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Jardin anglais and around
A day in Fontainebleau · 9:30–16:30 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/fontainebleau/itineraries/jardin-anglais-and-aroundA walking day around Jardin anglais, Cour des Adieux and Étang des Carpes, with a lunch break nearby and Jardin de Diane to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Romantic English-style garden with exotic trees and a stream.
- Free entry
- Find the Belle-Eau spring
↓ 2 min walk
10:302Grand courtyard with the horseshoe staircase of Napoleon's farewell.
- Free to enter
- Classic photo from the gate
↓ 3 min walk
11:303Carp pond with a pavilion in the middle beside the palace.
- Boat rentals in summer
- Great reflections of the palace
↓ 3 min walk
12:454Château de Fontainebleau ↗1 h 30 minClosed Tuesdays
Royal palace used by 34 monarchs, with lavish Renaissance galleries.
- Free first Sunday from September to June
- Don't miss the François I gallery
Lunch
14:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
15:305Intimate garden with the Diana fountain and peacocks.
- Free entry from the town side
- Peacocks roam freely
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Fontainebleau tips
Transportation
- Take the Transilien R: Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon reach Fontainebleau-Avon station in under an hour; a Navigo pass covers the trip.
- Catch the bus to the chateau: From Fontainebleau-Avon station, local buses run into town and stop near the chateau, which is too far to walk comfortably.
- Rent a bike for the forest: The forest of Fontainebleau has many forest roads and tracks; cycling is a great way to reach viewpoints and boulders.
Local Hacks
- Try bouldering: Fontainebleau is a world-famous bouldering spot; sites like Bas Cuvier and Franchard have routes for beginners and experts.
- Visit Barbizon: The painters' village of Barbizon on the forest's edge inspired the Barbizon school; it is a short drive or bike ride away.
- Hike the Gorges d'Apremont: These rocky gorges offer some of the best views in the forest and are especially lovely at sunset.
Saving
- Check free entry rules: The Chateau de Fontainebleau is free for EU residents under 26; check the official site for other free entry days.
- Visit the market: The market on Place de la Republique sells cheese, bread and fruit, perfect for a picnic in the chateau gardens.
- Explore the gardens: The chateau's gardens and park, including the Grand Parterre and the canal, can be enjoyed without paying for the palace interior.
Security
- Check for ticks: Ticks are common in the forest of Fontainebleau; wear long trousers on trails and check yourself after hikes.
- Do not get lost: The forest is huge and paths can be confusing; follow the marked trails, use a map app and let someone know your plans.
- Protect your car: Leave nothing visible in cars parked at forest car parks like Bas Cuvier or Franchard, where break-ins can happen.
Cultural
- Follow Napoleon's footsteps: Napoleon bid farewell to his Old Guard in the Cour des Adieux; the chateau also holds his throne room and apartments.
- See the Chinese Museum: Empress Eugenie's Chinese Museum inside the chateau is a rare collection of Asian art; it is often open only on guided visits.
- Try local brie: The Ile-de-France region is home to brie de Meaux and brie de Melun; ask for them at the cheese shops in town.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for changing weather: Fontainebleau has warm summers and cold, damp winters; bring layers and a waterproof jacket for forest walks.
- Choose good shoes: The sandy paths and rocks in the forest call for sturdy shoes with grip, especially if you plan to scramble on boulders.
- Enjoy autumn colours: Autumn brings beautiful colours to the forest; bring a warm layer as mornings can be chilly and misty.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/fontainebleau/itineraries/jardin-anglais-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–16:305 stops
Jardin anglais and around
A walking day around Jardin anglais, Cour des Adieux and Étang des Carpes, with a lunch break nearby and Jardin de Diane to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hRomantic English-style garden with exotic trees and a stream.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Find the Belle-Eau spring
- Shady on hot days
📷 Photos
2 min walk
210:30 · 1 hGrand courtyard with the horseshoe staircase of Napoleon's farewell.
3 tips
- Free to enter
- Classic photo from the gate
- Napoleon bid farewell here in 1814
📷 Photos
3 min walk
311:30 · 1 hCarp pond with a pavilion in the middle beside the palace.
3 tips
- Boat rentals in summer
- Great reflections of the palace
- Feed-free zone for fish
📷 Photos
3 min walk
412:45 · 1 h 30 minRoyal palace used by 34 monarchs, with lavish Renaissance galleries.
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Free first Sunday from September to June
- Don't miss the François I gallery
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 14:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
515:30 · 1 hIntimate garden with the Diana fountain and peacocks.
3 tips
- Free entry from the town side
- Peacocks roam freely
- Quick shortcut into the palace grounds
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Fontainebleau. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.