Things to do in Fontainebleau

La Prophétie des Horloges

2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden borders the Louvre to the east, Place de la Concorde to the west, and the Seine to the south. It was originally commissioned by Queen Catherine de' Medici and later redesigned by the court garden master Le Nôtre as a formal French garden. A tree-lined avenue runs east-west through the center of the garden, flanked by symmetrically arranged, neatly trimmed flowerbeds and chestnut tree-lined walks. It is an important link in Paris's historic axis, which starts from the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel beside the Louvre, passes through the garden, and extends westward. Since the eighteenth century, various sculptures and vases have been installed in the garden, numbering over a hundred to date, and it is known as an "open-air museum." The sculpture subjects cover ancient Roman historical figures and Greek mythology; many are by celebrated masters, and some are replicas of works in the Louvre's collection. Beside the octagonal pond at the western end of the garden stands a group of sculptures themed on allegories and ancient Roman historical figures, with a fountain in the center of the pond where wild ducks often play on the water. The chairs placed by the pond can be moved freely, allowing visitors to sit and rest at ease and experience the Parisian way of relaxing in parks that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The garden is also home to two buildings, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, featuring Monet's Water Lilies and contemporary video art, respectively. The entire garden is ideal for strolling and viewing; walking along the tree-lined avenues or sitting for a while by the ponds are both classic ways to experience Parisian city life.

No. 15 of Best Things to Do in France

The National Residence of the Invalids

The National Residence of the Invalids was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670. At that time, the king wished to provide a residence and rehabilitation facility for soldiers who were wounded, elderly, or ill and unable to continue serving, allowing them to spend their remaining years in a peaceful and tranquil environment. The construction of The National Residence of the Invalids was overseen by architect Libéral Bruant, with the first phase beginning in March 1671 and completed in February 1677. The first group of disabled veterans moved in as early as 1674. Jules Hardouin-Mansart later took over the design and construction, and the entire complex was not officially completed until 1706. The National Residence of the Invalids is a masterpiece of Baroque architectural style, combining symmetry, simplicity, and solemnity, and is regarded as one of the iconic buildings of French classicism. The sculptural decorations on the building highlight the praise of the "Sun King" Louis XIV and a distinct military theme. Its main axis consists of the central grand courtyard and the church extending southward, composed of several quadrilateral courtyard-style buildings and 2 churches. The golden dome building is the main structure, with the dome standing 107 m above the ground, adorned with intricate patterns and statues, all made of gilded materials. The interior of the vault is painted with numerous frescoes depicting stories of Christ. Today, The National Residence of the Invalids still serves its original function of housing and accommodating disabled soldiers, while also being home to military museums, including the Musée de l'Armée. The museum's collections span from ancient and medieval times to contemporary French history, with over 500,000 artifacts. The National Residence of the Invalids is regarded as a symbol of French honor, and every French president fires a salute here during their inauguration. Additionally, The National Residence of the Invalids hosts various cultural activities and exhibitions, making it an important cultural exchange venue in Paris.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in France

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic royal chapel on the Île de la Cité in Paris, built in the mid-13th century under the order of King Louis IX of France in less than seven years. It was originally conceived as a grand "reliquary": Louis IX commissioned this chapel to house over 20 Passion relics purchased from Byzantium—including the Crown of Thorns and fragments of the True Cross—whose collective cost nearly equaled half the kingdom's annual revenue, with the Crown of Thorns alone exceeding the chapel's construction expenses. The architectural highlight lies in the upper royal chapel: 15 stained-glass windows towering over 10 m high virtually replace stone walls, depicting more than 1,100 biblical scenes from Genesis to the relics' arrival in Paris, while the 15th-century rose window at the western end illustrates the Apocalypse. Ascending via a narrow spiral staircase from the lower chapel, visitors are greeted by a dazzling interplay of blue-violet and crimson light beneath a deep-blue vault studded with golden fleurs-de-lis; the pillars' lily motifs symbolize the French monarchy, and twelve apostle statues line the walls. The lower chapel, once used by palace staff, features simpler decor but preserves the 13th-century Annunciation mural—considered among Paris's oldest surviving frescoes. Note that relics like the Crown of Thorns were removed after the French Revolution (the Crown was later transferred to Notre-Dame Cathedral), so travelers visiting specifically for them should adjust expectations. Tucked within the Palais de Justice complex, the chapel's entrance requires following signage and passing security checks, with queues often demanding patience. Regular classical concerts held here—where performances unfold under the stained-glass glow at night—are a deliberately planned experience for many travelers.

