Marry

Fontainebleau. Gallery of Francis I. Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, home of the French kings

Address: Address: 77300 Fontainebleau, France.
How to get there: from the Gare de Lyon train station, get to the Fontainebleau-Avon railway station
(trains run every hour, travel time - 45 minutes), then from the station by bus to the castle.
Opening hours: June-September from 9:30 to 18:00, the rest of the year from 9:30 to 17:00, the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Admission fee: adults - 6.30 EUR, children under 18 years old - free of charge;
you can buy a single ticket for the train, bus and the palace at the SNCF railway ticket offices for 23 EUR for adults and
for 16.70 EUR for children from 10 to 17 years old.

Like stars in the sky, France is dotted with castles: large and small, pompous and modest, famous and consigned to oblivion. All of them are silent witnesses of the turbulent events of the country, remembering bloody wars, crusades, magnificent balls, fearless knights, beautiful ladies, and, of course, palace intrigues. And yet, of particular interest is the castle of Fontainebleau, called by Napoleon "the true abode of kings, the haven of centuries." Carefully preserving the trace of the 700-year history of the reign of the royal dynasty, it magnetically attracts innumerable tourists.

Palace of Fontainebleau - residence of 34 kings

How it all started

The best entertainment of the autocrats has always been hunting. Therefore, it is not surprising that they were attracted to a small village with a forest in the countryside, where wild boars, deer, foxes, pheasants and other game were found. In the XII century. Louis VII set out to build a hunting lodge there. According to legend, while hunting in these parts, the sovereign lost his landmark. Exhausted, tired, he was very thirsty. A faithful dog named Blo accidentally found a life-giving source that saved the owner from thirst. The incident accelerated the implementation of the planned undertaking. The name of the estate arose by itself due to the merging of two words "Fontaine" - the source and the dog's nickname "bleau". The four-legged friend was immortalized in a statue installed in the hall. They say that in order not to leave lady luck, you need to scratch the dog behind the ear.
Louis IX, who was considered wise and pious, finding great pleasure in solitude, decided to expand the beloved Fontainebleau, calling it a monastic desert, after which the fate of the following rulers was associated with a wonderful estate that was inherited. Three of them were born here, their childhood passed carelessly within these walls, holidays were celebrated, growing up, they ascended the throne. Everyone there changed something, completed it, improved it, trying to arrange life in their own way.
The most significant changes took place under Francis I, who arrived here in 1528. Having lost the battle of Pavia with the Spaniards, trying to find an outlet in something, he began to rebuild the manor, which had fallen into disrepair, dreaming of turning it into a country residence. Having gathered specialists of various profiles, he enthusiastically set to work. The project was developed by architects Lebreton, Chambizh, Gerard. Wonderful halls, a chapel, multiple outbuildings surrounding the courtyard, and new gates were added. Only a small part of the previous building has been preserved.
In the collected huge collection of ancient manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, the main place was occupied by "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. The crown bearer offered the creator to be a court painter, but he refused because of a meager reward. The decoration of the premises was entrusted to the famous Francesco Primaticcio and the equally popular Rosso Fiorentino, who founded the French school of painting. As a result of painstaking work among the gardens and enchanting parks, a marvelous palace has risen, which was the unique cradle of the Renaissance.
The idea started after the death of his father was continued by Henry II, who was carried away by updating the interior. Subsequent successors did not experience much passion for the castle. Henry IV got the house in an abandoned state. In honor of the baptism of his son, he designed the entrance from the east side, having built the Dauphin Gate, and made a complete restoration of the grandiose structure.
With his death, everything fell into disrepair. Louis XIII, who was born here, did not pay due attention, and the Sun King was completely absorbed in the construction of Versailles, although he visited his parents' monastery, where a youthful passion for the charming Louise de La Vallière flared up. Louis XIV, most of all from his ancestors, passed on an ardent passion for hunting. Only a serious injury from a fall from a horse, which had serious consequences, caused him to give up riding, but not his favorite pastime. The overlord continued to hunt even while sitting in a wheelchair. When he departed into eternity, the family nest was again orphaned.
The renaissance came in the era of Napoleon. Arriving there in 1804, he was shocked by what he saw the neglect of the once luxurious mansion, immediately began to restore. The transformation took place at a rapid pace, soon managed to open a second wind to the royal apartments, which became a symbol of his greatness. It was here that in 1804 he was crowned by Pope Pius VII, who came specially for the ceremony. Bonaparte is the first monarch elevated to the status of emperor, in whose veins royal blood did not flow. And in 1812, the same pontiff became his prisoner for a year and a half during the conquest of the Vatican.
Here passed happy joint years of life with Josephine, the only woman whom he loved to madness, but, unfortunately, failed to give an heir. Therefore, he made a difficult decision for himself to part, explaining the gap by the fact that the lord is not allowed to think with his heart, cold reason should dominate. In December 1809, the couple, having received a divorce certificate, parted, Josephine moved to Malmaison, donated by her husband. Her place was taken by another empress, who was Maria Louise of Austria, who served only as a maternity machine. Having broken with his beloved, he could not throw it out of his soul, he still wrote tender messages filled with love. The last word spoken before her death on Saint Helena was her name.
For seven centuries, the structure, similar to a mosaic, collected in different periods, was replaced by 34 rulers, who left a noticeable indelible mark on architecture. In 1981 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The French authorities allocated 2 million 300 thousand euros for the reconstruction. And now the flow of visitors does not dry out there. Time to get to know him better.

