The Palace of Fontainebleau is a grand château located in the town of Fontainebleau, about fifty miles southeast of Paris. It has been home to many French monarchs, including Louis VII, Napoleon III, and Charles X. The palace was built in the 12th century and has been remodeled several times over the centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and houses a large collection of art.
The Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest and most beautiful royal palaces in France. It was built in the 16th century by King Francis I, and it has been the home of many French kings since then. The palace is full of stunning artwork and architecture, and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
If you are ever in France, be sure to visit the Palace of Fontainebleau!

Paris to Fontainebleau
Paris to Fontainebleau is a beautiful journey by train that takes you through some of France’s most stunning countryside. The trip takes just over an hour, and along the way, you’ll see everything from rolling hills and vineyards to forests and rivers. The best time to take this trip is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
But no matter when you go, you’re sure to enjoy this scenic journey through France.
What is Fontainebleau Famous For?
Fontainebleau is a commune in the metropolitan area of Paris, France. It is located 55.5 kilometers (34.5 mi) south-southeast of the center of Paris. Although usually referred to as Fontainebleau, the commune’s name is officially Fontaine-de-Ville in reference to one of its most famous landmarks, the Château de Fontainebleau.
The commune has been renowned for centuries for several reasons: The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau are UNESCO World Heritage Sites; The forest of Fontainebleau is one of the largest forests in France;
Many artists have resided or worked in Fontainebleau, including Nicolas Poussin, Jean Fouquet, Pierre Augereau, and Henri Rousseau; It has been host to a number of important historical events such as the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1544), which saw Francis I sign away large parts of what is now Italy and Burgundy; The town was once home to a large Royal Air Force base during World War II;
Fontainebleau hosts one of France’s largest universities outside Paris, INSEAD business school. Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Palace and Park at Fontainebleu – making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
Who Lived in the Palace of Fontainebleau?
The Palace of Fontainebleau was the residence of many French monarchs, from Louis VII to Napoleon III. It is located in the commune of Fontainebleau, about 50 miles southeast of Paris. In 1137, King Louis VI acquired the estate and built a hunting lodge on the site.
His son, Louis VII, expanded it into a royal palace in the 12th century. Several medieval buildings were incorporated into the structure, including an old keep (tower). Over the centuries, successive monarchs made their mark on the palace with additions and renovations.
King Francois, I added a Renaissance-style wing in the early 16th century. His grandson, King Henri II, built a new wing and added an incredible gallery of tapestries. King Louis XIII had his own apartments constructed within the palace complex.
His successor, King Louis XIV, undertook major expansion projects that transformed Fontainebleau into one of Europe’s largest royal residences. The “Sun King” oversaw the construction of a new chateau as well as extensive landscaping work in the surrounding gardens and parklands. After France’s monarchy was abolished in 1789, Fontainebleau was turned into a national museum but fell into disrepair over time.
In 1814–15 it served as headquarters for Emperor Napoleon I during his brief exile; he signed his act of abdication here in April 1814 before being sent to Elba Island off Italy’s west coast. The following year Napoleon returned to power and made Fontainebleau his home once again until his final defeat at Waterloo and subsequent exile to St Helena Island in October 1815 ended his reign for good.

What Castle Did King Francis And Queen Mary Live In?
King Francis and Queen Mary lived in the Castle of Amboise. The castle is located in the town of Amboise, in the Loire Valley region of France. It is a large castle with many rooms and towers.
The castle has a beautiful garden and a lot of history.
Is Fontainebleau Bigger Than Versailles?
While both Fontainebleau and Versailles are large, sprawling estates, Fontainebleau is actually slightly larger than Versailles. Fontainebleau spans approximately 640 acres, while Versailles spans about 630 acres. Additionally, Fontainebleau has more buildings than Versailles – around 1,500 compared to Versailles 700.
So while both are impressive in size, if you’re looking for the biggest estate, Fontainebleau is the way to go.
Fontainebleau, France: Royal Château
Conclusion
The Fontainebleau Palace is a former royal palace located in the town of Fontainebleau, in the Île-de-France region of France. It was one of the largest and most beautiful French royal palaces of the 16th century. The palace was built by King Francis I in 1528, and it served as a residence for several French monarchs over the next few centuries.
The palace was badly damaged during the French Revolution, but it was restored to its former glory in 1814. Today, the Fontainebleau Palace is open to the public as a museum.