Fontainebleau Market
Awarded the "Exceptional Market" distinction in 1996 by the National Council of Culinary Arts.
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Find it at local fromageries or the market.
Try it at a traditional cafe near the palace.
Visit a patisserie around the Rue des Sablons.
Tri-weekly market for fresh food and antiques.
The main street for boutiques, bakeries, and local crafts.
Take a long walk around the calm waters of the Grand Canal.
Explore the quiet hiking trails near the famous sandstone boulders.
Water temperature…
Awarded the "Exceptional Market" distinction in 1996 by the National Council of Culinary Arts.
A unique chance to discover Marie-Antoinette's apartments exactly as they were during her last stay in 1786.
The Château de Fontainebleau presents stage costumes by Christian Lacroix, inspired by the elegance and audacity of Marie-Antoinette.
Artist Francesca Sangiorgi presents her personal work: a black-and-white universe illuminated by red moons.
Become a privileged guest at the French Royal Court during this special night tour!
Discover the world of agility at the European Championship held at Grand Parquet!
Located about 55 kilometers southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau is internationally renowned for its majestic château and the immense forest that surrounds it. The Château de Fontainebleau served as a continuous residence for French kings and emperors for over eight centuries, witnessing the reigns of monarchs from Francis I to Napoleon Bonaparte. Visitors can explore the opulently furnished royal apartments, the fascinating Napoleon Museum, and the expansive, formally designed gardens created by André Le Nôtre. The town itself exudes an elegant, almost village-like charm, characterized by cobbled streets, chic boutiques, and inviting pavement cafes. The local covered market is a lively spot to sample regional produce, including excellent Brie cheese and fresh pastries. Fontainebleau is also a premier equestrian destination, frequently hosting international show-jumping competitions at the Grand Parquet arena. The presence of the prestigious INSEAD business school brings a young, cosmopolitan crowd to the town, adding a modern energy to its historic streets. A trip here perfectly blends grand French history with a relaxed, sophisticated lifestyle on the edge of a magnificent natural landscape.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 48 | 52 | 41 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 57 | 42 | 59 | 60 | 66 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the lively city center at Place de la République. After a brief visit to Saint-Louis Church, devote your morning to the magnificent Palace of Fontainebleau, the residence of many French monarchs. The afternoon is dedicated to the vast gardens, from the intimate Diana's Garden to the monumental Grand Parterre. Finish your day with culinary delights on Rue de la Paroisse.
The morning starts at Republic Square, where nearby cafes provide shelter before visiting the Saint-Louis church. At midday, the magnificent Palace of Fontainebleau offers the perfect dry sanctuary for hours of interior exploration. In the afternoon, the gardens and the Carp Pond have a unique atmosphere in the rain, best enjoyed with a sturdy umbrella. The evening concludes warmly in the cozy bistros of Rue de la Paroisse, away from the wet streets.
A crisp winter morning begins in town, where hot coffee at the market square is the perfect start. At midday, warm up in the heated, ornate halls of the palace while admiring the royal splendor. In the afternoon, the low winter sun casts a magical light over the gardens before the early 5:00 PM sunset. The evening is best spent enjoying the festive city lights and the warm ambiance of local eateries.
Explore Fontainebleau and its surroundings actively by bike. After touring the palace and its gardens, cycle deep into the famous forest. Denecourt Tower offers spectacular views before you continue to the charming artists' village of Barbizon. The return trip takes you through shaded forest paths back to the bustling city center.
A rainy cycling day starts at the palace, where wet cobblestones require careful riding. At midday, cycle through the Fontainebleau forest, where the canopy provides some cover from light rain. In the afternoon, reach the village of Barbizon, perfect for ducking into galleries to escape the wet. In the evening, head back to the city center and park your bike for a well-deserved dry dinner.
On a clear winter morning, cycle to the palace as frost covers the statues in the garden. At midday, the tour leads through the forest, where bare trees offer wide views of the rock formations. In the afternoon, warm up in picturesque Barbizon with a hot drink before the cold sets in. In the evening, return to the city center before dark as the lights on Rue Grande begin to glow.
By car, you can combine the grand Palace of Fontainebleau with the region's highlights. After the palace tour, explore the Gorges de Franchard in the forest. A stop in picturesque Barbizon immerses you in the world of painters before visiting the breathtaking Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace. The day ends with a relaxed dinner in Fontainebleau city center.
The car tour begins comfortably at the palace while rain drums on the windshield. At midday, drive through the misty Gorges de Franchard, a mystical sight from the car. In the afternoon, visit the grand Vaux-le-Vicomte palace, whose interiors are perfect for bad weather. In the evening, park near the center of Fontainebleau for a short, dry walk to your restaurant.
Start your winter tour comfortably at the palace while the car heater warms up. At midday, explore Gorges de Franchard, where frost whites the crevices of the rocks. In the afternoon, admire the Christmas decorations at Vaux-le-Vicomte, a regional highlight. In the evening, return to Fontainebleau, park safely, and enjoy the city lights.