Acquaintance with the Fontainebleau Ensemble

Passing the gilded lattice gates with the emblems of Bonaparte and two figurines of eagles on the sides, you will find yourself in the spacious courtyard of the White Horse, from where majestic possessions begin. The name was preserved in memory thanks to a plaster cast of a horse that stood here earlier. After the tragic death of her husband, Catherine de Medici asked Michelangelo to make a copy of the royal monument, a rider on a horse. The master commissioned Daniel de Volterra to complete the sculpture. The order was made and delivered, but without a rider. After a while, the stallion fell apart, because gypsum is short-lived. The former courtyard was renamed "Farewell" after the departure of Bonaparte to the island of Elba.
On a vast territory (152 x 112 m) knightly tournaments were once held, solemn events were celebrated. Trees in tubs are placed along the entire perimeter, in both directions of the central alley there are lawns with green, as if smoothed, grass and decorative bushes.
From the outside, the palace looks discreet, elegant, covering an area of 46,000 m2, where 1530 rooms are located. It may seem to someone the way Stendhal saw it: "like a literary encyclopedia, where there is everything, but nothing exciting." The richness of the interior decoration fully compensates for the external simplicity. A semicircular horseshoe-shaped two-flight staircase leads to the building, from where in 1814 Napoleon delivered his farewell speech after abdicating power. These were the hardest moments when I did not want to live, but the intention to commit suicide that arose was not destined to come true.
On April 12, 1814, at dawn, the emperor, foreseeing a gloomy near future, locked himself in his own chambers, took out a bottle filled with poison, prepared at his request by a personal doctor after unforeseen circumstances that happened in an unsuccessful battle for Maloyaroslavets, when he almost fell into a trap . Since then, a year and a half has passed, but he has not parted with a bottle. Without thinking for a long time, he swallowed the contents of the vial. His follower, the Marquis de Caulaincourt, suspecting something was wrong, sounded the alarm, but the commander flatly refused to take the antidote. The poisonous substance, obviously, having had time to run out of steam, did not work.
On the 20th of the same month, the guardsmen were ordered to line up at the main entrance. 1200 soldiers froze in mournful silence. When the chimes struck 13:00, the front palace door flung open, the autocrat, already a former one, came out. Approaching, he turned to the soldiers: "I am forced to leave, and you continue to faithfully serve France, not worrying about my fate." Confident always voice trembled. Approaching the banner, he touched the shrine with his lips, hid his face there, hiding a mean male tear.

Trinity Chapel

Small in size, but quite beautiful, it is located to the left of the staircase. The vault depicts a picture of the Last Judgment. In the center, surrounded by Jewish kings and virtues, is Christ (author Martin Freminet). The main marble altar (1633) depicts the Holy Trinity (1642). On both sides are statues of the defenders of the crowned family: in a lace tunic, with a lily on the mantle, gilded sandals, St. Charles the Great froze majestically on the marble floor, opposite - St. Louis holding a scepter. The royal couple never missed a religious service, turning in prayer to the Almighty, asking for blessings, protection for themselves and their native people.

Gallery worthy of admiration

The real treasury created by Francis is an indisputable masterpiece of the Renaissance style. For the first time, it harmoniously combines mahogany paneling with frescoes and a wide variety of sculptures. Huge elongated windows let in jets of sunlight, illuminating the painting with natural light. The walls of the oblong, somewhat narrowed hall (64x6 m) are divided into two parts. The lower one is decorated with warm wooden panels, where the national coat of arms and royal monograms flaunt. Above - incomparable art modeling. Unique frescoes demonstrating the military triumphs of God's anointed one glorify his fearlessness and righteousness, patronage over art and science. The letters "F" surrounded by an oval, a lily flower and a salamander in a flame of fire (royal emblem) do not allow us to forget about the customer, whose motto was "Nutrisco et extinguo", meaning "I nourish and destroy".
The delightful wall paintings (14 in total) are striking, representing a composition thought out to the subtleties, which has a deep meaning, which one can only guess about. In the center is a picture of the talented Italian painter Primaticcio "Danae". Reclining on the pillows is a naked golden-haired beauty, who, according to Greek mythology, is the daughter of the Argos king Acrisius and Eurydice. The girl's father, frightened by the message of the Delphic oracle, foreshadowing death at the hands of his grandson, isolated her, imprisoning her in a tower underground, guarding her. But you can’t run away from what is destined from above. The mighty Zeus, having turned into a golden rain, entered the girls' chambers. Danae gave birth to a son, Perseus, the prediction came true.
The following canvas delights: the sovereign in the guise of a noble prince appears in the temple of Jupiter as a winner over ignorance. People who wish to remain rude, uneducated, perish. Rossso's canvases "Venus and Cupid" are not released, especially "Bacchus and Venus", where the body of a young man is so realistically conveyed that it seems alive, and not written, created from flesh and blood. Nearby - all kinds of vessels of incredibly bizarre shape made of crystal, silver, decorated with precious stones. The genius of the brush depicted a satyr with a goat's muzzle, on which delight froze, a boy riding a bear. Cabinet makers, sculptors, carvers, and engravers helped the greatest talent. Antique stories serve as an occasion for reflection on morality and religion.

Ballroom sophistication

Spacious 300 sq.m room with a coffered ceiling, bathed in sunlight, literally sparkles. A glamorous look was given by Henry II, who completed the construction and designed it after the death of his parent. Drawing of a magnificent typesetting the parquet corresponds to the ornament of the vault, supported by powerful pillars of numerous arched pylons. The bottom is sheathed with oak slabs. The top is decorated with mythological scenes made by the Italian artist Niccolò del Abbate. One canvas is dedicated to the patroness of hunting, Diana, whose multiple images saturate the vast space of the estate. Five huge window openings overlook the elegant garden, the Oval Courtyard is visible through the rest.
When dusk fell, thousands of candles were lit on crystal chandeliers, descending like spiders on a gilded "web", music sounded, couples slowly swirled in a dance. Elegantly dressed in satin and silk, the ladies amazed with lace, sparkle of diamonds, whispered, looking at the carved trim, where the Latin letter "H" is clearly visible, placed on the Roman numeral "II", crossed by two crescents. And let the owner explain that this is a joint marital monogram, but everyone perfectly understood who the interesting combination was intended for.
Having married Catherine de Medici, a noble representative of the richest family in Italy, he was devoted to Diane Poitier, almost 20 years older, until his last breath. There were legends about her unearthly beauty, many representatives of the weak would like to know the secret of charm. And today people are amazed at the fantastically unreal depth of male feelings. He gave expensive jewelry and lands to the only desired woman, presented the fabulous castle of Chenonceau, erected on the banks of the Loire, was ready to throw the whole world at her feet, wanted to get a divorce, but she did not allow it. It was a strange, incomprehensible life for three. The wife regularly gave birth to children, the mistress was engaged in their upbringing. Which of them could be considered a true queen: the favorite who owned the heart of the king, or the wife who wore mourning for her trampled, crucified love?

