Fontainebleau is a historic town in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, southeast of Paris. It is known above all for its château, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for the forest that surrounds the town.
What to see
- The château de Fontainebleau, a royal palace whose buildings and gardens give the town its character and its World Heritage status.
- The surrounding forest, a large wooded area that stretches across the town's outskirts and makes an easy contrast to the palace.
- The town itself, a compact place to wander between the château and the forest.
Who it suits
Fontainebleau makes a good day trip from Paris for visitors interested in French architecture and royal history. It also appeals to climbers, since the forest is popular for rock climbing, and to anyone who enjoys walking among trees and rock outcrops away from the city.
Because the town is small, it is simple to combine a visit to the château with time in the forest in a single day. Visitors who want a slower pace can spend longer in the town and its surroundings, moving between historic streets and open woodland.
