Fontainebleau Palace Tour | Royal History Near Paris

FONTAINEBLEAU

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Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte with audioguide

Discover two of the most beautiful castles in the Paris region. You will first visit the palace of Fontainebleau with your visioguide and then, enter the castle of Vaux le Vicomte in a traditional way or by following the Fouquet plot. Sett off from our meeting point in the center of Paris at 9:15am for the first stop of the day : Fontainebleau castle. After an 1 hour and 15 min ride you will enter the forest of Fontainebleau to directly get to the impressive castle. Fontainebleau is the only royal and imperial château ...

9 hours by Coach | English
From 95 €

Guided Visit of Fontainbleau & Vaux le Vicomte | FVNG

Experience an unforgettable guided tour from Paris that immerses you in the history of two beautiful french castles: the Château de Vaux Le Vicomte which inspired the construction of the Palace of Versailles and the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau. Depart from our agency at 9.15 am in a luxury air-conditioned coach and reach the Château de Vaux le Vicomte after about one hour drive. Discover the refinement and architectural richness of the Vaux le Vicomte château with your guide. Admire the beautiful old stones ...

9 hour(s) | English
From 99 €

Fontainebleau Palace Tour – The True Home of French Kings

Discover one of France’s most remarkable royal residences with a Fontainebleau Palace Tour. Located just outside Paris, the Palace of Fontainebleau is a living chronicle of French history, having been continuously inhabited by kings and emperors for more than 800 years.

Unlike Versailles, built to glorify a single reign, Fontainebleau evolved across centuries. Each ruler left a personal imprint, making the palace a unique blend of medieval origins, Renaissance innovation, classical refinement, and imperial grandeur. Rich in history yet far less crowded, Fontainebleau offers an intimate and deeply authentic royal experience.

A Palace Shaped by History

Fontainebleau’s story begins in the Middle Ages as a hunting lodge before being transformed by King Francis I, who turned it into a Renaissance masterpiece. By inviting Italian artists to France, he created the School of Fontainebleau, which forever changed French art and decoration.

Later monarchs expanded and embellished the palace, but it was Napoleon Bonaparte who left one of the strongest emotional legacies. Fontainebleau was his favored residence, and it was here, in 1814, that he bid farewell to his Imperial Guard — a defining moment in European history.

Art, Architecture & Royal Apartments

A guided visit to Fontainebleau reveals an extraordinary wealth of artistic detail, including:

  • Lavish royal and imperial apartments
  • Magnificent frescoes and stucco work
  • Grand ceremonial halls and chapels
  • The iconic Horseshoe Staircase, a symbol of royal power

Every room reflects the ambitions, tastes, and personal stories of those who ruled France.

The Forest of Fontainebleau

Surrounding the palace is the vast Forest of Fontainebleau, once reserved for royal hunts. With its ancient trees, scenic paths, and dramatic rock formations, the forest offers a peaceful contrast to the palace’s opulence and completes the Fontainebleau experience.

Why Visit Fontainebleau with a Guide?

A Fontainebleau Palace guided tour transforms the visit into a rich historical journey. A knowledgeable guide provides:

  • Context for centuries of royal history
  • Insight into art, symbolism, and architecture
  • Stories of kings, queens, and emperors
  • Access to details often missed when visiting alone

Ideal for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a refined alternative to Versailles.

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