Secrets of the Deer Salon

The room, which is 74 meters long and 7 meters wide, was built in the 17th century. Along the perimeter, the walls are crowned with the heads of noble animals (43 pieces), molded from plaster, watching the guests with glass beads-eyes. Mysteriously frozen antique statues (bronze copy) of "Sleeping Ariadne", "Laocoon with children", "Apollo Belvedere", brought from the Louvre, a sculpture of a huntress from Olympus, made in 1602 by Prieur. In the picturesque groves, the charming palaces of Chambord, Amboise (13), painted with oil on plaster by the skillful hand of the master Poisson, look wonderful from a bird's eye view. On the ceiling - chasing game by dogs. Juicy colors give a feeling of naturalness - the forest seems real, there is a barely tangible smell of virgin nature, a quiet whisper of foliage is heard, the sounds of a bird choir are barely distinguishable. Here appears the ghost of the Marquis de Monaldechi, who was killed on the orders of the Queen of Sweden Christina, convicted of treason.
In 1667, she appeared on the estate with her lover, the chief master of the horse, in a man's dress, resembling a charming boy. The couple looked happy, but quite by accident the girl found written love messages addressed to her rival. Rage overshadowed the mind, the insane desire to take revenge on the liar was stronger than her. When the officers attacked Monaldeci in the gallery, she enjoyed the death agony of the hypocrite with particular cruelty, ready to cling to the traitor herself like a wild cat. The unfortunate man on his knees asked for mercy, but treacherous letters and reproaches flew in his face. With a pierced throat, the dying man called on Jesus with Mary, and she danced with Louis XIV that same evening. And today the soul of the murdered wanders, unable to find peace.

Book storage

This is perhaps the longest hall, stretching for 80 m, 10 wide. As soon as it was not used: it was a banquet Louis Philippe, dedicated to Diana, served as a prison during the revolution, in 1858 became a huge library. 16,000 publications peacefully rest on the shelves of glazed cabinets. This is where the earthly paradise is for avid lovers of literature! To re-read everything, probably, life is not enough. Mythological images on the vaults are replaced at the ends by frescoes made in the style of "troubadour", where plots of real and legendary events of the past are conveyed with iconographic accuracy, for example, "Charles the Great Crossing the Alps" (8 in total).
In the center is a large globe ordered in 1810 by Bonaparte. Few people know that China is missing on it, this is a manufacturer's mistake, which has remained uncorrected. The Chinese delegations are hushed up about this, so as not to offend inadvertently. And Russian travelers joke: "It would be better if the emperor had not discovered Russia there. Perhaps he would not have brought so much grief to our cities and villages, having reached Moscow." Of course, a joke, but who knows ...

Imperial quarters

The apartments of Napoleon, the last of the living monarchs, do not stand out with pomposity, like their predecessors. A more modest setting characterizes the inner content of a great, no matter what, personality. The former royal bedroom was converted into a throne room with a stage, a throne set under a scarlet velvet canopy and flagpoles on the sides. The velvet canopy is surprising, because they are used to consider it a sleeping element, but this is not accidental. It is a sign of heavenly patronage, royal power - no less! Numerous tassels on the curtains indicate that the room is intended for God's henchman, they used to embellish holy places, later they turned into interior classics.
The "camping bed" looks uncomplicated, where His Majesty rested, tired of the daily hustle and bustle. Even slippers have been preserved here. In the red salon there is still a very small round table on a single thick leg. It was behind him that the emperor said that for the sake of the good of the motherland, remaining true to the oath, he was ready to leave the country, if necessary, to die.
The topographic office keeps a silent witness to his successful and unrealizable plans - a large oak table (master Georges Jacob). And he planned on a grand scale, hence the aphorism - "Napoleonic plans."
The commander highly valued and valued weapons. His gold-encrusted sword was sold at an auction in Fontainebleau in June 2007 for $6,400,000. An intricately curved blade with an intricate pattern reaches a length of 1 m. In 1978, it was declared a national sovereign treasure. The law allows it to be bought only by the owner of real estate in France, where a unique item must stay for at least six months.
Clothes were of great importance. Among the exhibits, a military uniform has been preserved, recalling the inexhaustible militancy of the owner, who practically did not wear civilian attire. Having come to power, he allocated a huge amount for the purchase of ceremonial outfits. Only the embroidery on the snow-white velvet of the cloak cost 10,000 francs, not to mention the hat with ostrich feathers and a gold-rimmed diamond. He wore a bicorn every day. There were 170 of them in the wardrobe. The usual gesture is to tear off the two-cornered hat and throw it at the feet of the ambassadors, thereby expressing anger.

Garden and park area

It occupies 115 hectares. At first, they tried to grow seaside pines in the western part. In honor of the defender of Rome, the glorious Pomona, a pavilion was erected, decorated with paintings by Italian painters Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio, but in 1566 it was destroyed. The grotto remained intact, its rusticated arches are supported by powerful atlantes. In 1812, a modern garden in the English style was laid out here, crossed by an artificially created river with clear transparent water, flowing like human life in a single direction. Green spaces were replenished with exotic seedlings: tulip tree, Japanese Sophora and others. In different corners, sculptures of the 17th century were based on silky grass. (copies) "Gladiator Borghese", very close - "The Dying Gladiator", behind him - "Telemachus on the island of Ogyga".
A note of romance in the surrounding panorama is brought by a pond covering an area of 4 hectares with large carps, swimming ducks, white swans, which delight guests with frantic delight. In the center, on the created island, an octagonal pavilion was registered, built by the architect L. Levo in 1662. Peter I, who came on a visit, liked this nice place so much that he expressed a desire to dine there. The palace retinue had to travel by boat, carrying kitchen utensils with cooked dishes. Along the coast there is a long alley lined with plane trees.
On a vast territory - two wonderful pools. One in the 17th century there was a fountain-rock, called the "boiling cauldron", replaced by a marvelous stone bowl. In the second, an eagle cast in bronze sits proudly, tenaciously grasping its prey with sharp claws. How nice it is here in the summer season. Like sisters, lined up in rows of blossoming lindens, the fragrant smell intoxicates, pure as youth, sweet as honey. You can take a boat ride along the canal (1.2 km), dug in 1606-1609. Several aqueducts were built to fill it.
On the north side, by order of Catherine de Medici, a garden with a greenhouse dedicated to her was planted. But, ironically, it was here that a fountain was installed (1603) with the most beautiful sculptural composition "Diana with a deer" (sculptor Biar). The goddess standing on a pedestal is guarded by four dogs, under them are deer heads with branched horns. The garden complex was renamed in her honor. Such is the will of the Dauphin.
Obviously, most people imagine peacocks with bright, colorful tail fans, and here you will also meet the rarest albinos. Surprised? Quite an unexpected move by mother nature. They were brought by Queen Catherine. Accustomed to the graceful regal birds, reminiscent of her father's land, she did not want to part with them. The French did not like their nasty cry, calling (as it seemed to them) trouble, so the courtiers did not like handsome men. You can meet them only in spring and summer, because they are too thermophilic. What a miracle!

