Fontainebleau Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Hiking through Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is one of the largest palaces in France, and it is also a great destination for hiking. There are several well-established trails for forest trekking, ranging from one-hour round trips to five and two hours. The forest is vast and quite pristine, so it's best to go with a companion and plan your trip in advance. Walking through the forests of Fontainebleau, you get up close and personal with nature, feeling like you're in a huge natural oxygen bar. However, it's still very hot in the summer, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Also, the ground here is sandy and gravelly, so watch out for little stones hopping into your shoes.

Fontainebleau, France

The name 'Fontainebleau' unconsciously leads one into endless beautiful reveries. In the sea of thoughts, there are swaying tree shadows, the thin dew of a clear autumn, the transition of seasons, and the eternity of time... Although the Palace of Fontainebleau may not be as grand as the Palace of Versailles, nor as vast as the Louvre, it possesses an elegant simplicity, offering a tranquil and cozy feeling. Traces of architectural styles from various periods since the Renaissance have left their marks here, making it one of the masterpieces of French classical architecture.

11 must-visit small towns around Paris

If you have already checked in at famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and have plenty of time to spend in Paris, we suggest taking a day trip to the suburbs of Paris. Here are the top 11 recommended places for a day trip around Paris. From locations 1 to 6, you can use the NAVIGO card for public transportation (which includes travel from zone 1 to zone 5) to get there. 1. PROVINS, the town of a thousand years Prowansja is a well-preserved medieval-style ancient city. It records the great changes in France from the 11th to the 13th century. In 2001, the entire city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est and get off at Gare de Provins. 2. Chateau de Fontainebleau, also known as the Palace of Fontainebleau. Chateau de Fontainebleau, built in the 12th century, is a large royal palace and castle that served as the residence for monarchs of various French dynasties. In 1528, the Renaissance was introduced to France from here, and various architectural styles were presented. In 1981, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized Chateau de Fontainebleau as a world heritage site. Transportation: Take the TER from Gare de Lyon in Lyon and get off at Fontainebleau Avon Station. Then take bus No.1 in front of the station. (It takes about an hour.) Address: 77300 Fontainebleau 3. Auvers-sur-Oise town in France If you are a fan of the Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh, the town of Auvers Sur Oise is definitely worth a visit. Van Gogh spent his last two months of life here and created many masterpieces before his suicide, such as "The Wheatfield with Crows" and "The Church at Auvers". Therefore, Auvers Sur Oise is also known as the town of Van Gogh. Transportation: Take a train from Gare du Nord in Paris, transfer at Valmondois station, and then get off at Auvers sur Oise station. 4. Chateau de Versailles Versailles Palace is a symbol of the French royal court, also known as the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV spent nearly fifty years from 1665 to expand this most magnificent and spectacular castle in Europe. Therefore, the Palace of Versailles is not only a palace or castle, but also a political tool symbolizing the maximization of monarchic absolutism. Transportation: Take RER C to Château Rive Gauche station. (From Paris Montparnasse train station, it takes about 20 minutes.) Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles Ticket price: Palace of Versailles package (including Palace, Gardens, Trianon Palace, etc.) 20 euros, Palace of Versailles package + Fountain Show 27 euros. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:30 / Closed on Mondays and May 1st. 5. Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte by Nicolas Fouquet The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is located in the small town of Maincy, about 50 kilometers southeast of Paris. It was ordered to be built by Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of King Louis XIV of France, for himself in 1656. Transportation: Take the P line (direction Provins) from Gare de l'Est in Paris and get off at Verneuil l'Etang station. The direct train runs every 60 minutes and takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at Verneuil l'Etang station, transfer to the "Châteaubus" shuttle bus to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which takes about 20 minutes. Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy, France Opening hours: March 23 to November 3, 10:00-19:00 (last admission at 17:00) Ticket prices: Adults 16.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 10.5 euros, children under 6 free. "Candlelight Night" and Christmas: Adults 19.5 euros; minors aged 6-17 13.5 euros, children under 6 free. 6. Chateau de Chantilly Château de Chantilly is located in the suburb of Chantilly, north of Paris, and was built in 1358. It is a gem of French heritage. It takes only about 30 minutes by train from Paris's Gare du Nord. In the medieval period, it was just a fortress. Later, it was successively built and improved by the Duke of Aumale and Henri d'Orléans, making it a magnificent palace that houses countless treasures. Transportation: From Gare du Nord in Paris, take the SNCF train to Chantilly-Gouvieux, 25 minutes, or take the RER D line to Chantilly-Gouvieux, 45 minutes. Address: Château, 7, Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly Ticket: Full price €17.00, half price €10.00 (for children aged 3-17, students or disabled persons). 7. Giverny, the town of Jivani: Monet's Garden This small town with only over 500 people is located 70 kilometers west of Paris in the Upper Normandy region. The town attracts tourists from all over the world because of its association with Claude Monet, the father of French Impressionism, who lived here, and the beautiful Monet Garden. The castle often holds various activities, such as the "Candlelight Nights" held every Saturday from May to October, where the entire castle is illuminated by 2000 candles, creating a very romantic atmosphere. In addition, there are also fireworks performances. Transportation: Take the P line (direction Provins) from Gare de l'Est in Paris and get off at Verneuil l'Etang station. The direct train runs every 60 minutes and takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at Verneuil l'Etang station, transfer to the "Châteaubus" shuttle bus to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which takes about 20 minutes. Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy, France Opening hours: March 23 to November 3, 10:00-19:00 (last admission at 17:00) Ticket prices: Adults 16.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 10.5 euros, children under 6 free. "Candlelight Night" and Christmas: Adults 19.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 13.5 euros, children under 6 free. 8. Honfleur, France Wengfuerer is a beautiful small port city in Normandy. It has picturesque scenery, and every shot is like a postcard. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare and get off at Douvres station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes), then take a bus or taxi for 15 minutes to arrive. 9. SAINT-MALO Saint-Malo was voted the most beautiful town in France in 2019 by the French. It is a port city in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Because it was long occupied by pirates in the past, some people still call it the "City of Pirates". 10. Mont-Saint-Michel Mont-Saint-Michel is a famous sea-floating island and one of the most famous attractions near Paris, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is also the prototype of the animated films "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Castle in the Sky". Transportation: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse train station and get off at Mont-Saint-Michel train station. (It takes about 3 hours.) Then, you can take a shuttle bus for 5-10 minutes or walk for 30 minutes to reach Mont Saint-Michel. 11. Deauville, a seaside town in Normandy. Douvres-la-Délivrande is the nearest seaside town to Paris and a shining gem in the Normandy region. In Honfleur, Douvres-la-Délivrande is also one of the favorite places for Impressionist artists. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare Station to Deauville station. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Douvres-la-Délivrande, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo-Ille-et-Vilaine, Honfleur-Carvedos, Monet's Garden, Château de D'Yerres, Château de Le Plessis-Robinson, Provins-Sena-et-Marne, Fontainebleau Palace, Versailles Palace.

