Palace of Fontainebleau

  • Historic site and monument
  • Historic patrimony
  • Castle
Allée de Maintenon
Etang aux carpes
Galerie François 1er

Surrounded by 130 hectares of grounds and gardens, the Château de Fontainebleau, inscribed since 1981 on the UNESCO world heritage list, opens its doors to art and history enthusiasts.

Fontainebleau has a proud history of having been a sovereign residence for eight centuries.

Constantly lived in, converted, decorated and enhanced, Fontainebleau held a special place in the hearts of all sovereigns who reigned in France, from the accession of Louis VII in 1137 to the abdication of Napoleon III in 1870. Each sovereign embellished the residence of their predecessors.

Francis I, Henry IV, Louis XV and Louis XVI bequeathed us the most exceptional artworks of their time. Napoleon I, viewing it as "the true dwelling of kings, the residence of the centuries", quickly restored and refurbished the château that the Revolution had emptied.

The Château de Fontainebleau has featured a little train, allowing visitors to discover the grounds and gardens in a fun way. An audio-guide is available in 7 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Russian).

Opening and closing times

From 01/04 to 30/09 between 9.30 am and 6 pm. Closed on Tuesday. Last admission and closing of the ticket office: 5.15pm

and closing of the ticket office: 4.15pm

Some areas close early. It is recommended to allow 2 hours for a free and complete visit of the castle. For optimal comfort, it is preferable to arrive before 3pm.

From 01/10 to 31/03 between 9.30 am and 5 pm. Closed on Tuesday. Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th. Last admission and closing of the ticket office: 4.15pm

Some areas close early. It is recommended to allow 2 hours for a free and complete visit of the castle. For optimal comfort, it is preferable to arrive before 3pm.

Rates

Free entry for children < 26 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.

Volume ticketing: discount on the group rate depending on the number of tickets purchased.

Adult group rate: guided tour 190 euros in French/ 250 euros in foreign languages + entrance ticket.

Full price: 14 €
Reduced price: 12 €
Group adults: 11 €.

Free entry for children < 26 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.

Visite is free of charge first Sunday of each month except in July and August

Paris Museum Pass accepted: free access.

Payment methods accepted

  • Bank/credit card
  • Check
  • Travellers Cheque
  • Cash

Reception

Types of customers

  • Children
  • Couples
  • Groups

Groups

  • Minimum number of people : 20

Animals

  • Animals accepted

Additional information

  • Horse-drawn carriage rides, miniature train, canoeing, jeu de Paume. Takeaway food in the gardens.

Visits

Types of visits available

  • Unguided individual tours available permanently

Average length of visit

  • 120 minutes (individual)

Services and facilities

Facilities

  • Cloakroom
  • Defibrillator
  • Parking nearby
  • Toilets

Services

  • Room hire
  • Shop

Activities

  • Activity
  • Children's entertainment
  • Concert
  • Shows
  • Temporary exhibition
  • Theatre

Languages

Spoken languages

  • English
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Documentation languages

  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Visit languages

  • English
  • French
  • Italian

Audioguide languages

  • Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Accessibility

  • Hearing disability
  • Mental disability
  • Visual disability
  • Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
  • WC + grab handle + adequate space to move
  • Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities

Access

- Train :
40 minutes from Gare de Lyon (Main Lines), Fontainebleau-Avon station, then Bus line 1, La Poste-Château stop.

- By car / By bus :
45 minutes from Porte d'Orléans or d'Italie
From Paris, take the A6 (Porte d'Orléans or Porte d'Italie), exit at Fontainebleau. Head towards Fontainebleau, then follow the signs for "Château".

Plan your route

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