years old must also include the reservation for an adult who will be 100% solely responsible for the safety and well being of the child while on the tour. Every child, under the age of 12 years old, partaking in a bicycle tour will be required to wear a helmet and a reflective vest as per French Law. The adult who accompanies the child agrees to the responsibility of choosing a properly sized helmet, adjusting the helmet, and keeping the helmet on the head of the child during the whole tour. Blue Fox Travel has helmets in multiple sizes for you to choose from at no cost. Don't forget: Children who will be riding in a baby/child seat, on a tandem attachment bike, or in a booster seat in one of our vans absolutely MUST have their seat reserved beforehand. We NEED to know exactly what your child will need before they show up. Please make it clear in the “Special Requirements” section of our booking form.

VI- Child Bike Policy

Children who will be riding on their own may be subject to a very short test run before the tour starts in which they will be expected to demonstrate: that they are well suited for their bike’s size and settings, that they know how to brake properly and that they are, in general, good cyclists who can be trusted to follow their tour guide in a safe manner. We own 20” and 24” kids bikes (size of the wheel). Adult bikes are 26”. If the guide, or manager, finds that the child is not, for any reason, a good enough cyclist then the guide, or manager, has the right to refuse to let the child follow the tour on a personal bike. This means they will either be asked to ride on one of our ‘tandem attachments’ which is attached to the back of a parents bike OR asked to ride in a child seat attached to the back of a parents bike. If the child refuses the change, then the guide or manager has the right to cancel the reservation, and not allow you and your child on the bike tour. Refunds will not be issued if your reservation is cancelled because of your child not being able to cycle and their refusal to ride attached to you. Baby seats are for kids that are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old (max weight 22 kg (48 lbs)). We also have some cool Burley™ tandem attachment bikes that are suitable for little kids who are too big for the baby seat but too small to cycle on their own (max weight 38 kg (85 lbs) - max height 137 cm (4 ft 6 in)).

VII - Damages to Blue Fox Travel Property

If you or anyone in your party damages a vehicle, a Blue Bike™, a vehicle, a child's bike, a helmet, a baby/child seat, a tandem attachment bike, any bike attachments, or a booster seat in such a way that it becomes badly disfigured, broken, or unusable, then BFT reserves the right to claim a fee of up to the cost of repair of the damaged bike/vehicle or object.

VIII - Miscellaneous

• Français ( French )
• 简体中文 ( Chinese )
• Visitors with disabilities
• Associations and Professionals

To make the most of your visit

To help you get the most out of your visit, the château offers a video guide for adults and children, in addition to a self-guided tour brochure.

Video guide

The video guide takes you on an audio tour, with additional visuals and commentaries about the rooms and the art works.

Available in 11 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Dutch and Polish.

A version for 7-12 year olds is available in French, English, German, Spanish and Italian.

€4 in addition to general admission ticket of the Chateau

Tickets and prices

Online Ticketing

Opening hours

The chateau

The chateau is open every day except Tuesday, January 1 st , May 1 st and December 25 th .

From October to March: 9.30 am to 5 pm (last access at 4.15 pm).

From April to September: 9.30 am to 6 pm (last access at 5.15 pm).

The park and gardens are open, under the usual conditions, free of charge.

The restaurant is open every day for lunch.

Coming to the chateau

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Fontainbleau

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Pricing & Floor Plans

Check back soon for upcoming availability, about fontainbleau.

Fontainbleau in San Jose, CA is ready for you to move in. This community can be found on Pedro St. in the 95126 area of San Jose. Fontainbleau offers a variety of available amenities including: laundry service, convenient on-site parking options, and smoke free options. Here at this community, the professional leasing staff is ready to help match you with the perfect new place. At Fontainbleau you'll feel right at home. Stop by the community today.

Fontainbleau is an apartment community located in Santa Clara County and the 95126 ZIP Code. This area is served by the San Jose Unified attendance zone.

Community Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Property Manager on Site
• Laundry Service

Apartment Features

• Air Conditioning
• High Speed Internet Access
• Refrigerator

Fees and Policies

The fees below are based on community-supplied data and may exclude additional fees and utilities.

