Four Days in Fontainebleau

  • Day 1: Château de Fontainebleau
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Fontainebleau-Avon station

    Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once a residence of French kings. The palace boasts a collection of furniture, paintings, and tapestries, and has vast gardens surrounding it.

  • Day 2: Fontainebleau Forest
    20 minutes (10 miles) from Château de Fontainebleau

    Fontainebleau Forest is a beautiful and vast forest that offers numerous trails for hiking and bouldering. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

  • Day 3: Milly-la-Forêt
    30 minutes (15 miles) from Fontainebleau Forest

    Milly-la-Forêt is a charming village known for its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and Halle du XVème siècle - a covered marketplace. It's also home to the beautiful Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples, a Renaissance-style chapel.

  • Day 4: Barbizon
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Milly-la-Forêt

    Barbizon is a picturesque village that was once home to renowned artists such as Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau. It's a great place to explore art galleries, have a leisurely lunch, and take a walk through the beautiful countryside.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Château de Fontainebleau (2-3 hours, €12)
  • Fontainebleau Forest (4-6 hours, free)
  • Milly-la-Forêt (4-5 hours, free)
  • Barbizon (2-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €12

Transportation

Travellers can take a direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station, which takes approximately 40 minutes and costs €8-€14 per person, one way. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available to get around Fontainebleau and neighbouring villages.

Useful tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby Palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte, a grand 17th-century château, or spend an entire day exploring the Fontainebleau Forest. If you have less time, skip Milly-la-Forêt and spend more time at the Château de Fontainebleau.

Airports

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the closest airport to Fontainebleau, located approximately 31 miles away. The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the next closest and is approximately 45 miles away. Both airports offer a variety of transportation options to get to Fontainebleau.

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