As you know, the area around Paris is full of hidden gems! Among them is the Château de Fontainebleau. A magnificent estate that holds nearly 900 years of history… Home to numerous kings and emperors, from the Middle Ages through the Second Empire, it is one of the jewels of French heritage. In fact, key moments in French history took place within its walls…
Fontainebleau Castle: An Estate Steeped in History
Just 67 km southeast of the capital lies a castle that has literally stood the test of time. Napoleon I himself called it the “abode of kings” and even the “house of the centuries.” Older than Versailles by 400 years, the Château de Fontainebleau has been the scene of numerous historic events.
Among the wildest anecdotes is the fact that Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa stayed here briefly during World War II to escape the bombings. Emperor Napoleon signed his abdication in 1814 in one of the castle’s salons… In short, as you can see, the estate still holds many secrets and anecdotes about French history. That’s a testament to just how important this place is!
6 November 2026 09:30 + more dates
Château de Fontainebleau
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the palace is an architectural masterpiece. Its horseshoe-shaped staircase has long served as inspiration for France’s most beautiful estates. Inside, visitors will discover numerous salons, as well as Empress Eugénie’s Chinese Museum and the Imperial Theater. A gem of the Second Empire that is sure to impress you.
In short, with its roughly 1,500 rooms, its 130-hectare park designed by André Le Nôtre and Louis Le Vau, and its exceptional architecture, the Château de Fontainebleau is undoubtedly a must-see!
📍Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau