Explore the lavish castles of French monarchs during your trip to France.

Emperor Napoleon once referred to Fontainebleau Castle as the “true residence of kings.” Located approximately 60km from Paris, this unique attraction is a must-visit when in France.

Discover the opulent castles of French monarchs during your travels in France.

During our month-long European adventure, we felt compelled to visit this extravagant castle of French monarchs mentioned in Vietnamese history.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site since 1981, Fontainebleau Castle, situated over sixty kilometers southeast of Paris, has witnessed eight centuries of reign by various dynasties: Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte, and Orléans.

To experience Fontainebleau in a day, start your morning journey from central Paris by taking metro line 14 to Lyon station, then purchase a train ticket to Fontainebleau station. Trains operate frequently throughout the day. Upon arrival at Fontainebleau station, head outside to catch the complimentary bus number 1 directly to the castle gate, as bus fare is included in the train ticket for round-trip travel. This bus stops right at the entrance to Fontainebleau Castle.

Upon purchasing tickets to Fontainebleau at Lyon station, we were cautioned to meticulously inspect the prices listed on them. Although marked at 7 euros per person, the attendant, noticing our foreign status, swiftly sold us 4 tickets, demanding 70 euros instead of the correct 28 euros. Upon tendering a 100 euro note, he returned a mere 30 euros.

Boarding the train, I scrutinized the tickets only to discover the clear indication of a 7 euro fare—a pass valid for 24 hours on all public transports. Lodging a complaint proved futile, lacking evidence of our exorbitant payment. Every experience bears its tuition fee.

The architectural ensemble of Fontainebleau comprises two distinct features: the palace architecture and the park architecture. The Fontainebleau Palace amalgamates Renaissance aesthetics with French artistic traditions. It's the birthplace of the Fontainebleau School—an artistic movement that prevailed in French art until the mid-18th century.

Encompassing the palace is an extensive park spanning 115 hectares, adorned with vast expanses of water, where graceful swans serenely glide.

In the 12th century, Fontainebleau was initially a vast hunting ground amidst a sprawling forest, spanning up to 17,000 hectares, reserved for royal leisure. By the 16th century, during François I's reign, he aimed to transform Fontainebleau into a 'New Rome', leading to the expansion and enhancement of the palace over time. It stands as an architectural masterpiece, blending the styles of France and Italy of that era.

During the French Revolution, the entire furnishings of the Fontainebleau Palace were confiscated, and the castle served as a military camp and later a prison. In 1804, Emperor Napoleon restored Fontainebleau's grandeur by furnishing it anew, hosting frequent concerts and plays, and governing France from its halls. It was within these walls that Napoleon signed his abdication in 1814.

In 1946, this castle hosted the Fontainebleau Conference discussing peace for Indochina between the French Government and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

During autumn, gentle rains grace this castle, blending with soft golden sunlight, enhancing its legendary antiquity and adding a touch of romanticism amidst the sprawling gardens.

Be cautious here. Metros and bus stops often harbor pickpockets when least expected.

Source: Phunuonline.com.vn

***

Reference: Travel guide from Mytour