You can talk endlessly about the beauty of the legendary castle, its crowned inhabitants, but listening is one thing, but seeing ... The best assessment will be a brief dialogue between the historian Michelet and his opponent:
- Tell me, where will you seek refuge and consolation, feeling unhappy?
- I'm going to Fontainebleau.
- And if you are very happy?
- I'll go there.

Known primarily for the magnificent Renaissance palace, the residence of many of the rulers of France. Built in the style of Italian Mannerism, the palace most of all resembles a row of intricate crystal wine glasses of different heights and shapes: squat pot-bellied outbuildings are heavy whiskey glasses, elegant wide outbuildings are solid vessels for red wine, and graceful slender turrets between them are frivolous champagne glasses. And the very name of the city is very coquettish: “fontaine bleau” means “beautiful fountain”.

The inhabitants of Fontainebleau refer to themselves as "les bellifontains" (Bellifontaines), and it is also recommended to use the adjective "bellifontain" when describing local phenomena.

The palace is surrounded by a wonderful park, and it, in turn, is a vast forest. In addition, Fontainebleau is one of the equestrian capitals of France: the hippodrome is located here and the largest international competitions in all equestrian disciplines are held.

In Paris, go to Gare de Lyon and take the train towards Montargis Sens. After about 44 minutes, get ready to get off at Fontainebleau Avon station. Trains run from 0:34 to 22:46 from Paris to Fontainebleau and from 05:24 to 22:40 in the opposite direction. The fare is 5-8 EUR.

You can also come to Fontainebleau from Marseille by high-speed TGV train. Travel time is about 4 hours.

From the station, the center of Fontainebleau can be reached by bus line AB, leaving every 15 minutes. Tariff - 1.70 EUR. To get to Fontainebleau Palace, you need to get off at the Château stop. Prices on the page are for August 2018.

Search for flights to Paris (nearest airport to Fontainebleau)

Weather in Fontainebleau

How to navigate in the city

The city of Fontainebleau is very compact and easy to navigate. The main street - rue Grande, connecting the palace with the opposite end of the city, passes through the central square place Napoléon Bonaparte. Most of the shops, restaurants and cafes are also located here. From the center of Fontainebleau to the palace complex - no more than half an hour's walk.

The Tourist Office of Fontainebleau (rue Royale, 4) offers bicycles for rent at a price of EUR 5 per hour, EUR 15 for half a day and EUR 19 for the whole day.

Cuisine and Restaurants of Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau has many restaurants, eateries, cafes and bars, most of which are located on rue Grande. The cuisine is very different - from classic French (for example, in the restaurant at the Napoleon Hotel, one of the best in the city) to Mediterranean, Mexican and Japanese. For a bite to eat, go to establishments under the sign "brasserie", it is customary to order more solid dishes in restaurants. Be sure to try the local pastries and sweets.

fontainebleau

Shopping and stores

Local agricultural products are a matter of special pride for the people of Bellifontaine. The stalls of the food market, held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays near the Church of Saint-Louis, are literally bursting with reference specimens of vegetables, fruits, root crops and greens. They also sell cheeses and dairy products, meat gastronomy, cakes, pies and buns for every taste.

In 1996, the National Culinary Association awarded the food market of Fontainebleau with the honorary title of Marché d'exception - an exceptional market.

In addition to souvenirs depicting the Palace of Fontainebleau, you can bring glassware, paintings, mosaics and stained glass, cheese and chocolate from here.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Popular hotels in Fontainebleau

Entertainment and attractions

The palace complex of Fontainebleau is without a doubt the main attraction of the city. This includes the palace itself, courtyards and gardens and the palace park.

In the Fontainebleau Palace, a huge number of rooms are open for visitors, and it is simply impossible to get around them all. Among the pearls are the 16th century Renaissance halls, the 16th-19th century Grand Sovereigns' Apartments, literally bursting at the seams with luxury, gold and glitter, Napoleon's Inner Apartments and the Small Apartments (used by Napoleon, his wife and closest associates). Look also into the cozy boudoirs of Marie Antoinette and the apartments of the Pope (meaning Pius VII, who stayed here twice).

In the Palace of Fontainebleau, you can learn the old ball game - jeu de paume, a kind of volleyball with rackets.

In addition, the palace houses four museums: the Chinese Museum of the Empress, the Napoleon Museum, the Painting Gallery (pay attention to the fresco "Royal Elephant") and the Furniture Gallery with a magnificent chest of drawers by Beneman.

After leaving the palace, go for a walk through the courtyards and gardens, arranged for any mood: the strict and slightly gloomy Oval Courtyard, the Fountain Courtyard with a motionless water surface of the pond, the English Garden immersed in greenery, Diana's chamber garden and the peaceful Pine Grotto.

And finally, for the tireless explorers of sights, the Fontainebleau complex has in store a 130-hectare park with an artificial canal, numerous bridges and marble statues of goddesses and nymphs.

Nature lovers can enjoy walks in the forest of Fontainebleau. There are 300 km of walking, equestrian and cycling routes for any level of physical fitness. A variety of species of animals, birds and plants will enchant even the most dedicated fan of urbanization. Thrill-seekers can practice rock climbing.

Equestrian sport is another highlight of the region. Races and races are regularly held at the Hippodrome de la Solle, and prestigious international competitions in show jumping and dressage are held in the arenas of Le Grand Parquet. For non-professionals, horse riding lessons and horseback riding in the surrounding area are offered.

In the city itself, you can also visit the Museum of Military History and the only Prison Museum in Europe (pay attention to the letters from the dungeons of eminent prisoners: Francois Villon, Mirabeau and the Marquis de Sade).

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

The magnificent castle of Fontainebleau was originally planned as a small hunting lodge in the forest. The year of construction is considered to be 1137, when the duke, and then the king of the Franks, Hugh Capet, chose a beautiful place near the Fontaine belle eau stream for his future home. It was from this phrase that the name of the palace subsequently came.

