Palace and Park of Fontainebleau in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Château de Fontainebleau

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1981
Size of heritage: 144 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,698°
Latitude: 48,402°

Summary

Used by the kings of France from the 12th century, the medieval royal hunting lodge of Fontainebleau, standing at the heart of a vast forest in the Ile-de-France, was transformed, enlarged and embellished in the 16th century by François I, who wanted to make a 'New Rome' of it. Surrounded by an immense park, the Italianate palace combines Renaissance and French artistic traditions.

Location on Map

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Palace and Park of Fontainebleau: A Historic Gem in France

The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, located in the Department of Seine-et-Marne in the Ile-de-France region of France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This magnificent palace complex, spanning over 1,500 rooms and 130 acres of parkland, has witnessed centuries of French history and has been a favorite residence of numerous French monarchs.

Ancient Origins and Royal Residence

The history of the Palace of Fontainebleau dates back to the 12th century when a hunting lodge was built on the site. Over the centuries, it was expanded and transformed into a grand palace by successive French kings, including Louis VII and Philip IV. However, it was during the Renaissance period that Fontainebleau truly flourished under the reign of Francis I.

Francis I, a great patron of the arts, commissioned renowned Italian artists and architects to embellish the palace with exquisite Renaissance features. The result was a harmonious blend of French and Italian architectural styles, making Fontainebleau a unique masterpiece of the Renaissance era.

A Witness to History

Fontainebleau has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history. It served as the backdrop for royal weddings, diplomatic negotiations, and the signing of important treaties. It was also the birthplace and residence of several French monarchs, including Louis XIII and Louis XV.

During the French Revolution, the palace was looted and suffered significant damage. However, it was later restored by Napoleon Bonaparte, who used it as a residence and a symbol of his power. Napoleon's contributions to the palace include the famous Throne Room and the Ballroom.

Current State and Cultural Significance

Today, the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau stand as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of France. The palace is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its opulent interiors, including the stunning François I Gallery, the ornate Napoleon III Apartments, and the iconic Oval Courtyard.

The park surrounding the palace is a haven of tranquility, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, serene lakes, and picturesque walking paths. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, admire the grand fountains, and discover hidden gems such as the Diana Fountain and the Grand Canal.

Address
Distance: 0,2 mi
1 Rue De La Chancellerie
77300 Fontainebleau
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Two Weeks In Fontainebleau 2015

Published: March 28, 2015
Length: 50:09 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Felix Johansson

Names and grades from bleau.info, No personal grades. Le Lépraux 7a 00:26 La Rampe 7a 00:53 Magic Bus 7b+ 01:36 Pitt Boule 7a 02:17 L'Homo ça Pince 7a 03:26 Hibernatus 7b 04:29 Le Plafond...

Château de Fontainebleau Экскурсия с гидом по королевскому замку Фонтенбло

Published: February 10, 2015
Length: 32:50 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Alena Bella

Le château royal de Fontainebleau est un château de styles principalement Renaissance et classique, jouxtant le centre-ville de Fontainebleau, à une soixantaine de kilomètres au sud-est...

Tigre et Dragon, Fontainebleau (Rocher Gréau)

Published: April 10, 2013
Length: 27:38 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Dominik Leinenbach

Hier mal mein erster Versuch ein Video zu cutten. Macht auf jeden Fall mal Gaudi. Der Boulder ist im wunderschönen Fontainebleau =) Tigre et Dragon, 8A Rocher Gréau.