If you’re planning a visit to the Palace of Fontainebleau, knowing what’s the best time to visit might be handy while planning your itinerary. Read on to know all about the Château de Fontainebleau's opening hours along with the opening hours of all its attractions as well as the best time to visit.
The Palace of Fontainebleau is open every day of the week except Tuesdays
Opening hours
April to September: 9:30 AM to 6 PM; Last entry: 5:15 PM
October to March: 9:30 AM to 5 PM; Last entry: 4:15 PM
Closed on
Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25
Recommended Duration of Visit
2 hours minimum
The courtyards, gardens, and parks are open every day of the week. The park is open 24x7. You can find the timings for the courtyards and gardens below.
Opening Hours:
March, April & October: 9 AM to 6 PM; Last admission: 5 PM.
May to September: 9 AM to 7 PM; Last admission: 6 PM.
November to February: 9 AM to 5 PM; Last admission: 4 PM.
Note:
Location: Porte Dorée section of the palace.
Opening Hours:
Location: Cour de la Fontaine section of the Palace
Opening Hours:
Closed on:
January 1, May 1, and December 25
Location: Right of the horseshoe staircase.
Opening Hours:
Closed on:
January 1, May 1, and December 25
It’s better to visit on the weekdays as there are generally fewer visitors, resulting in shorter queues and a more peaceful atmosphere. Weekends tend to be more crowded, especially during the peak season, leading to longer wait times and potentially less tranquil surroundings. Arriving early in the morning when the Château opens allows you to enjoy the attraction with minimal crowds.
If you’re looking for the best of weather paired with gardens in full bloom, the spring and summer seasons of March through June would be the perfect time for you to visit. However, you can also expect a surge of crowds due to the peak season. If you’re looking for more peace and quiet during your visit, the low seasons of fall and winter months would be perfect for you. However, the weather is cold as well as the gardens may not still be in bloom.
A. Château de Fontainebleau is open every day of the week except Tuesdays.
A. Château de Fontainebleau is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
A. The restaurant at the Château de Fontainebleau, Les Petites Bouches de l’Empereur, is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (April to September) and 9:30 AM to 5 PM (October to March).
A. The shop at Château de Fontainebleau is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (April to September) and 9:30 AM to 5 PM (October to March), but it is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
A. Yes, the parks and gardens at Château de Fontainebleau have different timings based on the season.
A. The park at Château de Fontainebleau is open 24x7.
A. The timings for the gardens and courtyards at Château de Fontainebleau are from 9 AM to 6 PM (March, April & October), 9 AM to 7 PM (May to September), and 9 AM to 5 PM (November to February).
A. The recommended minimum duration of a visit to Château de Fontainebleau is 2 hours.
A. Weekdays are generally better than weekends in terms of smaller crowds. Arriving early in the morning when the Château opens allows you to enjoy the attraction with minimal crowds.
A. Château de Fontainebleau is open on public holidays except January 1, May 1, and December 25.
A. It is generally not recommended to visit Château de Fontainebleau on public holidays due to the closure and potentially larger crowds.
A. Château de Fontainebleau is open for the same hours on a public holiday as it is on a normal day.