One-Time Move-In Fees

• Amenity Fee $0
• Application Fee $25

Property Information

• Built in 1969
• 32 units/2 stories

Neighborhood

If you’re looking for a central location in San Jose, Meridian-Pedro is an excellent choice. Just two miles from Downtown San Jose and surrounded by several major roadways, Meridian-Pedro offers a prime location for commuters across the Bay Area. Apple, Adobe, and Intel are just a few technology companies that are a short drive away from the neighborhood. Meridian-Pedro is convenient to several excellent schools, San Jose City College, and San Jose State University. Renters also don’t have to go far for shopping or dining either. Explore Willow Glen’s downtown district for eclectic eats or head three miles west to practice some retail therapy at Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, two popular malls with high-end retailers and restaurants. Despite its busy surroundings, the neighborhood has a laid-back, quiet feel. Complemented by tree-lined-streets, Meridian-Pedro has a variety of apartments and condos available for rent.

Below are rent ranges for similar nearby apartments

• Public Schools
• Private Schools

Transportation

Transportation options available in San Jose include Race Station, located 0.4 miles from Fontainbleau. Fontainbleau is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, located 4.4 miles or 10 minutes away, and Metro Oakland International, located 37.9 miles or 48 minutes away.

Walkability Near Fontainbleau

Businesses:

Score provided by Walk Score

Scores provided by Walk Score  and HowLoud

Score provided by HowLoud

Points of Interest

Time and distance from Fontainbleau.

Property Ratings at Fontainbleau

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Frequently Asked Questions

What neighborhood is the property located in.

Fontainbleau is in Meridian-Pedro in the city of San Jose. Here you’ll find three shopping centers within 0.7 mile of the property. Five parks are within 3.2 miles, including Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, and McEnery Park.

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1233 Pedro St

San Jose , CA 95126

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA)

15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA)

One of the most significant technological and cultural hubs in the country, San Jose, California, is a hotbed of urban prowess, entertainment and of course, has its stunning Mediterranean-like climate and topography, delivering warm, dry and sunny weather all year round.

One of the best things about San Jose is its convenient location, within arm’s reach of a number of beautiful places that are ideal for day trips.

Thanks to Northern California’s diverse landscape, you can go from surfing the waves under the hot sun to standing on a mountain peak above the clouds within the same day.

Check out this handy guide outlining some of the best day trip destinations from Silicon Valley’s San Jose.

1. Santa Cruz

The epitome of a Californian beach town and still one of the nation’s favourite destinations because of the perpetual summer vibe that can be found here, Santa Cruz is best known for its sun, beach and famous Boardwalk.

The majority of visitors will spend most of their time on the buzzing promenade enjoying the rides and games, however, Santa Cruz also has a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to offer.

The historic mission church is a fascinating and spectacular sight to behold, while destinations like Wilder Ranch State Park offer enchanting and unspoiled hiking spots, perfect for soaking up some truly unmissable views.

The town of Alameda can be found close to downtown San Jose and has strong historical and cultural roots that are apparent when wandering its charming streets full of mid-century architecture and signage.

There’s also a huge antiquing culture here, which gives the streets and shops a vintage feel that is enchanting to be immersed in, the hub of this being Park Avenue.

Here you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and apparel to fascinating trinkets from all over the world.

For a real treat, head down to the old naval base on the first Sunday of each month to visit the Alameda Antiques Faire in search of something truly unique to take home.

The true epitome of wine country and a nationwide favourite destination, Napa can be reached in less than two hours from San Jose.

It is home to some of the finest wining and dining in California.

With a vast number of tours operating in the area, it has never been easier to learn about Napa’s rich history in winemaking and sample some of the delicious end products.

Napa also offers some truly breath-taking hiking destinations due to its gently rolling foothills and orchards, and offers endless great spots for a stroll and a picnic.

4. Half Moon Bay

Another immediately recognisable and iconic Californian coastal destination is the town of Half Moon Bay; charming and quaint in equal measure, and a popular alternative to raucous Santa Cruz.

Only an hour northwest of San Jose, you’ll find this water sport haven, where kayaking in the bay and surfing in the Pacific are two of the most popular pastimes.

With many surf schools offering lessons, it’s a great place to learn during the summer, though beginners may want to take a back seat in winter as the waves grow to monstrous sizes exceeding 50-feet in height.

5. San Francisco

The iconic and classic “Golden Gate City” should be on the bucket-list of anyone visiting the states, let alone California.

Easily reachable from San Jose even without a car, thanks to the world-class public transport connecting the two, San Francisco can be the perfect day trip if you know what you want to do when you arrive.

Popular favourites are the Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Dolores and Lombard Street, but if you want to head off the beaten track, head over to Haight-Ashbury and wander the colourful streets covered in murals and exuding a heavy dose of flower-power.

A world-class destination when it comes to indulgence, Gilroy is a self-proclaimed foodie and retail haven, only half an hour to the south of San Jose.

The aptly named garlic capital of the world plays host to the Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, where you can enjoy every garlic-based dish and snack imaginable, including their world-famous garlic fries and even garlic ice cream.