A whole century later, the secluded position of the castle, located outside, was appreciated by the hermit king Louis IX. He lived in it for a long time, calling the house his cell, although this place was not much like a monastic dwelling. It was under Louis IX that the first serious reconstruction took place here, several new buildings and towers appeared. One of them is still called the name of this monarch.

Over the next 3 centuries, Fontainebleau did not change significantly - it, as before, was used mostly for hunting. The next round of development took place only during the time of Francis I in the 16th century, when instead of a modest dwelling it was decided to build a real palace in the Renaissance style - tourists see it today.

But, of course, the following monarchs also had a hand in the design of the castle. Henry II expanded it by commissioning the construction of the famous Renaissance architect Delorme. Under Henry IV, several beautiful parks and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared - a richly decorated temple with frescoes of the Last Judgment. And thanks to Louis III, the famous horseshoe staircase was built, where many years later Napoleon said goodbye to the army. Yes, and Bonaparte himself did a lot for this palace - he declared it his residence and designed the front rooms with the appropriate luxury.

Already in the 20th century, Fontainebleau became famous for the fact that a historic summit was held here with the participation of the presidents of 6 countries, as a result of which the European Council was formed. Today, the luxurious castle still plays an important role in politics, but at the same time it is a museum - in 1981 it was taken under the protection of UNESCO.

How to get to Fontainebleau Palace

One of the most famous castle museums in France is located about 60 kilometers from Paris. Near it is the town of the same name with an area of 172 sq. km and a population of just over 15,000 people.

The exact address: 77300 Fontainebleau, France.

How to get from Paris:

Option 1

A train: at Gare de Lyon, you need to take a ticket for the regional train Montargis Sens, Laroche-Migennes or Montereau in one of the brown machines. Trains leave from the underground floor of the station. Drive to Fontainebleau-Avon station in about 45 minutes.

Bus: at the Fontainebleau-Avon station, follow the signs to find the bus stop and take bus number 1, go 15-20 minutes to the Château stop.

Option 2

Automobile: Fontainebleau can be reached via the A6 or N104. There is paid parking next to the castle museum, but on Sundays it is free.

Fontainebleau Palace on the map

What to watch

Fontainebleau Palace, which appeared much earlier, over the years of its existence has acquired a mass of historical monuments, each of which is associated with a particular period in the life of the country. It is almost impossible to list all its sights, and there is no need - you need to look at it. Let's stop at the most interesting and iconic places.

The most interesting in Fontainebleau:

- the king, after whom this truly French Renaissance gallery is named, collected one of the first and richest collections of paintings in Europe. Many frescoes from it still flaunt on these walls, although the pearl of the collection, the "Mona Lisa" of the genius Leonardo, under Louis XIV moved to Versailles, and later to the Louvre.

Francis I Gallery - engraving

- a truly royal chapel with rich interior decoration. Carved panels, gilding and intricate patterns delight at first sight, but the frescoes are the main value here. The paintings by the masters of the Mannerist era, which decorate the entire chapel, are dedicated to religious subjects, mainly to the scenes of the Last Judgment.

horseshoe ladder- an original horseshoe-shaped staircase, nothing special at first glance, except for its history. She became famous for the fact that at this place Napoleon Bonaparte said goodbye to his loyal officers on the eve of his abdication and exile.

Napoleon Museum- the private apartments of one of the most famous French emperors. This includes the bedroom, the study, the Throne Room and other rooms, including the Diana Gallery, where the commander liked to ponder over the cards for a long time. By the way, in the gallery even today you can see Napoleon's personal globe, as well as his other things.

Ballroom- one of the most luxurious and majestic rooms in the royal chambers. However, its interiors may be of interest not only for beautiful decoration: in intricate patterns and monograms, attentive visitors will consider the initials of Henry II and his beloved Diane de Poitiers.

Also in the castle there is the Chinese Museum of the Empress, the Red Salon, where Napoleon resigned, the Furniture Gallery with a collection of interior items from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Papal Apartments, the Diana Gallery and the Deer Gallery.

However, the Palace of Fontainebleau is interesting not only inside, but also outside - you can spend no less time in its parks than in the front rooms. So, in the English Garden there is a large artificial rock with a grotto and a lot of rare tropical plants, in the Great Parterre, the original layout has been preserved - it, like in the 17th century, is divided into geometrically correct figures with smooth paths and neat alleys. And the complete opposite is Diana's Garden - albeit quite small, but in places it looks like a real forest. By the way, you can also find a statue of the very goddess of hunting in it. In total, the length of all paths in the parks of Fontainebleau is about 300 kilometers - it is not surprising that the French themselves like to come here from Paris on weekends to relax in the shade of green alleys.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Fontainebleau Castle is open daily except Tuesdays:

From October to March - from 09:30 to 17:00;
From April to September - from 09:30 to 18:00.

Parks and gardens are open seven days a week:

From November to February - from 09:00 to 17:00;
In March, April and October - from 09:00 to 18:00;
From May to September - from 09:00 to 19:00.

In case of bad weather, part of the territory may be closed to visitors.

Ticket price:

Adult ticket - 12 € ( ~898 rub. );
Reduced ticket (up to 25 years old) - 10 € ( ~749 RUB );
For groups of 20 people - 10 € ( ~749 RUB ).

Children under 18 years of age, as well as persons under 25 years of age living in EU countries, can enter for free.

It is better to check the current information before visiting.

Important: every month, except July and August, the first Sunday is the day of free admission to Fontainebleau.

Tours

Both for individual visitors and groups in the castle-museum there are a lot of thematic excursions. Most of them last 1.5 hours, although there are also short 45-minute tours.

The cost of a thematic tour for a group of 10 people can be 190-260 € ( ~19 464 rub. )(for the entire group). Additionally, each participant pays for the entrance to the castle-museum.

For a tour of the royal apartments there is an audio guide in Russian costing 3 € ( ~225 rub. ). Also, if you prefer to explore Fontainebleau on your own, you can take a Russian-language brochure about the main attractions at the reception desk.