Maple Dan Bai Lu Palace Travelogue

The Palace of Fontainebleau was a palace built by King Louis VI of France in the 12th century, located in the vast forest of Fontainebleau, about 60 kilometers from Paris, and served as a castle for resting during hunting. Fontainebleau Palace is a complex of buildings consisting of an ancient castle main tower, palaces, five courtyards, and four gardens. The overall scale is very large, and many famous architects and artists participated in the design and construction at that time, making it a classic building that combines Italian art of the European Renaissance period and French architectural style. In 1981, it was listed in the World Heritage List. From the side door of the palace, you can enter the beautiful garden, which blends with the Fengdan Bailu Forest. The park is covered with green grass and beautiful scenery, with exquisite art sculptures everywhere. Tall oak trees, linden trees, white birch trees, etc., are lush with leaves. As autumn approaches, the colors of the leaves change, and they become red and white, colorful and beautiful, hence the name "Fontainebleau". The Chinese Pavilion in the Fontainebleau exhibits mostly art treasures from the Old Summer Palace, among which the collection of treasures from the Old Summer Palace is the best and the largest among many Western museums. 🚉Transportation guide: From the city center of Paris, you can take a bus or train to Fontainebleau. 🕙Opening hours: The palace is closed every Tuesday, while the park is open all day.

