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Contents
Discover the historic Chateau de Fontainebleau, a landmark nestled in the charming town of Fontainebleau, France. As one of the largest royal castles in the country, this magnificent palace has witnessed centuries of French history and played host to numerous kings and emperors. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in its beautifully preserved interiors, or take a stroll through its expansive gardens, read on to know all about how to best plan your visit to make the most of your experience.
Château de Fontainebleau At A Glance
What are the Château de Fontainebleau opening hours?
The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM from April to September and from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.
Where is the Château de Fontainebleau located?
The Palace of Fontainebleau is located in the heart of Fontainebleau, just 55 km southeast of France’s capital, Paris. Find on Maps
How many visitors does the Château de Fontainebleau get per year?
The Palace of Fontainebleau sees over 500,000 visitors a year.
What Are the Château de Fontainebleau Opening Hours?
General Timings
- Opening Hours:
April to September: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
October to March: 9:30 AM to 5 PM - Last entry: 5:15 PM from April to September; 4:15 PM from October to March
- Closed on: Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25
Where is Château de Fontainebleau Located?
Address: Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France
Surrounded by over 22,000 hectares of lush green forest, Château de Fontainebleau is located in the heart of Fontainebleau, a quaint town around 55 km southeast of Paris.
Know MoreGetting to the Château de Fontainebleau
By Public Transportation
By Bus
Nearest Stop: Fontainebleau - Place de l'Étape
You can easily reach Château de Fontainebleau by taking buses 112, 184, or 208. Buses operate with a frequency of approximately every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 10:30 PM daily and it should take you any time between 60 to 90 minutes to reach the stop.
By Train
Nearest Station: Fontainebleau-Avon
If you’re looking for a convenient and time-efficient option, take the trains on the Transilien line R to reach Château de Fontainebleau. The train runs every 30 minutes and it’ll take you only 35 minutes to reach your destination. Once you arrive at Fontainebleau-Avon, you can conveniently hop on bus numbers 1, 3, or 21 from the station to get to the palace.
Know More
By Road
By Car
Nearest Parking: Interparking Château Car Park (1 minute away)
To drive to Château de Fontainebleau from the Eiffel Tower, start by heading southeast on Quai Branly. Then, take a left onto Avenue de la Bourdonnais and continue onto Quai de la Rapée. Merge onto Quai de Bercy and follow the signs for Lyon/A6. Merge onto the A6 motorway and take the exit for Fontainebleau. Continue on the D607, and follow the signs for Fontainebleau town center to reach the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Book Tickets to Palace of Fontainebleau
Know Before You Go
Facilities
Audio Guide
Rules
Shop
Eat
Stay
- Parking: There are several parking lots near the Chateau, including an interparking facility located right by the entrance.
- Restaurants & Cafes: You can grab a bite at either Les Petites Bouches de l’Empereur or Café des Mariniers (Monument Café) located within palace grounds.
- Restrooms: There are restrooms located throughout the Chateau, including in the main entrance, the gardens, and the park.
- Wheelchair Accessible Areas: The Chateau is wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps and elevators throughout the building. There are also designated wheelchair-accessible parking spots.
- Bookshop: There is a bookshop located inside the Chateau that sells a variety of books about the Chateau, French history, and art.
- Giftshop: There is a gift shop located inside the Chateau at the Cour du Cheval Blanc. It sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, mugs, and postcards.
- Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Chateau.
- Information Desk: There is an information desk located at the main entrance of the Chateau.
Go a step beyond the usual audio guide and enjoy a video guide. Complete with audio commentary and visual design, your experience is bound to be more holistic. You can avail of the audio guide within the premises. It’s available in the following 11 languages:
- French
- English
- Spanish
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Japanese
- Russian
- Chinese
- Dutch
- Polish
You can also get a kid’s version of the audio guide in French, English, German, Spanish & Italian
- Respect the historical site and its surroundings.
- Stay on designated paths and respect barriers or restricted areas.
- Avoid touching or leaning on artifacts, furniture, or artwork.
- Refrain from using flash photography.
- Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor in sensitive areas.
- No smoking within the château or its immediate surroundings.
- Dispose of trash in designated bins.
- Stick to designated paths while exploring the gardens.
- Follow instructions given by the château staff.
- Be mindful of other visitors and their experiences.
The in-house shop is located right beside the horseshoe staircase.
Right of the horseshoe staircase.
Opening Hours:
April to September: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
October to March: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Closed on:
January 1, May 1, and December 25
Angelina Tearoom: Stop by Angelina Tearoom, the iconic Parisian brand which serves hot chocolate, pastries, and a bunch of cold drinks
- Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur: Nestled within the enchanting ambiance of Fontainebleau, Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur offers a culinary journey fit for an emperor. Immerse yourself in the exquisite flavors of French cuisine with a contemporary twist, as this restaurant takes pride in crafting delectable dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
- Monument Café Fontainbleau: Situated in the heart of the palace, with picturesque views overlooking not only the gardens but also the Cour de la Fontaine, this café draws inspiration from Napoleonic architecture. Indulge in a self-service buffet experience amidst the historic surroundings.