Visiting Rules

The ticket is valid for a whole year after purchase, and on the day of the visit, it allows you to repeatedly leave the castle grounds and return again.
An hour before the end of the working day, some halls are closed, so for late visitors a special ticket is offered at a reduced price (only for those halls that are open at that time).
In the palace and in the surrounding parks, photography is allowed almost without restrictions.

Fontainebleau, like any old castle, has its own ghosts. There is a special legend about one of them - the Red Ghost appears exclusively to kings and only before their death.
The Courtyard of the White Horse is named so in memory of the unfinished sculpture of Henry II. It was originally planned to install an equestrian statue of the monarch, but it never came to light. For some time, a plaster cast of a horse stood in the center of the Lower Courtyard, which gradually fell into disrepair. The mold was removed, but the name remained. Although after Napoleon Bonaparte said his farewell speech here before his abdication, the place began to be called the Court of Farewell.
Fontainebleau was the first European castle built exclusively with decorative and residential functions - it was never intended for defense and does not contain any military fortifications.

The Grand Porter Garden and the English Park can be seen on a special tour in a carriage drawn by a pair of horses or in an open tourist train trailer.
By prior arrangement, you can take a flight in a hot air balloon, seeing the castle and its gardens from above.
On a hot day, you can relax by the pond opposite the Fountain Court or go boating. Also in the park there is a Grand Canal with a length of more than 1 kilometer and a width of almost 40 meters.
If you went to Fontainebleau for the whole day, be sure to bring food for a picnic - it is allowed to sit on the grass in the park (you can't just make fires). It is also worth taking a separate baguette for ducks, swans and carps that live in ponds.
A full excursion and a walk through the park area will take a lot of time, take care of comfortable shoes and a hat from the sun.

Virtual tour

Palace of Fontainebleau on video

Fontainebleau Castle is often compared to Versailles, another famous symbol of France. According to tourists, in terms of architecture and interior decoration, these two attractions may well compete with each other. However, in Versailles you will not find that calm and secluded atmosphere that can be found in the parks and gardens of one of the oldest royal residences. It is worth coming here for the whole day to walk, enjoy the spirit of history and not rush anywhere.

French monarchs have always been famous for their love of luxury, comfort, grandeur. At different times, they gave orders for the construction of ever new residences in the picturesque corners of France, each of which eventually became an object of admiration, a masterpiece of a global scale. But is it possible to single out one royal court, which has become a model of the monarchical lifestyle? In this article, you can get acquainted with the ingenious creation of the Renaissance - the Fontainebleau Palace!

Palace and Park of Fontainebleau - a story with royal roots

Palace of Fontainebleau

And it is considered one of the oldest French departments. Founded after the French Revolution, it attracts with its enchanting natural and historical relics. The city of Fontainebleau, which is part of the department, can be described as the tourist Mecca of the region. At different times, rulers lived here, on whose decisions the fate of the whole continent sometimes depended.
The main attention here is always riveted to the palace, which bears the name of the same name with the city. The main residence of the kings is striking in its majesty. Here, each item is a real work of art, an exclusive that exists in a single copy.

The first ruler who began to use the residence as the main place of his stay is Louis VII. The king, who led the crusades, was extremely sensitive to his own living conditions, so the best architects and art historians of that time worked on the building.

Louis VII

The palace became the birthplace of three great monarchs: Philip IV the Handsome, Henry III of Valois and Louis XIII. Tourists can still see the room that was assigned to the baby - the heir to the throne. Cribs, some toys and incomparable decoration have been preserved here.

Philip IV the Handsome

Initially, most of the area of the city was occupied by forest, which was used as a hunting ground for noble families. According to a parable, which is very popular in these parts, the decision to start building the castle was made by Francis I stunned by the beauty of these places. Famous masters from Italy were invited for the construction, who used a special mixture of different styles. Subsequently, it was called the School of Fontainebleau.

Henry III Valois

An interesting fact: Francis I, when deciding on the construction, rejected the idea of the need to establish protective fortifications and any defensive means. This case in the world history of the construction of royal residences was the first. It is not known for certain what caused the decision of the monarch, but according to one version, it is believed that the protective fortifications could spoil the aesthetic component of the building and the park.

King Louis XIII

At times Louis XIV forgot about the palace. The main residence of the monarch was no less famous Versailles. In this regard, for many years the castle did not have proper care. However, with the coming to power of Napoleon, legends began to circulate about Fontainebleau again, because the famous emperor was so discouraged by the beauty of the building that he decided to return the status of a state residence to it.

The palace has been repeatedly used in the modern era. It hosted international meetings at the highest level. In 1974, it was in Fontainebleau that key agreements were signed that gave impetus to the creation. In 1981, the international organization UNESCO recognized the palace and the park located next to it as world heritage sites.

France and its cultural heritage

Currently, the architectural monument is open to the public. Numerous excursions take place here, and the number of tourists who wish to visit this place exceeds hundreds of thousands of people.

Several expositions are open at once in the palace. Due to ongoing renovations, some parts of the building may be closed to the public.

As a general rule, each visitor can enjoy the following facilities:

white and oval yard- the main area of the building. It was here that the reception of all high-ranking guests took place. There is evidence that it was a favorite walking place for monarchs. The facade is made in the Italian style. Several times it was reconstructed and changed, but the original style remained intact. Currently, getting into the palace, tourists first of all pass through this particular attraction. The oval courtyard is a great place to observe the entire park complex;

Oval courtyard of the Palace of Fontainebleau

palace park;

Park of the Palace of Fontainebleau

Heinrich's court. It is considered the oldest section of the complex. The name was given in honor of the great ruler of France. According to historical data, it was here that the monarch preferred to spend time with his family. This part of the building was developed by him personally. The best craftsmen from both France and Italy were involved in the creation. Various art exhibitions are regularly held in the courtyard;

Heinrich's court

fountain yard. The attraction is a combination of several fountains. All of them work from spring to autumn. The fountains are made in the French style. The courtyard is considered one of the most beloved parts of the palace among tourists. Several English flower beds dilute the overall color of the strict style. The fountains are especially beautiful in the summer, when, in addition to the aesthetic effect, they are also able to cool the air to a comfortable temperature;

le Fontaine Belle Eau

art gallery of Francis I;

Francis I Art Gallery

Gallery paintings

The wooden carving of the gallery is a true work of art.

Napoleon's quarters;

Bedroom of Napoleon I

Chapel of the Holy Trinity.