Napoleon's Imperial Apartments 🛋️👑

#paristrip Step into the opulent Imperial Apartments once occupied by Napoleon I. Lavishly decorated with intricate furnishings and gilded accents, these rooms offer a glimpse into the emperor's life. The Throne Room, with its crimson and gold decor, echoes the grandeur of Napoleon's reign, while the intimate boudoirs provide a more personal perspective. Beyond the château's walls lies the vast Forest of Fontainebleau, a serene expanse that served as a royal hunting ground. Today, visitors can explore its peaceful trails, discover hidden grottoes, and admire the landscape that inspired countless artists, including the Barbizon School painters.

A must-visit in France is the Fontainebleau Forest, immersing yourself in the world of oil painting

The Fontainebleau Forest in France, this mysterious oasis located in the heart of France, is a paradise for nature lovers and artists, and one of the most beautiful forests in France. Here grow oaks, beeches, birches and other conifers, forming a magnificent picture. Especially in autumn, the leaves gradually change color, red and white alternating, forming a unique "Fontainebleau" tone, as if it is the palette of nature. Walking on the forest path, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, as if you are in a natural oil painting. In the early 1930s, it became an informal artist's residence, and later developed into a famous "Barbizon School" for art movements. In the mid-19th century, Fontainebleau became a pilgrimage site for young artists with artistic aspirations. These artists find inspiration here and create many amazing works. If you are interested in art, why not come here to feel the magic of nature and the creation of artists. Fontainebleau Forest is an excellent choice for hiking. You can stroll along the forest path, enjoy the scenery along the way, and feel the charm of nature. If you are interested in photography, don't miss the Fontainebleau Forest. The beautiful scenery here, whether it is sunrise or sunset, can provide you with rich shooting materials. Why not bring your camera and record the beautiful moments here.

Fontainebleau in France is a hunting destination of the Royalties way back centuries. Rock formations are definitely unique in the world. It has easy to medium difficulty trails. #nyedestinations

Since the 12th century, Fontainebleau has become the palace of the French kings hunting, so this palace has a lot of wild fun besides the big one. It is 55 kilometers away from Paris, so if you plan to visit, you must plan your time. After all, Paris is also a blocking city. The day I went to Fontainebleau was a big sunny day. I set off on a day-trip driver's car early in the morning, but it was already 11 noon when I arrived at Fontainebleau. Buying tickets and tickets for the China Pavilion plus the cost of renting an audio guide are a total of 18 Euros. The palace with its own hunting effect is really different. After entering the palace, a large green area separates the palace gate from the palace, showing the majesty of the palace. I first came to the China Pavilion. There are not many tourists here, but there are quite a lot of Chinese cultural relics. Porcelain, seats, lanterns and other collections are very precious and can reflect the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient China. In a foreign country, I saw a "Chinese story" on the porcelain bottle, and there was a sense of intimacy. The Palace of Versailles, people can feel the grandeur. Standing on the second floor, looking at the church from afar, the roof murals are in the eye, and the word brilliant is blurted out. The hall is an excellent court photography in almost every angle. After the side door on the left, you came to another "world" - Fontainebleau Garden. The scenery here has no historical vicissitudes, but retains the aesthetic standards of the aristocratic garden. People are in harmony with the scenery, and the scenery is connected with people. Lazy tourists, like the nobility of the afternoon garden.

Fontainebleau, 55 km from Paris, is the palace of the French king hunting. There are not only splendid palaces, but also the beautiful Fontainebleau gardens. Although the size of the garden is small, it is extremely delicate. Here, people and nature are naturally blended together, and the scenery is naturally connected with people. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Fontainebleau Garden has a white swan that is the most exciting and rare "white beauty". The white swan swimming on the lake makes this historic garden agile and energetic. We stayed here for a long time, and kept looking for opportunities to take photos with the beauty. The beauty of the Buddha knows what we are coming to, and the super match is automatically lying ashore. Wow ~ ~ good intimate...z

