Overview
Fontainebleau is a historic royal town 55.5 km south of Paris that serves as a favourite weekend getaway for Parisians. The town centers on one of France's most beautiful châteaux, a 7-century residence of French kings and emperors, surrounded by a vast forest with sandstone boulders perfect for climbing.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Money
Currency is euros (€). Most establishments accept credit cards. ATMs available in town center near Rue Grande.
Packing
Bring comfortable walking shoes for the château grounds and forest trails. Layers recommended for unpredictable weather.
Safety
The forest is generally safe but inform someone of hiking plans in remote areas. Stick to marked trails.
Transport
RER D from Paris Gare de Lyon takes about 40-50 minutes to Fontainebleau. Trains run regularly throughout the day.
Weather
Forest trails can be muddy in spring and autumn. Summer brings longer opening hours at the château (09:30-18:00 vs 09:30-17:00 in winter).