Fontainebleau Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Fontainebleau, France with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations/excursions.


Introduction to Fontainebleau

Located in the Île-de-France region of France and just 55 kilometers southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau is most famous for its chateau, which was the residence of French kings for over eight centuries. But there’s more to this charming town than just the chateau. Nestled in the heart of the forest, Fontainebleau offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventure seekers, as well as museums, galleries, and markets for those interested in cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Fontainebleau

Featuring a rich history, Fontainebleau has a long list of places to visit. Here are some must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fontainebleau Chateau
  • Musée Napoléonien d’Art et d’Histoire Militaire
  • Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale
  • Les Écuries du Roi (The King’s Stables)

Natural Attractions of Fontainebleau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fontainebleau Forest
  • Gorges d’Apremont
  • Aérial Park
  • Outdoor sports center “La Salamandre”

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a paradise for hikers and bikers with over 300 kilometers of marked trails through the forest. For the best routes, such as the Circuit des 25 Bosses, and Le Rocher Canon, visit the Fontainebleau tourism office or hire a guide to make the most of your experience.

Best Things to Do in Fontainebleau: Activities and Tours

  • Enjoy a Guided Tour of Fontainebleau Château
  • Go Bouldering in Fontainebleau Forest
  • Visit Fontainebleau’s Farmers’ Market
  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Fontainebleau’s Forest
  • Have a Picnic by the Canal of Loing in Samoreau
  • Take a Bike Tour of Fontainebleau’s Villages or Vineyards
  • Enjoy Traditional French Pastries at a Local Bakery

Week-Long Itinerary for Fontainebleau

Day 1: Visit the Château de Fontainebleau and the town center

Day 2: Explore the Fontainebleau Forest on foot or bike

Day 3: Visit the Musée Napoléonien d’Art et d’Histoire Militaire and Les Écuries du Roi

Day 4: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Fontainebleau’s forest or take a bike tour of surrounding villages or vineyards.

Day 5: Go bouldering in the forest or visit the Gorges d’Apremont

Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby Avon and hike the Chemin de la Vallée de la Bièvre

Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day in Fontainebleau’s farmers’ market and visit local patisseries.

Food and Drink Scene of Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is renowned for its gastronomy, with a range of local dishes and drinks that reflect the region’s rich history.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boeuf à la Bourguignonne (Beef stew with red wine)
  • Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails)
  • Coq au vin (Chicken cooked in red wine)
  • Brie de Meaux
  • Croissants

Local Beverages

  • Wine from the Île-de-France region (red, white, and rosé)
  • Fontainebleau Beer (Craft Beer Made by Local Brewers)

Where to Stay in Fontainebleau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fontainebleau offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to guesthouses. Guesthouse La Folie Barbison is a charming and inexpensive option, Hotel La Demeure Du Parc is a premier hotel located near the chateau, and the friendly Hostellerie du Bas Breau is also highly recommended.

What to Buy in Fontainebleau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

In Fontainebleau, visitors can find a great range of local products, including pottery, artisanal toys, crafted crystal glassware, and local perfumes. Make sure to visit the weekly markets in Fontainebleau town center to bring home authentic French goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Fontainebleau

French culture is vibrant and diverse, with rich traditions and customs. In Fontainebleau, it is essential to respect the local customs by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and greeting locals with a friendly “Bonjour”.

Best Time to Visit Fontainebleau

The best time to visit Fontainebleau is during late spring and early autumn when the forests come to life with vibrant colors. If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, the winter season is an ideal period to explore this region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fontainebleau

Do:

  • Take a guided tour of the Fontainebleau Chateau for an authentic experience.
  • Respect the local customs and language.
  • Visit the weekly markets in the town center and enjoy local products.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the Forests and other public places.
  • Enter religious sites without appropriate attire.
  • Be overly loud and obnoxious in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fontainebleau

  • Be vigilant about pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Be careful and follow proper regulations while enjoying outdoor activities in the forest.
  • Watch out for uneven pavements in older sections of the town center.

Health in Fontainebleau

  • French quality medical care is readily available in Fontainebleau in case of an emergency.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water while enjoying outdoor activities, especially on sunny days in the forest.

Getting to Fontainebleau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fontainebleau

  • Paris Orly: 45 kilometers from Fontainebleau
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle: 90 kilometers from Fontainebleau

Bus Stations Near Fontainebleau

  • Fontainebleau – Avon train station
  • Bus Route #34 from Gare de Lyon stop Barbizieux in Fontainebleau

Other Options

  • Driving – Motorways A6, A5, and A77 access Fontainebleau.
  • Train – Fontainebleau-Avon train station connects travelers to Paris in 35 minutes.

How to Get Around in Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a relatively small town and is best explored on foot or by bike. There is also a bus network connecting the town center to other destinations in the vicinity.

Where to Go Next from Fontainebleau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Paris: For those who haven’t visited the “City of Light,” a day trip to Paris is a must.
  • Champs-sur-Marne: A picturesque town known for its 18th century Château.
  • Milly-la-Forêt: A quaint town known for its local markets and art galleries.
  • Barbizon: The “Village of Painters,” where many leading artists once lived and worked.

Conclusion

Fontainebleau has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs to foodies and culture-seekers. With rich history, natural beauty, excellent food, and many more attractions, Fontainebleau is a perfect destination for a memorable vacation. So, start planning your trip today and discover this idyllic corner of France!

Château de Fontainebleau Château de Fontainebleau Le bassin des cascades in the park of the Château de Fontainebleau Le bassin des cascades in the park of the Château de Fontainebleau Château de Fontainebleau interior Château de Fontainebleau interior