Although the palace of Fontainebleau has never been the main residence of kings, most of them loved it and made it an emblematic royal palace, especially from Renaissance time.
Near a forest rich in game, it welcomed head of states from the 12th century until the end of the 19th century.
The palace of Fontainebleau is a genuine history book to browse...
Standard duration: From 2 hrs to a full day
Price: 250€ for a half day, 450€ for a full day (up to 10 people) Quote on request for larger groups.
Flat price. Tickets and transports not included. Please contact me for an estimate.
We will see together: Francis the 1st gallery, Ballroom, Throne room, Trinity chapel, other rooms and the gardens
Other tours in this region: Palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte, hiking tours
© Caroline Weber
From what age is the tour recommended?
Generally speaking, Fontainebleau is for everyone. The palace tells so many stories that any child can get an interest in it. But it is also a very wide palace, which seems already quite long to visit for adults, and consequently tiring for young children. That's why I recommend this tour from 8 years old.
How can we go to Fontainebleau?
The palace is about 40 minutes away from the railway station of Fontainebleau-Avon (line R) if you walk, 10 minutes by bus. A regular service of bus connects the station and the palace. It is possible to meet me at Fontainebleau-Avon station or immediatly in front of the the palace. Otherwise I can pick you up anywhere in Paris to help you to get tickets and accompany you by public transports or book the services of a private driver for you.
How long is the tour?
The tour of the palace lasts 2 hours but it is more than worthy to enjoy the gardens, so I recommend 3 hours. Don't forget to calculate your return: the train takes about 40 minutes from Fontainebleau to Paris.
With the service of a driver, Fontainebleau is a 5 hours trip. This tour can be combined with another visit of the east of Paris (Palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte, hiking tours) if you prefer to spend a full day out of the capital.
You can also desire to visit the Napoleon museum inside the palace, which is a different tour. In this case, it is better to plan a full day in Fontainebleau: the Napoleon museum in the morning and the palace in the afternoon.
Is there a day we cannot visit the palace with a guide?
The palace of Fontainebleau is closed on Tuesdays and on some public holidays (January 1, May 1, December 25). Also, guides are not allowed in the museum when the entrance is free: every first Sunday of each month.
When is the best time to avoid the crowd?
Mornings are crowded in the palace during the busy season (May to September) but it starts to be better from 11am. The best days are Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Is this visit wheelchair accesible ?
The palace of Fontainebleau itself is accessible. The park and the gardens are hard to access in a wheelchair, but it is possible to see the essential without any problem.
Good to know
The service of transports is good to and from Fontainebleau.
There is not much air con in France, including in museums. Don't overdress in summer and get a fan if you can.
Prepare bottles of water if you plan to spend a full day out of Paris. A hat is always a good idea in summer, especially for children.