Explore the dreamy realm, all in Oville Town

📍🔥Welcome to the tranquil and beautiful Oville Town, like something out of a fairy tale—a mysterious place cherished by nature, steeped in history, and soaked in culture. Here, time seems to slow down, and every inch of land exudes a leisurely lifestyle and a profound cultural heritage. 🇫🇷Oville Town, nestled between green mountains and clear waters, is like a dazzling pearl, shining brightly. Along the ancient cobblestone streets, rows of Victorian-style buildings tell the stories of the years, quaint and elegant. 🚶‍♀️You can stroll through it, feeling the peace and harmony that comes from deep in history, or pause at a refined café, savoring a rich cup of coffee, letting your soul immerse in this tranquil time. 🏜️Here, nature and culture blend together, creating picturesque scenery. You can wander leisurely along the lakeside path, admiring the lake and mountains, experiencing the idyllic life; or visit the museums with a long history, touching the relics that carry endless memories, listening to them narrate the unique history of Oville Town. ✨The night in Oville Town has its own charm, with dim lights and twinkling stars, making one feel as if they are under a sky full of stars, lingering and forgetting to return. The beauty here lies not only in the scenery that meets the eye but also in the state of mind that is far from the hustle and bustle, returning to authenticity. 🩸Come, Oville Town awaits your arrival, let us find the poetry and distance of life together in this charming town, and feel the romance and warmth that is unique to Oville. 👉Here, you will harvest an unforgettable journey, a deep conversation with nature and history, and the most sincere longing and pursuit for a beautiful life. Oville Town, waiting for you to discover, waiting for you to experience!

11 must-visit small towns around Paris

If you have already checked in at famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and have plenty of time to spend in Paris, we suggest taking a day trip to the suburbs of Paris. Here are the top 11 recommended places for a day trip around Paris. From locations 1 to 6, you can use the NAVIGO card for public transportation (which includes travel from zone 1 to zone 5) to get there. 1. PROVINS, the town of a thousand years Prowansja is a well-preserved medieval-style ancient city. It records the great changes in France from the 11th to the 13th century. In 2001, the entire city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est and get off at Gare de Provins. 2. Chateau de Fontainebleau, also known as the Palace of Fontainebleau. Chateau de Fontainebleau, built in the 12th century, is a large royal palace and castle that served as the residence for monarchs of various French dynasties. In 1528, the Renaissance was introduced to France from here, and various architectural styles were presented. In 1981, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized Chateau de Fontainebleau as a world heritage site. Transportation: Take the TER from Gare de Lyon in Lyon and get off at Fontainebleau Avon Station. Then take bus No.1 in front of the station. (It takes about an hour.) Address: 77300 Fontainebleau 3. Auvers-sur-Oise town in France If you are a fan of the Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh, the town of Auvers Sur Oise is definitely worth a visit. Van Gogh spent his last two months of life here and created many masterpieces before his suicide, such as "The Wheatfield with Crows" and "The Church at Auvers". Therefore, Auvers Sur Oise is also known as the town of Van Gogh. Transportation: Take a train from Gare du Nord in Paris, transfer at Valmondois station, and then get off at Auvers sur Oise station. 4. Chateau de Versailles Versailles Palace is a symbol of the French royal court, also known as the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV spent nearly fifty years from 1665 to expand this most magnificent and spectacular castle in Europe. Therefore, the Palace of Versailles is not only a palace or castle, but also a political tool symbolizing the maximization of monarchic absolutism. Transportation: Take RER C to Château Rive Gauche station. (From Paris Montparnasse train station, it takes about 20 minutes.) Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles Ticket price: Palace of Versailles package (including Palace, Gardens, Trianon Palace, etc.) 20 euros, Palace of Versailles package + Fountain Show 27 euros. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:30 / Closed on Mondays and May 1st. 5. Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte by Nicolas Fouquet The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is located in the small town of Maincy, about 50 kilometers southeast of Paris. It was ordered to be built by Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of King Louis XIV of France, for himself in 1656. Transportation: Take the P line (direction Provins) from Gare de l'Est in Paris and get off at Verneuil l'Etang station. The direct train runs every 60 minutes and takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at Verneuil l'Etang station, transfer to the "Châteaubus" shuttle bus to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which takes about 20 minutes. Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy, France Opening hours: March 23 to November 3, 10:00-19:00 (last admission at 17:00) Ticket prices: Adults 16.