You’ll also find one of the country’s premium shopping malls in Gilroy, housing over 140 stores and boasting the accolade of having the largest collection of designer stores in Northern California.

7. Livermore

Perfect for wine lovers who are looking for an alternative to the popular Napa Valley, Livermore is a thriving community of wineries that comprise an up-and-coming wine industry.

Many have been producing critically acclaimed wines since the time of the San Francisco Mission.

A mere 30 minutes from San Jose in Alameda, the town has a long history of ranching and agriculture as well as the grape farming, and is a wonderful place to explore on foot.

8. Sausalito

At the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge you’ll find the enchanting beachside community known as Sausalito that has visitors falling in love with it within minutes of arriving.

The small town is a former shipbuilding hub that has transformed into a wealthy and picturesque artist’s hideaway with a wealth of hidden gems to discover.

Home to a great number of pop-up restaurants serving progressive seasonal menus, garnished with gorgeous views across the bay, Sausalito is an ideal day trip to grab a bite to eat and explore one of San Francisco’s numerous attractive suburbs.

9. Silicon Valley

An eye-opening and insightful day trip that can actually be within the city limits, depending on where you go, a day out in Silicon Valley will leave you curious and hungry for more.

Of the many technological landmarks found here, some of the most popular are the Apple Headquarters in Cupertino or the famed HP garage in Palo Alto.

Visitors can experience the pioneering force behind many of the world’s social media and online powerhouses like Google and Facebook, and marvel at the quirky and sometimes bizarre office spaces they operate from.

10. Carmel by the Sea

A great number of San Joseans regularly make the trip to this romantic coastal resort with its spectacularly sandy beach and irresistible small-town ambience.

You’ll find the gorgeous beach in the long cove curling around Carmel Bay, where secluded spots and picturesque sunsets are plentiful.

Heading further into town, you’ll quickly become accustomed to the lack of numbered street addresses and find that meandering around is the norm here, and discovering hidden gems around every corner is commonplace.

Expect to stumble across art galleries, charming artisan boutiques and some truly world-class dining options.

11. Muir Woods

One of the last remaining redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay area, the Muir Woods are only a couple of hours from San Jose and will transport you to another world.

The trip itself by car is wonderfully picturesque, taking you across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headland, but once you arrive at the Muir Woods, the scenery will take your breath away.

Monumentally large trees tower above visitors on all sides and you can hike towards the ocean or up into the mountains.

Be sure to pack plenty of water and a lunch, as shops are few and far between in the forest.

12. West Cliff Drive

A six-mile path that hugs the coast, West Cliff Drive is a favourite amongst walkers and cyclists who want to leisurely explore this beautiful stretch of rocky coastline and headlands.

Part of Monterey Bay, the route is also popular with surfers chasing the perfect Pacific breaks.

You can even find the world’s first surf museum here, commemorating one of the nation’s most celebrated sports and resulting cultures.

Appropriately located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, you can learn about the surfers braving the crashing waves while enjoying excellent views of them doing just that.

13. Monterey

The perfect day trip for those looking to learn about California’s colonial past whilst enjoying spectacular coastal and mountain views, Monterey has a little something for everyone.

The gorgeous “Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive” is a scenic route featuring beaches, cliffs, headlands, and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Seal Rock Picnic Area is also a popular stop-off on the coast where you can see wild birds, seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.

For a dose of culture, head over to the Monterey Museum of Art, and for a foodie experience, try one of the many mouthwatering downtown eateries.

14. Berkeley

This famous university town north of San Francisco is as rich in history and culture as it is in academic knowledge.

Art lovers, foodies and shoppers all regularly take a trip here to make the most of the diverse range of activities and entertainment on offer.

A visit to the famed university itself is worthwhile, if only to see the beautiful grounds.

Downtown is a great place to try new things, whether it’s window shopping at quirky stores or browsing through the fresh produce at the absolutely enormous market, the Berkeley Bowl.

15. Pescadero

Another charmingly quaint seaside town that offers both entertainment and exceptionally beautiful natural reserves is the area known as Pescadero.

About an hour away from San Jose, it is home to sandy beaches and blustery, rocky headlands where wild birds seasonally come and nest.

Home to endless hiking trails around the coast and further inland past coastal scrub and eucalyptus groves, Pescadero is exceedingly popular with hikers.

End your day at one of the many cafes or restaurants in town while you watch the sun set over the ocean.

15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA):

• Half Moon Bay
• San Francisco
• Silicon Valley
• Carmel by the Sea
• West Cliff Drive