Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is a popular destination for those looking for a day trip from Paris. Once here, it can be a full day of fun for the entire family. From touring the massive interior to boating in the lake, riding a Segway around the parks or even taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, there is plenty to do. Picnicking is allowed on the grounds, and a tea room is open in the late spring and summer with large terraces for relaxation.  As with many châteaux in France, Fontainebleau experienced no small amount of disrepair after the Revolution. The castle as it stands today is influenced by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, who made extensive renovations and restorations – and who eventually abdicated within its walls before going to Elba, Italy, in exile.

Practical Info

The Château de Fontainebleau is open Wednesday through Monday and closes on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1. The full base price for the majority of the castle is €11; there are extra fees for additional interior areas and discounts for large families and groups, as well as foreigners under 25. Kids ages 17 and under get in for free, and the grounds are open and free for all. A commuter train from Paris arrives at Fontainebleau-Avon; from there, the A line local bus takes visitors to the entrance (about 10 minutes).