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 10.5 euros, children under 6 free. "Candlelight Night" and Christmas: Adults 19.5 euros; minors aged 6-17 13.5 euros, children under 6 free. 6. Chateau de Chantilly Château de Chantilly is located in the suburb of Chantilly, north of Paris, and was built in 1358. It is a gem of French heritage. It takes only about 30 minutes by train from Paris's Gare du Nord. In the medieval period, it was just a fortress. Later, it was successively built and improved by the Duke of Aumale and Henri d'Orléans, making it a magnificent palace that houses countless treasures. Transportation: From Gare du Nord in Paris, take the SNCF train to Chantilly-Gouvieux, 25 minutes, or take the RER D line to Chantilly-Gouvieux, 45 minutes. Address: Château, 7, Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly Ticket: Full price €17.00, half price €10.00 (for children aged 3-17, students or disabled persons). 7. Giverny, the town of Jivani: Monet's Garden This small town with only over 500 people is located 70 kilometers west of Paris in the Upper Normandy region. The town attracts tourists from all over the world because of its association with Claude Monet, the father of French Impressionism, who lived here, and the beautiful Monet Garden. The castle often holds various activities, such as the "Candlelight Nights" held every Saturday from May to October, where the entire castle is illuminated by 2000 candles, creating a very romantic atmosphere. In addition, there are also fireworks performances. Transportation: Take the P line (direction Provins) from Gare de l'Est in Paris and get off at Verneuil l'Etang station. The direct train runs every 60 minutes and takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at Verneuil l'Etang station, transfer to the "Châteaubus" shuttle bus to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which takes about 20 minutes. Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy, France Opening hours: March 23 to November 3, 10:00-19:00 (last admission at 17:00) Ticket prices: Adults 16.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 10.5 euros, children under 6 free. "Candlelight Night" and Christmas: Adults 19.5 euros, minors aged 6-17 13.5 euros, children under 6 free. 8. Honfleur, France Wengfuerer is a beautiful small port city in Normandy. It has picturesque scenery, and every shot is like a postcard. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare and get off at Douvres station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes), then take a bus or taxi for 15 minutes to arrive. 9. SAINT-MALO Saint-Malo was voted the most beautiful town in France in 2019 by the French. It is a port city in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Because it was long occupied by pirates in the past, some people still call it the "City of Pirates". 10. Mont-Saint-Michel Mont-Saint-Michel is a famous sea-floating island and one of the most famous attractions near Paris, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is also the prototype of the animated films "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Castle in the Sky". Transportation: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse train station and get off at Mont-Saint-Michel train station. (It takes about 3 hours.) Then, you can take a shuttle bus for 5-10 minutes or walk for 30 minutes to reach Mont Saint-Michel. 11. Deauville, a seaside town in Normandy. Douvres-la-Délivrande is the nearest seaside town to Paris and a shining gem in the Normandy region. In Honfleur, Douvres-la-Délivrande is also one of the favorite places for Impressionist artists. Transportation: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare Station to Deauville station. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Douvres-la-Délivrande, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo-Ille-et-Vilaine, Honfleur-Carvedos, Monet's Garden, Château de D'Yerres, Château de Le Plessis-Robinson, Provins-Sena-et-Marne, Fontainebleau Palace, Versailles Palace.

Auvers-sur-Oise is also known as the Van Gogh town, because on March 30, 1859, Vincent Willem van Gogh was born here. The town is located on the banks of the Oise, 30 km from Paris. The terrain here is ups and downs, antique, and very 19th century style. Places to visit in the town are: Orville Castle and Gardens, Orville Church, the former residence of Doctor Gachet, Van Gogh Statue, Dobini House, Absinthe Museum, and the wheat field. Van Gogh spent the last 90 days of his life in this small town. In his letter to a friend, he said that the town is so beautiful. He felt endless loneliness at the wheat field, so he created it here. The crow in the wheat field, and then the next day, he chose to shoot himself. Finally, he was buried in the cemetery next to the wheat field, accompanied by him is the world's favorite brother Dior, I hope that Van Gogh is no longer lonely in heaven. The center of Orville town is Orville Castle. It is very quiet and there are not many people. Everyone is very friendly. When I pass by, I will smile and give me directions. The scenery of Van Gogh can always be seen on the walls of the town. From the Orville Visitor Center, you can get a Chinese version of the tour, which depicts a tour route called "Van Gogh Road", which corresponds to the background of Van Gogh's 26 paintings. Visiting this town against Van Gogh's paintings, you will find that a century and a half have passed, but it is still the same.