Fontainebleau palace

The Fontainebleau estate was one of the dwellings of the great rulers of France.

Some kings left their mark on the history and construction of the castle, and the palace itself is rich in historical sights and during its existence, it appeared many times in high-profile events of medieval and modern France.

In total, over seven centuries, 34 French rulers visited Fontainebleau, from Louis VI Tolstoy to Napoleon III. From the 16th to the 18th century, all kings, from Francis I to Louis XV, made significant changes to the castle. Some rulers increased the size of chambers, added galleries, others expanded kitchens, decorated gardens and courtyards. In addition to the interior, each of the kings changed the appearance of the castle according to their taste and needs. This explains its somewhat heterogeneous architectural character, although at the same time it looks very harmonious.

The castle is surrounded by a spacious park and forest, which is often mentioned in the historical novels of Alexandre Dumas and other writers. The architecture of the castle is rich in decorative elements from the Renaissance, classics, and the Middle Ages. Here you can clearly see how Italian and French art meet and intertwine. This is noted in the architectural ensembles, in the interior of the castle and the surrounding landscapes.

Once the Emperor Napoleon I said that Fontainebleau is "a haven of centuries, a real royal house", and he was right, since Fontainebleau is a witness of more than 700 years of French history.