Chapel of the Holy Trinity

Painted chapel ceilings

Each exhibit here is an invaluable asset of centuries-old culture.

For example, in the Francis Gallery you will find not only paintings by European Renaissance artists, but also full-scale frescoes painted by famous Italian masters.

In the chambers of Napoleon, you can immerse yourself in the time of the great emperor, who was famous for his desire to go down in history. Also of interest is the huge library, which contains the original books, starting from the XIII century.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the architecture. Here you will not find any single style. The whole essence of the structure is diversity. At different times, at the invitation of the rulers, French and Italian masters worked on the palace, who saw the process of ennoblement in their own way.

The park as a work of art

Around the Palace of Fontainebleau there is a wonderful park, which is called the Royal. Along the entire perimeter, you can enjoy an amazing aesthetic landscape, ponds, artificial lakes and bridges for every taste.

Park around the palace

The entire park is divided into recreational zones. There is an English version of the organization of the landscape, a pine grove, flower beds made in the Versailles style.

According to experts, the park is designed in such a way that a walk through it can take the whole day, but no one will feel tired.

The park presents many species of animals and plants that are under protection. The significance of the park has been noted both locally and nationally, globally.

The French are kind to these places. On the one hand, everyone wants to touch a piece of the history of their own country, on the other hand, this is just a great way to spend a weekend.

For tourists, Fontainebleau Palace will definitely become an amazing discovery in the world of French history and art.

How to get there and book a tour

Fontainebleau is not so far from Paris. The distance is estimated at approximately 60 kilometers. There are several main ways to get to the city:

Rent a car;

Use the services of intercity transport;

Go by train.

All services can be ordered independently, by phone or via the Internet. It’s not worth booking tickets in advance, unless it’s a weekend (the fact is that many French people from Paris and the suburbs go to Fontainebleau for the weekend).

If you choose bus, then it is best to book a sightseeing ticket. So you get a range of services, which includes:

Direct access to the excursion site;

The story of a professional guide about the palace and the park, their history;

Return to the hotel.

Such a mini-cruise to the historical monument will cost about 40-80 euros depending on the type of transport and additional costs.

Car rent will cost significantly more. Of course, this way you get more freedom of action, but remember that you will have to additionally purchase the tour itself.

Car rental price - from 40 to 200 euros per day depending on the type of vehicle, rental company and additional services.

You can also get there by train. You will have to pay for the ticket 30-50 euros. The main advantage of this method can be called speed. Some 40 minutes, and you can already book an excursion, enjoying the general view of the sights.

Information for tourists:

Address: 77300 Fontainebleau.

Reception time for visitors: from 9.30 to 16.15 daily, seven days a week.

Phone: +33 1 60 71 50 70.

Official website: http://www.musee-chateau-fontainebleau.fr.

Cost of the tour: 20 euros (the price must be specified in advance, as changes are possible).

Photo of a masterpiece

We invite you to enjoy all the beauties of the Fontainebleau Palace and the adjacent park.

A large panoramic shot of the palace and adjacent park shows the incredible size of the royal estates. You can observe the general landscape, the architecture of the main fountain, artificial ponds and a small pine grove.

The resplendent western façade of the castle is simply designed to welcome royal guests. Feel yourself in the role of elected subjects or rulers of other states. The square at the entrance is decorated with two flower beds, made in the aristocratic English style.

The famous entrance to the palace. The staircase is made in the shape of a large horseshoe, which should bring happiness, comfort and peace to the house. It is made of natural gray stone and makes an indelible impression on tourists who are happy to take memorable pictures here.

Entrance to the palace in the form of a horseshoe

The famous library, which contains thousands of books. Many of them, being originals, have a high cultural and historical value, however, like everything else in these places. Alas, you can’t enjoy reading, as books are under protection, and being in the hands of tourists can harm them.

Chapel of the Holy Trinity. A huge hall, which every connoisseur of beauty should visit.

Summing up

Fontainebleau is the centuries-old residence of famous French kings. One of the most famous palaces in France and all over the world and a completely unique park are located here. If you want to see all this beauty, then go to the city in a rented car, train or sightseeing bus. The total cost of the visit will cost approximately 80 euro.

Perhaps the chambers of Napoleon or the office of Francis I will inspire you to your own exploits.

Well, as the French say Des goûts et des couleurs il ne faut pas discuter» (« Tastes could not be discussed”), but not a single person can not admire such an ancient palace.

Liked the article? to always be up to date.

Fontainebleau is a historic cute French town south of Paris (55.5 km or 34.5 miles). It is famous for the large and picturesque Forest of Fontainebleau - a favorite place for the Parisians to relax, and the Palace of Fontainebleau, where many kings of France lived. Crowds of tourists come to the Palace.

How to get there

Getting to the city is very easy from Paris.

By plane

By train

By train, you can travel from Paris to Gare de Lyon station. There, at the green Billet Ile-de-France ticket machine - not at the yellow machine of the French railway company (SNCF) - buy a ticket to Fontainebleau Avon. Trains leave once an hour, usually from the first track of the upper level of the multi-level station. Any train that ends at Montargis, Montereau, Sens or Laroche-Migenes will stop at Fontainebleau. Check the board at the platform to be sure.

In August 2011, a return ticket for an adult cost 16.80 Euros, the trip itself took about 35 minutes. Before arriving in the green town of Fontainebleau (you will feel how fresh the air is there as soon as you get off the train), the train stops only in the cities of Melun and Bois-le-Roi. On Sunday mornings, some trains stop at an intermediate station before reaching Fontainebleau to allow hikers to get out into the forest. It is called Al de Fontainebleau-Forêt (Halte de Fontainebleau-Forêt). Later, when you return back to the Gare de Lyon, note that the ticket you bought for the train to Fontainebleau can continue to be used on the metro within Paris.

From the Gare de Fontainebleau Avon station, you can take the Line 1 bus operated by Veolia Transport to reach the castle (about 15 minutes on the way). Buses run until about 8pm. Be careful! Line 1 has two directions, even when you are already at the end of the Line. If you are not sure that you have chosen the right one, check with the driver. A bus ticket costs 1.80 Euro. BUT if you bought a zone 6 ticket at the Gare de Lyon, then you have the right to travel to the castle and back at no extra charge. Just show the ticket to the driver and he will tell you to use the bus ticket machine. Insert the ticket into the machine and you will get it back immediately. The ticket must be kept. In order to calculate the final stop, look outside the window for either Place Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon Bonaparte Square) or the Palace, as the bus stops in the center. Alternatively, you can walk. Walking through the city will take you about 45 minutes. If you go straight from the station, you will see a sign indicating the direction to the Palace. This road is more direct and shorter (about 25 minutes on the way), passes through the residential area and leads to the wooded grounds of the palace. Once you enter the wooded area, keep to the main road.

