Are you looking for the best things to do in Fontainebleau?
Located to the southeast of Paris, the city of Fontainebleau is another destination worthy of your time. This charming city is known for its buildings that are rich in history.
One of those is the Fontainebleau Palace, built by the French royalty which is home to the Napoleon Museum and Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir. Aside from the palace, Fontainebleau is also known for its forest that surrounds the town and the chateau.
The Fontainebleau Forest is one of the favorite weekend getaways of both locals and tourists because of the scenic view it provides. Therefore, the town will welcome you with a mix of city and nature vibes.
To get to Fontainebleau, you can take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon towards Laroche-Migennes and get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station. Fontainebleau is an hour train ride from Paris.
Now that you have an idea of how to get to Fontainebleau, the next step is to become familiar with the various interesting things to do in the city so that you can make the most of your time there. Follow this list, to know more.
Things you'll find in this article
- 8 Things To Do In Fontainebleau
- 1. Spend some time in the magnificent Chateau de Fontainebleau
- 2. Drop by at the Chapelle de la Trinité
- 3. Experience awe at the breathtaking panorama of the English Garden
- 4. Have a reflexology session at Reflexologie Avon
- 5. Enjoy a good side trip at Fontainebleau Golf Club
- 6. Try a new adventure with Evasion canine
- 7. Have a taste of traditional French cuisine in Le Bistrot 9
- 8. Row a boat at the Grand Lake of Fontainebleau
- Where to stay in Fontainebleau
8 Things To Do In Fontainebleau
1. Spend some time in the magnificent Chateau de Fontainebleau
A trip to Fontainebleau would not be complete without visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau. It is one of the largest royal chateaux in France and has played a significant role in the history of the country. It was the official residence of a series of French monarchs, including Louis VII and Napoleon III of France.
The long history of the chateau and its famous features, such as the Gallery of Francis and the Gallery of Stags, led to its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other significant features include the unique horseshoe stairway.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau is now used as a national museum, making it an excellent destination for those with an interest in history.
2. Drop by at the Chapelle de la Trinité
The Chapelle de la Trinite is a chapel within the Château de Fontainebleau. It is a significant architectural structure in Fontainebleau with intriguing characteristics. Despite its age and modest structure, it features several diverse rooms, an open inner hallway, and a high ceiling with a unique design.
The interior of the Chapelle de la Trinite was designed by many historical French personalities. The chapel was actually rebuilt under Henri II and completed by Louis XIII. Martin Freminet painted exquisite paintings of scenes from the mystery of the Redemption of Man on the vault.
Furthermore, the Chapelle de la Trinite is where Louis XV and Leszczy got married in 1725 and where Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized.
3. Experience awe at the breathtaking panorama of the English Garden
The English Garden also referred to as the Jardin Anglais, is a park in Fontainebleau that is situated in close proximity to both the Carrousel and Fontaine Belle Eau.
A French architect named Maximillian Hurtault was responsible for the garden’s design.
Visiting the garden will allow you to discover some of the towering exotic trees in France as well as the carved sculptures that are associated with a French history.
In addition, the Jardin Anglais is surrounded with beautiful fountains where you can take photos. The garden also has a large lush green lawn area with landscaped shrubbery perfect for picnicking.
4. Have a reflexology session at Reflexologie Avon
Hand and foot reflexology treatments are available at Reflexologie Avon, which are suitable for all ages. It is a small family-owned business that will make you feel relaxed and comfortable for forty-five minutes per session.
A foot bath, a brief evaluation, a therapeutic experience using foot reflexology, and treatment that focuses on calming the five senses are included in each and every session.
You will be able to relax and learn at the same time at Reflexologie Avon because the staff will provide you with knowledge about the benefits of reflexology as well as what to do to avoid experiencing body aches.
Your overall experience at Reflexologie Avon will be completed with freshly squeezed juice and a moment of reflection before leaving.
5. Enjoy a good side trip at Fontainebleau Golf Club
Fontainebleau golf club is one of the longest and most charming golf clubs in France ideal for people who want to go golfing near Paris or just a good side trip to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. It is a great golf club inside the wonderful Fontainebleau Forest.
Julien Chantepie was the one who came up with the concept for it in 1909, but Tom Simpson made some adjustments to it 10 years later. However, the layout and character of the golf course have been preserved, despite the fact that the golf club has undergone a number of renovations in recent years.
Playing golf at the Fontainebleau Golf Club, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful getaways in Fontainebleau, is a great way to challenge yourself, meet new people, and strengthen relationships with the people you care about.
6. Try a new adventure with Evasion canine
Kart racing with sled dogs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re traveling to France and want to do something new and exciting.
Evasion Canine was founded in 2014 as a result of Christian PERLWITZ’s desire to share his knowledge and expertise with other people who are enthusiastic amateurs.
In addition to this, he breeds his own dogs in order to produce new champions and improve the temperament and performance of his dogs when they are racing karts.
Evasion Canine will allow you to share special moments with dogs. Additionally, you can enjoy an exciting race and a pleasant interaction with other dog races.
7. Have a taste of traditional French cuisine in Le Bistrot 9
If you want to get the most out of your vacation in France, make sure you try some of the regional and classic dishes that are popular there.
You will have the opportunity to sample an extensive selection of the cuisine of France when you visit Le Bistrot 9 in Fontainebleau. A restaurant and wine bar with a Belle Epoque ambiance can be found here.
The restaurant has a friendly reception so you’ll be welcomed with a warm atmosphere. Le Bistrot 9 also has a terrace that allows customers to eat outside, especially during summer.
Le Bistrot 9 is known for its innovative cuisine, which comes at a very reasonable price. On the menu, you’ll find items such as veal kidney with rice, homemade profiteroles, salmon tartare with mango, and many other options.
8. Row a boat at the Grand Lake of Fontainebleau
One of the most intriguing things to do in Fontainebleau is to rent a boat and row about Grant Lake, which is located just behind the château.
You can explore the area using rented boats, which are accessible from the left side of the castle. While rowing, you can take in the magnificent view of the chateau and the swans teeming the entire lake.
In addition, in order to get the most out of the experience of rowing a boat, it is a good idea to bring along some snacks and a bottle of wine to enjoy while you are out on the water.
Where to stay in Fontainebleau
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.