CRB

Freaking amazing visit, inside and out just beautiful, you can actually feel the evolution throughout the centuries as it was so well used I visited all the major castle in France, and this one is an absolute must see for history/ castle fans. Also for Napoleon geeks, some artefacts, like field tents, the hat etc are showcased .

I wish I could give this place 10 stars! Frankly, when there are so many queues for Versailles and this gem is not too far from Paris, I can't recommend this enough. We visited end January (a Sunday afternoon) and couldn't believe that there were so little visitors that we could take so many photos, as if from a brochure. We didn't book but even managed to get a guided tour - although if going during holiday season(s), I would recommend you book. The longest time to wait was for security. Absolutely mind-blowing to see such beauty around every corner in the main château (includes the Napoleon museum) and so easy to read the information in every room, as not crowded. We also had a guided tour of Napoleon's apartments, which I highly recommend. Super guide that really made it all come alive and imagine château life during that era. Photos don't give this visit justice. Transport: Easy to come by train from Paris (also by car but takes officially 1h30 but each time I drive here it takes about 2 hours with traffic jams). Great for a day trip, as plenty choice of restaurants and walking in the grounds (which is free).

The grounds are open and easy to explore, and the inside of the palace costs only €17 per person, which is absolutely worth it. They have lockers with built‑in locks for your belongings (inside the palace), making it simple to walk around. The town just outside the grounds is really charming too. This is one of those places you should make time for — it might even deserve a second trip. The décor is incredibly intricate, and the architecture is stunning throughout. I definitely recommend checking it out.

A beautiful and surprisingly calm château, full of rich history and stunning rooms without the heavy crowds of Paris. The gardens alone are worth the visit—Fontainebleau feels elegant, authentic, and wonderfully lived-in.

Amazing palace! Smaller than Versailles but worth visiting with a huge France history heritage! The museum of Napoleon is very good. Also, the gardens are amazing.

This is a surprisingly overlooked château. It has a longer period of royal residence than Versailles and is especially important for the history of Napoleon. The historical explanations are excellent. The gardens are beautiful. And it is not crowded like Versailles.

If you are into big historical chateaus and nature and walking, you should not miss. Long trails in near forest. Prepare for long walks if you want to see the whole area. Always buy tickets before hand, you can’t usually buy the tickets when you go. Take train R from Paris and then there are buses to the front of the building or if you prefer walk from the station, it takes around 40 minutes. R train sometimes stops at the forest and lets you walk the trails into the Fontainebleau but it is a long walk. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the station, they have good bike trails. Visiting the Napoleon museum and whole buildings takes around 1 hour without guide, with guides 2-3. To visiting whole gardens, takes around 2 hours, if you want to take the trails too, it would be a long day as the forest are full of trails. As for restaurants in the chateau, not many. There is an area where you can take a brunch for 30 euro and a cafe just near for cafe or sandwiches. I am not a fan of its cafe though. Maybe even better if you take some bread from the center (before you enter the area, there are good local shops) and some cheese etc, to make your own sandwich and eat in the gardens or forest. Crowded at weekends and worse during public holidays. Always a queue at front to enter even if you have the tickets. We waited around 20 minutes to get in on a Sunday (public holiday). Still worths a visit, we liked it.

One day trip from Paris. Not so crowded as Versailles. You could have more time to enjoy the museum by yourself. It's garden is awesome to walk after the visit to château especially on a sunny day.