When you get off the train, you will be next to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road leading out of the city. There you can find good maps that will help you find your way if you decide to walk to the palace or the city on your own.

By car

From the center of Paris to the center of Fontainebleau is only about 65 km or an hour's drive. If coming from Paris, follow the signs to the south and then to and onto the A6 motorway. After about 35 minutes you will see road signs for Fontainebleau. As soon as you enter the city, you will notice a tall apartment building, a relic of some architectural style that many citizens would like to tear down. However, it is still part of the city's history, though not as delightful as the palace,

If you are coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport on the Francilienne motorway, you can either take the local roads through the center of Melun, or take the more scenic and (at peak times) often faster route through the communes of Sivry-Courtry and Fontaine-le-Port.

Clue:

Fontainebleau - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Fontainebleau - monthly weather

Clue:

Fontainebleau - monthly weather

Main attractions. What to watch

The main attraction of the city is Palace of Fontainebleau, which is one of the most beautiful castles in France. Its interior is of particular interest as an excellent example of the French Renaissance. At the same time, it is difficult to overestimate the historical significance of the castle, as for seven centuries it remained the main residence of the French kings.

The first mention of the castle dates back to 1137. By the time Francis I decided to make it his main residence (1527), the medieval palace had already fallen into ruins. This monarch undertook a grand reconstruction, presenting himself as the chief architect and inviting two Italian artists Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio to decorate the interior. Their joint labors resulted in such treasures as the gallery of Francis I with wooden panels, stucco (artificial marble, the highest grade of plaster) and frescoes, which depicted various episodes from the life of Francis. Trinity Church and the Ballroom also belong to that era.

Many monarchs who ruled after Francis I also chose Fontainebleau as their residence. The construction started by Francis I was almost completed only during the governments of Henry II and Henry IV the Great.

The son of Henry IV, Louis XIII, was born in Fontainebleau. Tourists have the opportunity to see the room where Marie de Medici gave birth to Louis, and imagine how crowded and cramped it was in the room at that moment: many witnesses were present at the birth of the king in order to avoid substitution.

During the French Revolution, the palace was abandoned a little, but it regained its former glory during the reign of Napoleon I, who lived there for a long time and in 1814 said goodbye to his army from the palace garden.

Visitors can see the Emperor's throne room (the only one in France) and his private quarters. Pope Pius VII was in Fontainebleau twice: first as a guest, then as a prisoner of Napoleon. The papal rooms have recently been opened to tourists.

After visiting the building, do not forget to take a walk in the park and palace gardens; you will see the fountain of Diana and, if you are lucky, you will meet one of the peacocks living on the territory.

Since the Palace of Fontainebleau is clearly less interesting than Versailles and slightly more difficult to get to, it is less popular with tourists. And as a result, there are at least ten times fewer of them here than in Versailles, which allows you to view it in a calm atmosphere.

The Fontainebleau Palace is open all year except Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25, from 09:30 to 17:00 in winter and from 09:30 to 18:00 in summer. As of April 2011, the admission price for adults was 10 Euros, for children under 18 and residents of the European Union under 26 - free of charge.

What to see in the surroundings

Trains leave from Gare de Fontainebleau Avon to Gare de Lyon or Bercy every 15 minutes during rush hour, at other times every 30 minutes. Travel time will be just over 40 minutes. It is also possible to take a southbound train towards Sens, Montargis, Montereau and Laroche-Migenes. There is also a Seine-et-Marne Express bus that goes south to places like Nemours. You can get on it at the La Poste stop, at the intersection of Rue Grande and Fras.

The city is full of restaurants of different cuisines: from Mexican to Japanese, from pizzerias to fish bars. Of course, there are Brasserie (French breweries - approx. Lane), heritage places that are mistakenly called "Franklin Roosevelt", and excellent French restaurants (the best is in the Napoleon Hotel).

Things to do

The city has many cultural, sports, entertainment programs in which you can participate, and shops where you can buy something. Detailed information about this can be obtained on the website.

Fontainebleau is also famous for its horse track and Sunday morning market.

And even if there were not so many interesting things in the city, many attractions can be visited in the surrounding areas, in cities such as Barbizon (the birthplace of artists), Milly-la-Foret, Samois-sur-Seine and many others...

Fotenbleau Forest is also filled with sandstone cliffs which are ideal for mountaineering and rock climbing. On this site you will find a lot of information on mountaineering.

Education

The city has such a good location (close to Paris and at the same time among beautiful nature - it is surrounded by forest) that in the 60s, Harvard professors decided to open the INSEAD MBA school business school here, which today has a worldwide reputation

The unique nature of this place has attracted the attention of other famous universities and big schools in France. For example, the popular engineering school ESIGETEL is also located here.

In the summer, a musical institution opens at the Fontainebleau Palace, which is a combination of a conservatory and an architecture studio. What they do is in perfect harmony with the historical setting of the palace. The courses are taught in English by French musicians, composers, artists and professors. Until 1979, the school was headed by Nadia Boulanger, a young professor of composition and harmony. The institution influenced composers such as: Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson, Louise Talma, Samuel Dushkin, Elliott Carter, Beveridge Webster, Kenton Coe and others.

Shopping and shops

Fontainebleau is full of shops of all kinds, from an upscale bakery to jewelers and clothing stores with the latest French fashion.

Bars. Where to go

There are also plenty of places to drink, from modern ambients to traditional French, Mexican bars and English pubs.

How to move around the city

Getting around in the city is very easy, since there is only one central street - the Grand (Rue Grande), which stretches from the palace to the other end of the city, past the central Place Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoléon Bonaparte place). On both sides of the street there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. The best way to get around the city is on foot, as you will get around everything without being distracted or stopping (which is very difficult to do, given the many tempting storefronts) in about 20 minutes.

Also in the city there is Rue de France, which originates from the palace at right angles to Rue Grande. The market square (currently a construction site that is best avoided) connects the streets as a pedestrian section.