No. 1 of Activities in France

Museums in Paris

Paris, the romantic city known as the "City of Light", not only attracts tourists from all over the world with its magnificent architecture, elegant streets and charming Seine River scenery, but also becomes a paradise for art lovers and history seekers with its rich cultural heritage and museum clusters. Walking in the streets and alleys of Paris, you can inadvertently encounter museums carrying heavy historical and artistic treasures. As the oldest and most famous museum in the world, the Louvre has a huge art collection spanning ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages to modern times, and each work is a shining pearl of human civilization. The Musée d'Orsay is famous for its rich Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. The masterpieces of masters such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh are gathered here, taking people through time and space to feel the charm and passion of the art revolution from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Guided Art Tour: Wandering through the Louvre's vaulted corridors, sunlight filters through the glass pyramid onto worn stone steps. Beyond seeking the Mona Lisa, the dancing light between columns and the breathing rhythm of sculptures alone compose an intoxicating visual symphony. Museum Pass: With a pass in hand, glide freely from the clock tower of Musée d'Orsay to the steel jungle of Centre Pompidou. Resting beside The Thinker in Rodin's garden, then transitioning into the Oriental zen of Guimet Museum - artistic boundaries effortlessly dissolve. Fun Themed Museums: In the sweet air of perfume, learn how spices become exquisite works of art; Trying ancient tricks with one's own hands at the Magic Museum, these special themed halls make cultural experiences vivid and touchable. Historical Journey: Under the stone vaults of Cluny Museum, trace the intricate weave of 15th-century tapestries; walking through Notre Dame's archaeological crypt, listen to the heartbeat of Paris evolving through centuries.

No. 19 of Best Things to Do in France

Pantheon

The Pantheon is located on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the Latin Quarter on the left bank of the Seine in Paris. It was originally built as a church by King Louis XV to fulfill a vow. When Louis XV was seriously ill, he made a vow to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, and after recovering, he ordered the construction of this church dedicated to her. Before its completion, the French Revolution broke out, and from 1791, it was converted into a mausoleum for national figures. Dozens of thinkers, writers, and scientists, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Dumas, and the Curies, have been laid to rest here. Viewed from the square, the facade features a row of corinthian columns imitating ancient Greek temples, supporting a triangular pediment. The pediment relief, carved by sculptor David d'Angers, depicts the homeland and liberty crowning great figures, among whom Voltaire, Rousseau, and Napoleon can be recognized; the lintel bears the inscription "Aux grands hommes, la Patrie reconnaissante," meaning "To the great men, the grateful homeland." The building's layout forms a Greek cross, with its dome consisting of three nested shells, reaching approx. 83 m in height including the cross atop the lantern. The hall's walls are adorned with large-scale frescoes, where artists like Puvis de Chavannes portray the life of Saint Genevieve, alongside scenes of French historical figures such as Joan of Arc; standing directly beneath the dome and looking up, one can glimpse Gros's fresco "The Apotheosis of Saint Genevieve" through the opening in the inner dome. The center of the hall is suspended with Foucault's pendulum. In 1851, physicist Foucault publicly demonstrated the Earth's rotation here using a long pendulum hanging from the dome, and the pendulum currently displayed in the hall is a replica. At the far end of the hall, the altar area stands Sicard's sculptural group "The National Convention," commemorating the French Revolution. Above the sculptures, the apse mosaic depicts Christ instructing France's guardian angel on the nation's destiny. The coexistence of these two themes in one hall bears witness to the building's multiple transformations in identity. The underground crypt is located behind the main hall. Descending the stairs leads to a dimly lit arched passage, with simple and unadorned burial chambers on both sides. Voltaire and Rousseau, who engaged in relentless debates during their lifetimes, lie in tombs directly facing each other. Hugo, Dumas, and Zola are buried side by side, while the Curies and Louis Braille, the inventor of braille, also rest here. Most tombs are marked only by engraved names on the coffins, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere. To reach the dome's colonnade for a panoramic view of Paris, follow the guided tour to the top—be aware that there are many steps, so proceed according to your ability.

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Tour Denecourt Fontainebleau

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Bateaux Parisiens Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens is a famous Seine River cruise company in Paris, offering a classic river sightseeing experience Bateaux Parisiens is famous for lunch/dinner cruises and offers a Michelin chef collaboration menu. Some packages include live music or personalized celebrations (such as proposals, anniversaries) Support multi-language services, enjoy quiet and romantic night cruises

Camping Les Prés - Aquadis Loisirs