Luxury Options:
- Hôtel Napoléon (300 m away from the palace)
- Aigle Noir Hôtel (220 m away from the palace)
- Hôtel La Demeure du Parc (550 m away from the palace)
Mid-Budget Options:
- Hotel Victoria (850 m away from the palace)
- Ibis Château de Fontainebleau (300 m away from the palace)
- Hotel Belle Fontainebleau (300 m away from the palace)
Low-Budget Options:
- Demeure Les Aiglons Bed & Breakfast
- Studio cozy face au chateau de Fontainebleau (81 m away from the palace)
- Fontainebleau Immobilier (400 m away from the palace)
Accessibility
For People with Physical Disabilities
For Visually Impaired People
For Deaf & Hard of Hearing People
- The majority of areas within the Château de Fontainebleau are wheelchair accessible, with a few exceptions such as the Imperial Staircase, the Napoleon Museum, the Turkish Room, the towers, and the gardens with cobblestones.
- The English Gardens and Diana Gardens are fully accessible.
- Lifts and ramps are also available within the castle to facilitate accessibility.
- Guide dogs and service animals are permitted on the premises.
- There’s a tactile model of the castle and gardens at the entrance.
- Practical and historical information to help one navigate palace grounds is available in audio format on the AudioSpot app.
- Hearing aids-compatible audio guides are available.
- You can avail practical and historical information about the palace and surrounding areas in a visual format on the AudioSpot app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Château de Fontainebleau
Q. What are Château de Fontainebleau's opening hours?
A. The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM from April to September and from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from October to March.
Q. When is the last entry to Château de Fontainebleau?
A. The last entry is at 5:15 PM from April to September and at 4:15 PM from October to March.
Q. When is the Château de Fontainebleau closed?
A. The Château de Fontainebleau is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Q. What’s the best time to visit Château de Fontainebleau?
A. The ideal timing for your visit depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy vibrant gardens and festivals, spring and summer are the best seasons, although they tend to attract larger crowds. However, if you prefer a quieter experience with fewer people around, consider visiting during the fall or winter.
Q. How long will it take for me to visit Château de Fontainebleau?
A. It would take you a minimum of 2 hours to visit Château de Fontainebleau.
Q. Where is Château de Fontainebleau located?
A. The Château de Fontainebleau is located in the heart of the town of Fontainebleau, just 55 km southeast of Paris, France.
Q. Is the Château de Fontainebleau easily accessible by public transportation?
A. Yes, the Château de Fontainebleau is accessible by public transportation. You can choose between buses or trains to get there.
Q. Which is the closest metro station to Château de Fontainebleau?
A. The closest train station to Château de Fontainebleau is Fontainebleau-Avon.
Q. Which is the closest bus stop to Château de Fontainebleau?
A. The nearest bus stop is Fontainebleau - Place de l'Étape.
Q. Which is the most convenient way to reach Château de Fontainebleau?
A. The most convenient way to reach Château de Fontainebleau is by taking the trains on the Transilien line R to Fontainebleau-Avon station and then boarding bus numbers 1, 3, or 21 from the station to reach the palace.
=Q. What’s the most budget-friendly way to reach Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, there are several parking lots near the Château de Fontainebleau, including the Interparking Château Car Park located just 1 minute away.
Q. Do my Château de Fontainebleau tickets include parking facilities?
A. No, your tickets do not include parking facilities or their fees.
Q. Are there toilets inside the Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, there are restrooms located throughout the palace.
Q. Is there a dress code for visiting Château de Fontainebleau?
A. There’s no specific dress code for visiting the Château de Fontainebleau. However, it is generally recommended to dress comfortably and modestly when visiting historical sites.
Q. Are there audio guides available at Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, audio guides are available at the Château de Fontainebleau. You can avail of an audio guide from the information desk near the entrance of the château.
Q. Can I take photos inside Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, photography is allowed inside the Château de Fontainebleau. However, there may be restrictions on using flash or tripods in certain areas. It's advisable to pay heed to any signs indicating that or staff giving instructions.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the items I can bring inside Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Certain items including weapons such as guns, knives, and explosives, as well as large bags and suitcases are prohibited within premises. Professional cameras and recording equipment is also prohibited without prior permission from palace authorities. While animals are generally not allowed, guide dogs are an exception. Only sealed water bottles are allowed on palace grounds.
Q. Can I bring food and drinks inside Château de Fontainebleau?
A. You cannot bring outside food and drinks within the palace itself. However, there are designated areas in the gardens where you can do so and enjoy a picnic.
Q. Are there restaurants or cafes inside Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located within the Château de Fontainebleau where visitors can enjoy meals or refreshments during their visit.
Q. Is there a gift shop at Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, there is a gift shop at the Château de Fontainebleau where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the palace and its history.
Q. Are there wheelchair and stroller accessibility at Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, Château de Fontainebleau is wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are ramps and lifts throughout the palace and gardens, and there are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors. There are also accessible toilets and changing facilities.
Q. Are there any accommodations near Château de Fontainebleau?
A. Yes, there are accommodations available near Château de Fontainebleau, including hotels and guesthouses. You can choose from a range of options based on your preferences and budget.
Q. Can I visit the gardens of Château de Fontainebleau separately?
A. Yes, it is possible to visit the gardens of Château de Fontainebleau separately from the palace. The gardens are open to the public and provide a peaceful.