Fontainbleau Palace is one of the first places in the history of France and all of Europe: from the 12th to the 19th century a total of 34 French rulers visited here – from Louis VI Tolstoy to Napoleon III. With each century kings expanded their chambers, building to existing buildings new galleries, apartments, halls. So the palace turned into a huge, treasure-filled box.

Fontainbleau served the French rulers for seven centuries, and it was only with the collapse of the Empire in 1870 that it permanently ceased to perform its historical functions and was turned into a museum.

Back in the 12 century, there was a modest hunting lodge on the site of Fontainbleau. But hunting at the royal court was always an important component, where many political and even love issues were solved, so the French monarchs did not regret the construction of a hunting residence of money. In the 16 century, King Francis I invited architects and masters from Italy to build and finish the interiors, which gave a finished appearance to the ensemble.

It should be noted that Fontenbleau is not only a palace, but also a luxurious park, ponds and pudding. Kings of France, generation after generation, decorated and expanded halls and rooms.

The King – Sun Louis IV is known to have been much loved, so it was Fontenbleau that became the site of the monarch ‘s love adventures. Anna of Austria lived here for many years. However, we recommend you to re-read “Three Musketeers” – many scenes of the novel and characters are connected to this place.

Due to its distance from Paris, the palace was not vandalized during the French Revolution, and subsequently became Napoleon Bonaparte ‘s favourite residence. By the way, it was in the walls of Fontenbleau Napoleon Bonaparte signed his renunciation in 1814: the coffee table, on which the era of victories of France ended, will necessarily show you – it is preserved.

By the way, another landmark event of the 20th century took place in  Fontenbleau  – in 1974 there was a summit of heads of six European countries, which resulted in the birth of the European Union in 1974.

Opening hours:
The castle is open all year round:
October to March 9:30 am to 5 pm
April to 9:30 AM to 18.00
Cost of entrance tickets:
Adult: 10 euros, Children ‘s: 8 euros (audio guide included in ticket price)