Skip to main content
Top Fontainebleau activities
Top Fontainebleau landmarks
Beyond Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau trip ideas
Chateau de Fontainebleau at sunset, Île-de-France, France

Things to do in  Fontainebleau

Move over, Versailles

Just southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau is an elegant suburb surrounded by forest. At the heart of the city is its star attraction: the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau, an enormous 12th-century palace that served as a royal residence for centuries. While the chateau alone is enough to draw droves of visitors, there are plenty of other things to do in Fontainebleau. Go hiking and rock climbing in the nearby forest, get on the saddle for an equestrian adventure, or take in the scenery from a hot-air balloon.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Top 3 attractions in Fontainebleau

Top activities in Fontainebleau

See all Fontainebleau tours

All about Fontainebleau

Local Currency
Euro (€)
When to visit

Fontainebleau is lovely throughout the year, though summers are most popular, especially among travelers interested in hiking and other outdoor activities. If your main reason for visiting is to see the palace, you're best off visiting during the week, when crowds are typically smaller. Just note that the chateau is closed on Tuesdays, May 1, and Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Getting around

Fontainebleau is easy to get around and is well-connected to Paris and other destinations in the Île-de-France region via train and bus. Many people visit on tours from Paris that include transport, while others rent bikes in Fontainebleau and pedal themselves around. Bus line 1 connects the Fontainebleau-Avon Train Station with the city center and typically runs every 15 minutes. Get off at the Bibliothèque for the chateau.

Traveler tips

For fans of fine dining, Fontainbleau's biggest draw is not its magnificent chateau or its forest trails. Gourmands come to the city to visit L’Axel, a Michelin-starred spot that serves lunch and dinner in a compact dining room. Although the food here is decidedly French, the Japanese chef adds his own touch using ingredients more commonly found in Japanese cuisine.

en
fd5ebc2b-9f28-45d3-8288-875c59c42390
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:What are the main attractions in the Château de Fontainebleau?
A:

Some of the main attractions in the Château de Fontainebleau include the Renaissance rooms, the Papal Apartment, the apartments of Napoleon I, and the boudoirs of Marie Antoinette. There's also a palace museum that covers the history of the palace in depth as well as beautifully manicured gardens that are open to the public.

Q:Can you visit Fontainebleau on a day trip from Paris?
A:

Yes, you can visit Fontainebleau on a day trip from Paris. Take Transilien train R from Gare de Lyon in Paris and reach the city in about 45 minutes, though it's easier to join a tour that includes pickup from your Paris hotel. The journey by road takes around an hour.

Q:When is the best time of year to visit Fontainebleau?
A:

Fontainebleau is a year-round destination, and while the chateau closes a little earlier in the winter months, it’s only closed on Tuesdays and a few select holidays. For great weather, consider visiting in the summer months (June to September)—just expect big crowds.

Q:Are there any notable restaurants or cafés in Fontainebleau?
A:

Yes, there are lots of great cafés and restaurants in Fontainebleau, which range from casual to high-end. Popular options include Le Petit Corne Biche, La Salamandre, and La Poterne, the Brittany-style Crêperie Hirondelle, and Michelin-starred L'Axel. You can also have lunch at the Château de Fontainebleau's onsite restaurant.

Q:Are guided tours available for exploring Fontainebleau?
A:

Yes, there are guided tours of Fontainebleau. Many operate as day trips from Paris and most focus on visiting the Château de Fontainebleau and its elegant gardens. Some include lunch and activities such as horseback riding or visiting the Château Vaux le Vicomte.

Q:Can I rent bicycles in Fontainebleau to explore the area?
A:

Yes, you can rent bicycles in Fontainebleau. Choose from regular bikes or upgrade to an electric bike if you want to exert less energy. Helmets and locks are typically also available. Alternatively, you can rent a bike in Paris and take it on the train.

More Tours in Fontainebleau

Things to do near Fontainebleau

Popular on Viator