Palace of Fontainebleau

To make a day of it

Château de Fontainebleau stands in Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne), in the Île-de-France region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century). Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on November 5, 2026.

A royal residence since the Middle Ages, Fontainebleau castle bears the marks of eight centuries of occupation, from François I to Napoleon III. Visitors find a complex blending medieval structures, Renaissance decoration and classical additions, with furniture and art collections of remarkable scale for a French royal home. The estate also includes extensive grounds bordering the Fontainebleau forest.

Written from Palace of Fontainebleau

What to know

• The château is open every day except Tuesday, from 9.30 am to 5 pm from October to March and until 6 pm from April to September. It is also closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
• Two parking spaces are available within the grounds, accessed via the Cour des Mathurins, Rue Denecourt, opposite the municipal theatre.
• Passengers can be dropped off by car directly in front of the castle entrance.
• The building is listed as a historic monument and forms part of the National Estate established in 2024.
• The grounds include extensive parkland bordering the Fontainebleau forest, suited to a walk after visiting the building.
• Napoleon I made it one of his residences on the eve of his coronation in 1804. He abdicated here on 4 and 6 April 1814 and made his farewells at the foot of the Horseshoe Staircase. The château keeps the only Napoleonic throne room still in existence.
• It was Henri IV’s favourite château. He had Ambroise Dubois decorate the Oval Cabinet, where Louis XIII was born.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Ground floor accessible

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Two parking spaces are available within the château grounds, accessed via the cour des Mathurins (entrance on rue Denecourt, opposite the municipal theatre). Drop-off by car in front of the château entrance is possible.

The Grands Appartements are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The lift can be used on request from a reception staff member. The jardins de Diane and jardin Anglais are accessible to people with reduced mobility; the other gardens are difficult to access due to cobblestones. The Musée Napoléon and certain guided tours (théâtre Impérial, boudoir Turc) are not accessible due to steps.

Where this château is

Fontainebleau · Seine-et-Marne · Île-de-France

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Château phone number

+33 1 60 71 50 70

CallCopy

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00086975

Period of construction

16th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

Coming up at this château

• Sat, November 28

  Conférences : Marie-Antoinette et Louis XVI, entre mythe et réalité

  Seine-et-Marne

• Sun, December 20

  Spectacle de Noël au château

  Seine-et-Marne

In pictures

Frequently asked

Palace of Fontainebleau: how much is admission?

Free for: people with disabilities and one companion upon presentation of supporting documents (carte mobilité inclusion, priority card or foreign equivalent, war-disabled card).

Palace of Fontainebleau: where to buy tickets?

Tickets are sold online by our partner GetYourGuide, linked at the top of this page.

How long does a visit to Fontainebleau castle take?

No exact duration is specified, but the scale of the apartments and collections suggests at least a couple of hours.

Is Fontainebleau castle accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

This information is not available.

Which day is Fontainebleau castle open?

The castle operates with set opening hours on a single day of the week.

Where can I park to visit Fontainebleau castle?

Two parking spaces are available within the grounds, accessed via the Cour des Mathurins, Rue Denecourt, opposite the municipal theatre.

Is Fontainebleau castle a listed historic monument?

Yes, it is a listed historic monument and part of the National Estate established in 2024.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q201428
• Mérimée PA00086975
• Official website

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