Located an hour's drive from Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau was the residence of French monarchs from Louis VII through Napoleon III. It was here where Napoleon I abdicated his throne before being exiled to Elba. The medieval castle and later château is now a national museum and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This former resort and hunting residence surrounded by a huge park is composed of elements from different styles such as medieval, Renaissance, and classical. François I wanted to create a "new Rome" in Fontainebleau and that's why there is a mixture of Italian art and French tradition.

The castle is famous for its antique furniture, which it holds one of the most important collections. Explore the grounds and you will find a large number of Renaissance masterpieces ranging from paintings to sculptures and artworks. Don't miss the very refined interior decoration of the famous Marie-Antoinette and the apartments of Napoleon.

The Château de Fontainebleau is open every day except Tuesday and January 1, May 1, and December 25. Opening hours are from 9:30 am to 6 pm from April to September and from 9:30 am to 5 pm from October to March.