Palace of Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau, France
A royal residence used by kings from the 12th century to Napoleon III, with Renaissance galleries and large parks. Closed on Tuesdays; the surrounding forest is known for its sandstone boulders.
The Palace of Fontainebleau is documented as a royal residence from 1137, though it is probably older. The kings valued it as an autumn residence and hunting lodge because of the game and springs in the surrounding forest. Francis I turned the medieval castle into a Renaissance palace; his gallery (begun in 1528, decorated 1533 to 1539) brought the Italian style to France. On 20 April 1814 Napoleon bade farewell to his Old Guard in the Cour du Cheval Blanc. Napoleon III had a theatre built here between 1854 and 1857.
The palace and park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Highlights include the Gallery of Francis I with its wood panelling, stucco and frescoes by Rosso and Primaticcio, the Church of the Trinity, the Ball Room, the Emperor's Throne Room and Napoleon's apartments. The gardens show three centuries of French garden art, from the Renaissance garden to Le Nôtre's parterre and an English landscape garden; the park contains the Fountain of Diana and the cascade basin.
Guidebooks describe the crowds as much smaller than at Versailles. In the walled park you can watch birds early in the morning. It is about 65 km from Paris; trains run from the Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, and from there it is about a 30-minute walk. Allow half a day to a full day for palace and gardens.
- Nearest town
- Fontainebleau, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.4022, 2.7002
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Municipal de SamoreauCampsite4 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Les Courtilles du LidoCampsite8 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Les PrésCampsite10 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- La Belle ÉtoileCampsite14 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- La MusardièreCampsite15 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Le Cattiaux campingCampsite24 km from Palace of FontainebleauTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Palace of Fontainebleau?
Palace of Fontainebleau is in Fontainebleau, France, at GPS 48.4022, 2.7002. It is about 48 km from Provins.
Can you camp near Palace of Fontainebleau?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Municipal de Samoreau, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Palace of Fontainebleau?
Palace of Fontainebleau is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Royal châteaux around Paris.
What is there to see near Palace of Fontainebleau?
Places worth a stop nearby: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (18 km), Medieval Provins (47 km), Palace of Versailles (62 km) and Fleury Abbey (72 km).
When is the best time to visit Palace of Fontainebleau?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)