Fontainebleau, less than an hour from Paris, is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Rich in history and nature, it offers an idyllic setting for couples in search of special moments. The Château de Fontainebleau, with its majestic architecture and gardens, and the forest of Fontainebleau, known for its enchanting landscapes, are the jewels in the crown of this destination.
If you're looking for a stopover, a bar or a restaurant, why not discover the newly restored Hôtel Napoléon? With its SPA and gourmet restaurant, it's an ideal choice for a romantic interlude. Be sure to read Napoleon's love letter to Josephine, which adorns the pool wall. Another good idea for an ideally located stay, with spacious, luxurious rooms: theAigle Noir.
You've heard of the Château de Fontainebleau, but have you ever taken one of the guided tours that take you to the secret parts of the castle? We'll take you into the intimacy of the royal couples who have lived here. Among the spaces to discover are the intimate petits appartements, including the dazzling salon des dames d'honneur de l'impératrice, brilliantly restored and arranged on Napoleon's instructions for Josephine in 1807, and the salon Jaune de l'impératrice. Created in 1808, the Grand Salon, located in Empress Josephine's private apartments, stands out as a sumptuous example of Napoleonic decor. The walls of this opulent room are clad in yellow silk decorated with motifs of red palmettes, culottes, volutes, bees and musical symbols, making it the jewel of the Petits Appartements and one of the most remarkable achievements of the Empire style.
Another wonderful discovery is the Théâtre Impérial. Discover this restored jewel of the Château de Fontainebleau and immerse yourself in the history of the Second Empire through a magical and enriching guided tour, putting yourself in the shoes of the characters of the era.
The Galerie François 1er and the Pavillon de l'Etang aux Carpes offer visitors spaces where art, history and romance meet, providing a rich and memorable experience .
For a gourmet brunch or homemade snack, we recommend the new Luwei Brunch Café. Curled up by the fire with gourmet dishes based on local produce and a farmhouse atmosphere, you'll have a great time.
For a gourmet dinner, we recommend you try l'Empreinte or l'Axel, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Fontainebleau. It's the perfect place for a magical dinner.
If you're looking for nature, the Forêt de Fontainebleau is teeming with beautiful walks for two. We recommend the magnificent Sentier de l'Érosion. Accessible and easy to follow, it offers a superb view of the Apremont Gorges. Wind your way through rocks sculpted by nature, and discover the astonishing wooden staircase built to combat erosion.
Another great idea for a walk is the Arboretum de Franchard, a guided tour that takes you on a discovery of the different tree species and their uses.
The Pays de Fontainebleau is also home to the artists' village of Barbizon, where picturesque charm and history mingle with natural beauty. Numerous historical figures, such as George Sand and Alfred de Musset, Elizabeth II and the Prince of Edinburgh, as well as Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais, have been seduced by this unique setting, testifying to Fontainebleau's romantic appeal.
Among your new discoveries, don't miss the Café de l'Esquisse, a superb free museum immersing visitors in the fascinating world of Barbizon and 19th-century European art, with its permanent and temporary collections. And if you're looking for choice accommodation, the hotel offers unique, spacious rooms with a cocooning feel.
Fancy a homemade pastry? Why not settle down for a cup of tea or coffee at Juxtaposition, the high street tearoom.
If you're looking for a charming bed & breakfast, we recommend the Plaine de l'Angélus. Set in a verdant park, this tastefully decorated mansion offers a warm welcome. Spacious, cosy rooms, a cosy fireplace and a royal breakfast await you. Other nuggets in the area include the magical rooms at Château de Bourron-Marlotte and the undeniably charming Château de Brinville.
Fontainebleau is an ideal destination for celebrating love, combining history, culture, nature and romance. It's an invitation to experience unforgettable moments, in the shade of the forest's century-old trees and in the prestigious setting of its château, witness to so many love stories down the centuries.
To discover :
Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
Among the beautiful walks and hikes to be enjoyed in Fontainebleau, don't miss the Sentier de l'érosion loop. Less than 2 kilometers long, this family-friendly walk takes you through the Apremont gorges, between forest and beautiful rocks sculpted by nature. [Read more]
Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses. [Read more]
One fine day, or maybe just one night... you'll discover l'Aigle Noir, this historic hotel ideally located in the town center, in front of the Château de Fontainebleau. We'll take you on a tour of this luxurious bed and breakfast, less than an hour from Paris, for a weekend or a rejuvenating break. [Read more]
Embark on a guided tour of the Château de Fontainebleau to discover the secrets of history through the intimate private apartments of Napoleon, Josephine and Marie-Louise. [Read more]
Discover the restored Théâtre Impérial at the Château de Fontainebleau and immerse yourself in the history of the Second Empire through a magical and enriching guided tour, putting you in the shoes of the characters of the era. [Read more]
Fontainebleau welcomes Luwei Brunch Café, a new address for coffee and brunch lovers. A veritable nugget of homemade dishes and delicacies in a spacious old farmhouse atmosphere, complete with fireplace, we love it. [Read more]
How about a Michelin-starred trip to Fontainebleau? L'Axel is the name of this divine restaurant, run by chef Kunihisa Goto for the past 10 years. Refined French cuisine with a hint of Japanese products, this is the perfect place to make a discovery. [Read more]
Discover the Napoleon in Fontainebleau, renovated with spa, bar and restaurant, for a refined, historic escape. [Read more]
How about a trip to Barbizon? This charming village, 50 km from Paris, immerses us in art and nature on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. Discover our tips for the perfect day out or weekend break. [Read more]
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [Read more]
We're taking you on a Seine-et-Marne getaway to La Plaine de l'Angélus. This charming chambre d'hôte in Chailly-en-Bière, 2 km from Barbizon and close to Fontainebleau, offers a cosy, comfortable setting in a verdant estate. [Read more]
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]
Just 45 minutes from Paris and 18km from Fontainebleau, Château de Brinville offers an unforgettable B&B experience nestled in 2 hectares of verdant parkland. Ready to immerse yourself in the calm of the countryside, in an atmosphere steeped in history and conviviality? [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From February 12, 2024 to December 31, 2028
Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum
L'Aigle Noir, Fontainebleau's historic hotel for a royal stay
Secrets of the Château de Fontainebleau: discover the small apartments
The Théâtre Impérial de Fontainebleau: Visit the restored jewel of the Second Empire
Luwei brunch café, the nugget coffee shop in Fontainebleau
L'Axel, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Fontainebleau
The historic Hôtel Napoléon in Fontainebleau, with spa, bar and restaurant
What to do in Barbizon, the famous village between art and nature?
L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
La Plaine de l'Angélus, charming bed and breakfast near Barbizon and Fontainebleau
Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
Le Château de Brinville, a charming bed and breakfast where you feel like a friend.
Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
