Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau
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The Royal Château of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The château as it is today is the work of many French monarchs, building on a structure of Francis I. The building is ranged round a series of courts. The city of Fontainebleau has grown up around the remainder of the Forest of Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting park.

The chateau introduced to France the Italian Mannerist style in interior decoration and in gardens, and transformed them in the translation.

Year Decision Comments
1981 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Klaus Freisinger (Austria):
Less well known and thus (slightly) less crowded than Versailles, Fontainebleau started life as a hunting lodge and became the favorite residence for many French rulers, and many of them left their distinctive imprint. Francois I., Henri IV., and Napoleon all had an individual entrance built to the palace, and the "School of Fontainebleau" was a model for Frecnh and European Renaissance architecture. Many people will imitate the kings and prefer this magnificent complex to Versailles. I wouldn´t go this far, but it is certainly very well worth visiting and one of the better daytrips from Paris.
Date posted: June 2005
Graeme Ramshaw ():
A very nice little town, just outside of Paris, that hosts a really spectacular chateau. Once a summer residence for the kings of France, the house and park became a favorite of Napoleon during this reign as emperor. There is a good deal to explore both within the apartments and around the beautiful gardens. The town of Fontainebleau itself is also worth some time, with many little cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. The people are also very welcoming; we had a nice time chatting with the old man who feeds the peacocks that wander the chateau grounds. Definitely recommended as a day trip from Paris.
 
Ganna (USA):
I lived in Fontainebleau for a year while my father was getting his MBA at INSEAD business school and I must say it's the most beautiful place I've been to so far. beautiful gardens, gorgeous archticture, incredible chateaux, tiny coffee shops, extremely friendly people (myth about the French being arrogant will very quickly dissipate once you are in Fontainebleau). Because of the huge INSEAD campus right in the city, you will meet people from all over the world on the streets of Fontainebleau.
 


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