Saturday, October 6, 2012

Fontainebleau Chateau

Today my friend A and I went to the Chateau at Fontainebleau.

South of Paris, Fontainebleau is surrounded by woods because it used to be the royal hunting grounds.  As you get closer to the Chateau, the wild forest morphs into manicured paths.


Until you finally come upon the Chateau behind the gardens.


Inside it is quite spectacular, but each of the rooms is very different since the Chateau was used for almost 500 years.  Each sovereign added their flair to the Chateau based on the styles of the times.  Here are examples of a ballroom, throne room, and bedroom (love the stepstool!).

 


This sculpture was displayed very prominently in one of the rooms.  It seems that one of the kings had quite a fascination, no?


Overall, A and I enjoyed the Chateau quite a lot.  It wasn't nearly as busy as Chateau de Versailles (although maybe that was also because we went in October on a rainy day).  Also, the rooms are very nicely maintained, the free audioguides were actually useful (its the first time I've ever thought that!), and the scale of the place was very reasonable for a nice day-trip.  Also, it is easily reachable from the Paris train system, RER-R train (departing Gare de Lyon) stop Fontainebleau-Avon.  I would recommend it!  

Chateau de Fontainebleau
Place du Général de Gaulle
77300 Fontainebleau, France



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