France

3 of the Best Fontainebleau Tours from Paris

by Nicola Leigh Stewart  |  Published March 16, 2022

Located less than an hour from Paris by train or car, a visit to Fontainebleau is one of the most popular day trips from the French capital. Here are three excellent tours to discover the town’s most famous sights.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

With charming cafes and boutiques lining pretty cobbled streets, it’s no surprise that historic Fontainebleau is a popular weekend destination for Parisians and tourists alike. The town’s biggest attraction is the château de Fontainebleau, famed for being the only royal residence in France to be continually inhabited by the monarchy for eight centuries. A tour of the gilded gold interiors and the pristine gardens offers the chance to dive into the rich and royal history of the château, which is surrounded by Fontainebleau Forest for those who want to take a break from Paris and immerse themselves in nature.

 

Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris

This full day excursion will give you the chance not only to explore the beautiful Château Fontainebleau but also Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux, which inspired King Louis XIV to build Versailles Palace. After leaving Paris in the morning, you’ll arrive first at Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux where you can explore the castle’s opulent state rooms and vaulted cellars with an audio guide before heading outside to the French-style formal gardens, which make a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day. After, you’ll be driven to the 12th century Château Fontainebleau where you can see the lavish private apartments, the throne of Napoleon I, and finish the day with a stroll in the château’s three immaculate gardens. From €90 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Electric All Terrain Scooter In Forest Of Fontainebleau

If you prefer to explore nature, take a tour of the forest of Fontainebleau on an all-terrain electric scooter. After a quick introduction to the easy-to-use scooters you’ll be off to explore the town’s famous forest , taking in along the way such as the Tower Denecourt, the Cross of Calvary, and the gorges of Appremont. As long as you know how to ride a bike it’s suitable for children 8 years and up making a fun day out for both family and friends. From €50 per person.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)

Private Tour in Fontainebleau Palace with Skip-The-Line Ticket

For a more exclusive day trip experience, book a private tour of Château de Fontainebleau with an art historian. You’ll depart from Paris in a comfortable and private air-conditioned vehicle and will be able to skip the queue on arrival. Once inside, your expert guide will bring to life the history of the castle during an in-depth two-hour tour which will take in art, architecture, and more than 800 years of royal history. From €345 depending on group size.

 Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)