Fontainebleau, a royal town

 

 

    Just outside Paris, Fontainebleau still shines with royal history: the forest brought about the building of the chateau, the chateau meant the rise of the town. To accommodate them on their hunting trips, kings, lords and courtiers built their residences here, in the heart of a superb forest.
A tourist town which attracted the romantic writers and painters, Fontainebleau became the Parisians’ favourite holiday resort from the end of the XIXth century onwards.

 

 

 

 

    The forest of Fontainebleau

A protected environment in the heart of one of the most beautiful UNESCO listed biosphere reserves of Europe. The kings of France came to enjoy themselves here,
the landscapes and outstanding views inspired the impressionists, and today the sandstone rocks welcome climbers and walkers wishing to get to outstanding viewpoints.

 

 

 

 

    Equine capital

The patron of the Republican Guard, Fontainebleau has retained its traditions and its military past, which was marked by the emblematic figure of Napoleon.

Throughout the year, the town hosts events of great renown at two race courses. A lively town, rich in cultural and sporting events, Fontainebleau offers a wide range of leisure activities.

 

 Historical and unusual guided tours

• The historic town centre of Fontainebleau
• The Forest of Fontainebleau
• The Military Riding Center
• The "La Solle" Race Course
• The theater of Fontainebleau
• The Real Tennis court
• The National Archives Fontainebleau site
• The National Prisons Museums

 2012 events

• Les Naturiales nature and environment event (May 12th and 13th)
• Nature and Fox Hunting event (2nd and 3rd June)
• Livestock farming week (from 25th August to 2nd September)
• Horse racing events: jumping international*****
• Art history festival (from 25th to 27th May)

Full list of events available at fontainebleau-tourisme.com