Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is closely linked to French history, serving as a residence from the 12th century until Napoleon III. Its golden age began under François I, who, starting in 1528, had the medieval castle transformed into a Renaissance building. Under the direction of Italian artists like Rosso Fiorentino and Primaticcio, the First School of Fontainebleau emerged, significantly contributing to the spread of the Italian Renaissance in France.The architecture of the Château de Fontainebleau unites elements from several eras, from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to Classicism. The Galerie François Ier is the masterpiece of its Renaissance decoration, while the horseshoe staircase in the Cour des Adieux was only built under Louis XIII. Added to this is its close connection to the surrounding forest, which for centuries was a royal hunting ground and, in the 19th century, attracted the painters of the Barbizon School. This past continues to shape Fontainebleau's townscape and identity to this day.

From Paris Gare de Lyon, Transilien Line R travels in about 40 minutes to Fontainebleau-Avon station, which is about two kilometers outside the center. From the station, buses take you to the center and the castle. The city center and the castle are best explored on foot. For excursions into the forest, bicycles are ideal, which you can rent in the city.