Description
The Castle of Fontainebleau, or "house of the centuries, true home of kings" witnessed 700 years of history.
From the Middle Ages to the Second Empire, the Château de Fontainebleau has seen a succession of thirty-four rulers, kings, queens, emperors and empresses. All have left their mark on this place which symbolizes the lavish lifestyle of French royalty, and which is a valuable museum of decorative arts. 130 acres of parks and gardens welcome 15,000 pieces... A real historical and artistic panorama.
François 1er originally created the Chateau de Fontainebleau, when in 1528 he decided it to be built on the site of a fortified castle. His ambition was to create a center of arts. He therefore called Italian artists such as Rosso and Primaticcio who started the First School of Fontainebleau, and introduced the art of the Renaissance in France. The 60-meter wide gallery François 1er, connects the royal apartments to the chapel of the convent of the Trinitarians. It is decorated with Italian style frescoes, stucco and wood paneling. The Golden Gate, the Ballroom and the buildings of the Cour du Cheval Blanc dated from that time.
With Henry IV, the Castle was undergoing new changes and improvements. He enlarged the castle and promoted the emergence of the Second School of Fontainebleau. He also set up the room of the Jeu de Paume, which today welcomes visitors for demonstrations or initiations.
Louis XIV, meanwhile, built a theater, and Louis XV created a theater.
During the French Revolution, the castle became a barracks and a prison.
After the Revolution, Napoleon 1st found a house emptied of furniture, but intact. The apartments were furnished and became a royal house again. After the abdication of the Emperor and his departure for Elba, the Napoleon 1st Museum was created with many imperial objects, weapons used during military campaigns...
Under the reign of Louis Philippe, a restoration of the entire palace is decided.
Empress Eugenie arranged the Chinese museum where art objects from the Far East took place.
Today, the Château de Fontainebleau is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. People can discover the ceremonial rooms, the royal apartments, the various museums ... and also Le Nôtre French gardens, the English Garden, the former garden of the queen with its fountain dedicated to Diana, the boxwood maze. Boat rides on the Carpes Pond and carriage rides are available.
Schedule
Castle
Open daily, except Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25
From October to May from 9:30 to 17:00.
From June to September from 9.30 to 18:00.
Gardens
Open every day from November to January from 9:00 to 17:00.
In March, April and October from 9:00 to 18:00.
From May to September from 9:00 to 19:00.
Author : Bérengère©