A castle with 1,500 rooms, 130 hectares of parkland and gardens, almost 900 years of history… These are the impressive figures for this fascinating fortress to be discovered in Seine-et-Marne. And this historic masterpiece is not the castle of a single sovereign: it was home to many kings and emperors, from the Middle Ages to the Second Empire. Did you recognize it? Located less than an hour from Paris, this architectural jewel promises history lovers and escapade enthusiasts a real trip back in time.
One of the few royal castles to have been continuously inhabited by French sovereigns
Just 67 km to the south-east of the capital lies a château that has literally stood the test of time. Napoleon I himself called it “the home of kings” and even “the home of centuries”. Almost 400 yearsolder than Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the few royal châteaux to have been continuously inhabited by French sovereigns, from the 12th to the 19th century. Thirty-four kings of France and 2 emperors lived here. Its architecture, meanwhile, blends medieval, Renaissance, classical and imperial styles, testifying to an uninterrupted heritage spanning eight centuries.
Secrets, from the Carp Pond to Mona Lisa’s discreet passage to Fontainebleau
One of the wildest anecdotes about the Château de Fontainebleau is the story of its rapid reconstruction after the French Revolution. Empty and abandoned, it was completely refurbished in just 19 days, on Napoleon’s orders, to provide a fitting home for Pope Pius VII. Thanks to architects Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, 40 master apartments, 200 suites and stables for 400 horses were recreated at breakneck speed. But Fontainebleau is also home to mysterious legends, such as that of the fish in the Étang aux Carpes. Four hundred-year-old carp are said to still swim there, and one of them is said to wear a sumptuous gold ring...
Even crazier, the fates of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Château de Fontainebleau once crossed. During the Second World War, the famous painting was discreetly hidden there, sheltered from the bombardments. A little-known story that links the most famous work in the Louvre to that of this historic château.
Horseshoe staircase, exceptional architecture and secret museum
The Château de Fontainebleau also boasts a wealth of Renaissance architecture and sumptuous decor. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it was extensively transformed by François I in the 16th century, who called on Italian artists such as Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio. The result is the sumptuous Galerie François I, a Mannerist gem adorned with frescoes combining mythology and humanism.
Another emblem of the château is the Horseshoe Staircase, built under Louis XIII and a true icon of Fontainebleau. Inside, visitors can also discover Empress Eugenie’s Chinese museum. An intimate and refined space, filled with Far Eastern objects given to Napoleon III or brought back from China. In the past, the Empress used to hold parties here with the Court, in the hushed atmosphere of the Salons. The hidden nugget: the Théâtre Impérial, a 400-seat theatre inaugurated in 1857. The only surviving example of a Second Empire theater, this sumptuous venue has preserved one of France’s largest ensembles of stage sets.
The largest Parterre in Europe, and an idyllic setting, over 130 hectares
The château’s exterior extends the magic of the setting, with 130 hectares of gardens. The 14-hectare Grand Parterre, designed by André Le Nôtre and Louis Le Vau, impresses with its grandeur. And with good reason: at 14 hectares, it is the largest Parterre in Europe! In a different style, the Bassin des Cascades, the Jardin de Diane and the Grand Canal d’Henri IV enchant walkers. Yes, every corner of the gardens reflects an era and a piece of history, shaped by sovereigns.
Beyond… the forest of Fontainebleau and its mysteries…
And to extend your exploration, head for the forest of Fontainebleau… This wooded massif is home to unique flora and fauna, climbing rocks and even a breathtaking white sand dune, just a stone’s throw from the château.
📍Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau