Fontainebleau Forest

The Forest of Fontainebleau, located about 60 kilometers south of Paris, is one of France's largest and most scenic woodland areas. Covering approximately 25,000 hectares, it is home to exceptional biodiversity and has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1998. The landscape is defined by dense broadleaf forests, expansive heathlands, and unique sandstone rock formations that have made it a world-renowned destination for bouldering. Historically, the forest served for centuries as a royal hunting ground, closely linked to the adjacent Château de Fontainebleau. In the 19th century, it became a major source of inspiration for artists of the Barbizon school, who pioneered plein air painting within its glades. Today, it is a premier recreational area for Parisians and tourists alike, featuring an extensive network of over 1,100 kilometers of marked hiking trails. Conservation efforts in the forest are pioneering, dating back to 1861 when the world's first nature reserves were established here at the urging of concerned local artists.

Nearby cities

Créteil

Créteil is the capital of the Val-de-Marne department, known for its innovative modern architecture and large artificial lake.

Vitry-sur-Seine

Vitry-sur-Seine is an industrial city south of Paris, now famous for its vibrant street art scene and the MAC VAL contemporary art museum.

Champigny-sur-Marne

A vibrant city on the banks of the Marne, known for its parks and its role in the Franco-Prussian War.

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés

This city, almost entirely surrounded by a loop of the Marne river, is known for its high quality of life and residential villas.

Noisy-le-Grand

A city east of Paris known for its futuristic architecture and its role in the Marne-la-Vallée business district.

Antony

Antony is a prosperous city south of Paris, known for its high quality of life, numerous parks, and excellent transport links.

Ivry-sur-Seine

Ivry-sur-Seine is an industrial city on the southeastern edge of Paris, known for its avant-garde architecture and working-class culture.

Maisons-Alfort

An elegant city at the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers, world-renowned for its prestigious veterinary school.

Fontenay-sous-Bois

Fontenay-sous-Bois is an eastern Parisian suburb bordering the Bois de Vincennes, known for its mix of residential charm and a major busi…

Évry-Courcouronnes

A young and modern city south of Paris, known for its modern cathedral and as a hub for the aerospace industry.

Évry

Évry is a planned city south of Paris, acting as the prefecture of the Essonne department and a major hub for biotechnology and aerospace…

Villejuif

Villejuif is a city south of Paris, internationally renowned as a major center for cancer research and medical excellence.

Corbeil-Essonnes

Corbeil-Essonnes is a historic industrial city south of Paris, located at the confluence of the Essonne and Seine rivers.

Savigny-sur-Orge

A historic city in the Essonne department, known for its 15th-century castle and its peaceful setting along the Orge river.

Melun

The historic prefecture of Seine-et-Marne, located on the Seine and famous for its authentic Brie de Melun cheese.