Fontainebleau – A Royal Story Beyond Versailles

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

We leave Paris in the morning from your hotel and driving to Fontainebleau Palace. Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls. Reaching there, the guide will give you an orientation along with your entrance ticket.

A lot of attractions are available on these 130 hectares of parks and gardens, including horse-drawn carriage rides, jeu de paume (real tennis) games, Segway rides, boating, ice-cream and hot-air balloon trips. The keep, which dates from 1137, is the most visible remaining medieval feature. Some of the interior passageways and spiral staircases set within these great walls are witness to this era. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been home to four museums: The Empress’ Chinese Museum (1863), The Napoleon I Museum (1986), The Galerie de Peinture (Paintings Gallery) (1998) and The Furniture Gallery (2009).

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Chateau de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau Palace, the treasure of France and one of the largest in the country

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Entrance Fees

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Pick up from the hotel and drop off

Food and drinks

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Meeting points

Chateau de Fontainebleau

Pl. du General-de-Gaulle, Fontainebleau France

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Options

Fontainebleau – A Royal Story Beyond Versailles

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

1 review

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beautiful fully furnished historic castle and grounds which rival Versailles without all the crowds
CANDACE L,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful castle about 1 hour drive from Paris. Our guide picked us up at our hotel at 1PM and we returned to Paris by 6PM. He provided historical information regarding the castle on the trip there as well as recommendations for additional excursions we could take that match our interests. Fontainebleau is a sprawling, stunning castle which encapsulates thousands of years of history and architectural styles. Built originally during the reign of Phillip 1 of France (1060-1108) this castle housed Kings and dignitaries through Napoleon III in 1870. Its beauty and gardens rival Versailles but it has none of the massive crowds. We visited the castle on a cold January afternoon and were able to have much of the castle to ourselves, as barely 100 tourists were there. Unfortunately due to the weather the Gardens were closed but visible from the windows above. One could easily spend a few days here absorbing the grandeur, beauty, and history of the palace and exploring the expansive gardens and surrounding forests. If this castle isn’t on your “bucket list” of things to do in Paris you should add it. I would love to return on a warmer day and explore the gardens and grounds. The lack of crowds is also preferred as you can take your time to explore and not feel rushed or overwhelmed by too many people. Numerous activities are offered on the grounds (hot air balloon ride and horseback riding). We didn’t have time to explore the little town. There is a cafe and restroom facilities on the grounds. However, the town is directly adjacent and offers additional dining options. Treat yourself to this stunning historic museum!