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All You Need to Know About Palace of Fontainebleau Opening Hours & When to Visit

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.

Château de Fontainebleau Opening Hours

Palace of Fontainebleau

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

Château de Fontainebleau Facilities Timings

Courtyards, Gardens & Parks
Restaurants
Shop
The courtyard of Château de Fontainebleau

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:

  • Jardin de Diane closes 30 minutes before the timings indicated above.
  • Jardin Anglais closes 1 hour before the timings indicated above
  • Due to bad weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the gardens may be closed on particular days. 
Cafe's at Château de Fontainebleau

Les Petites Bouches de l’Empereur

Location: Porte Dorée section of the palace.

Opening Hours:

  • April to September: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
  • October to March: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Café des Mariniers (Monument Café)

Location: Cour de la Fontaine section of the Palace

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

The Horseshoe Staircase of Château de Fontainebleau

Location: 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 

Best Time to Visit Château de Fontainebleau

The Palace on weekdays

Weekday vs Weekend

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.

Visitors at Château de Fontainebleau

Peak Season vs Low Season

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.




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Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Fontainebleau Opening Hours

Q. Is the Château de Fontainebleau open every day?

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

Q. When is the Château de Fontainebleau closed?

A. Château de Fontainebleau is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Q. When is the restaurant at the Château de Fontainebleau open?

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).

Q. When is the shop at Château de Fontainebleau open?

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.

Q. Are there different timings for the parks and gardens at Château de Fontainebleau?

A. Yes, the parks and gardens at Château de Fontainebleau have different timings based on the season.

Q. What are the timings for the parks at Château de Fontainebleau?

A. The park at Château de Fontainebleau is open 24x7.

Q. What are the timings for the gardens and courtyards at Château de Fontainebleau?

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).

Q. How long should I spend at Château de Fontainebleau?

A. The recommended minimum duration of a visit to Château de Fontainebleau is 2 hours.

Q. What is the best time to visit Château de Fontainebleau?

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.

Q. Is the Château de Fontainebleau open on public holidays?

A. Château de Fontainebleau is open on public holidays except January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Q. Should I visit Château de Fontainebleau on a public holiday?

A. It is generally not recommended to visit Château de Fontainebleau on public holidays due to the closure and potentially larger crowds.

Q. What are the Château de Fontainebleau's opening hours for public holidays?

A. Château de Fontainebleau is open for the same hours on a public holiday as it is on a normal day.