Castle of Fontainebleau
★★★★☆
The castle of Fontainebleau is one of the biggest royal palaces in France, serving as a royal residence for eight centuries.
The "True home of kings, house of centuries," as Napoleon liked to call it, has been inhabited by great historical figures.
Kings and queens, emperors, and empresses have all striven to enhance the chateau, making it an outstanding testimony of history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first structure on the site was built in the 12th century and used as a hunting lodge by the kings of France.
Hunting at Fontainebleau in the 12th century
The original medieval fortress was replaced by a Renaissance palace under the guiding hand of King Francois the First.
Desiring to make his residence a "New Rome," Francois adorned the chateau with the finest elements of the Renaissance, creating an extraordinary artistic center.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - The Gallery of Francois I
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King Louis the Fourteenth, Catherine de Medici, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon Bonaparte have all lived within these walls transforming the chateau into a huge palace where many significant historical events have been played out.
Fontainebleau is one of the most furnished palaces in Europe, with more than forty thousand works of art.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - view of a furnished room
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Embellished over the centuries, the castle was pillaged during the French Revolution.
It was completely refurnished by Napoleon the First and Josephine and then enriched by his successors.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - Grand Hall
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The palace sits on a vast estate spread across four main courtyards, three gardens, and a park.
The gardens are plentiful and varied, offering totally different experiences in terms of space and perspectives.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - gardens
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The remarkable "Grand Parterre" is the largest formal garden in Europe, reflecting Louis the Fourteenth's desire for open spaces.
Chateau de Fontainebleau includes many other iconic features.
The Horseshoe Staircase is one of the castle's emblematic icons.
It was the scene of Napoleon's famous farewell to his guard in April 1814 before leaving for his exile on the island of Elba.
Visitors can also admire the only Throne Room preserved under its original state in France.
Chateau de Fontainebleau - Throne Room
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Chateau de Fontainebleau owns one of the rare historical and still active "jeu de Paume" courts in France.
Played by many sovereigns, the game is a sort of ancient tennis.
Chateau de Fontainebleau is a key part of French history, reflecting the lives of its greatest sovereigns.