What if this Sunday, you visited one of the most beautiful estates in Île-de-France (and the entire country) for free? No, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke—it’s a genuine gift from the Château de Fontainebleau. Every first Sunday of the month, the château opens its doors to visitors free of charge. A breathtaking place that has hosted 34 kings and 2 emperors! A unique opportunity to discover or rediscover this nearly thousand-year-old estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fontainebleau Castle is free this Sunday
What if this Sunday, you went to explore a remarkable castle without spending a penny? To do so, head to the Château de Fontainebleau, 67 km from Paris. The former residence of the kings of France, it is much older than the famous Château de Versailles.
Inside, the magic remains intact! You’ll discover an astonishing Chinese museum, as well as a sumptuous imperial theater, bearing witness to the splendor of the crowned heads. With 1,500 rooms, it would take almost a lifetime to admire every detail, as this architectural gem has stood the test of time and the ages.
The estate, which spans 130 hectares, will take your breath away. It features various ponds, as well as a massive 14-hectare parterre designed by André Le Nôtre and Louis le Vau. It is, in fact, the largest parterre in Europe! Every corner of the gardens represents an era, an almost living part of our history, and will transport you to different worlds: Henry IV’s Grand Canal, known for its impressive panorama, the Garden of Diana and its romantic waterfalls… There’s something to marvel at with every step.
You get the picture: the Château de Fontainebleau is a must-see, a jewel of our heritage. So this Sunday, you know what you have to do!
📍Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau