Day trip from Paris
Fontainebleau
A Château Surrounded by Nature
Approximately 40 minutes by train plus local transfer
Why visit
Fontainebleau was home to French monarchs for eight centuries and wears every era of that history in its rooms. It is far quieter than Versailles, and the surrounding forest — a favourite of painters and climbers — turns the visit into a day of both culture and fresh air.
Top things to see
- The Renaissance Gallery of Francis I
- The Royal and Napoleonic apartments
- The horseshoe staircase and Cour d'Honneur
- The English garden, Grand Parterre and carp pond
- The walking and bouldering trails of Fontainebleau Forest
Suggested one-day plan
Take a train from Paris and continue by bus to the château, starting with the royal apartments and galleries.
Lunch in Fontainebleau town, a short walk from the palace gates.
Walk the palace gardens, then head into the forest for a marked trail or a look at the famous sandstone boulders.
Return by bus and train to Paris.
Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon reach Fontainebleau–Avon in around 40 minutes. The château is about 3 km from the station, so take the local bus that meets the trains or a taxi rather than planning to walk from the platform.
Around 6–8 hours, including forest time.
- The château is closed on Tuesdays.
- Forest trails are well marked but sturdy shoes are advisable.
- Barbizon, the painters' village, is an easy add-on if you have a car.
- Buy a combined train and bus ticket where available to simplify the transfer.