Chateau De Fontainebleau – A True Residence Of The French Sovereigns

Chateau De Fontainebleau – A True Residence Of The French Sovereigns
Zoran
Zoran 
Updated
| 5 min read

The Chateau de Fontainebleau, originated in 1137, was meant for holiday retreats but it is also the only one residence that was favourite to all French kings and emperors until the end of the Second Empire in 1870. It certainly isn’t opulent as Versailles, nor magical as Vaux-le-Vicomte, but its centuries-old architecture, furniture of the Imperial era and a couple of different style gardens are something truly worth seeing. Besides, the Fontainebleau is closely related to two distinctive art institutions of different periods, known as the First School of Fontainebleau and Barbizon School.

History of the Chateau de Fontainebleau

chateau de fontainebleau – a true residence of the french sovereigns | history of the chateau de fontainebleau

The chateau used to be a keep, strategically positioned in the woods abounding with the game. Since hunting was the king’s favourite leisure activity, they frequented Fontainebleau in late summer and early autumn. The first great renovator, who significantly expanded the keep, was Francois I, who commissioned Italian artists to decorate the palace. His son, Henri II, continued his father’s work, both of whom left behind two crown jewels of the French Renaissance architecture. Next significant contributor in the palace’s expansion happened to be Henri IV, while Napoleon I made it the Imperial residence and had it newly furnished, following the looting conducted during the French Revolution (1789 – 1799). The Fontainebleau chateau is where Napoleon I abdicated in 1814.

The First School of Fontainebleau was born during the reign of Francois I (1515 – 1547); it inaugurated a new concept of interior decoration (the one that was strictly followed in the future), which comprised wall paintings, stucco frames in reliefs and wainscoting. The 19th century Barbizon school of painting, inclined toward realism, was originated in the homonymous village that is located at the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. The forest itself has been the ground frequently used by the artists in producing their works.

Main inner features of the Chateau de Fontainebleau

chateau de fontainebleau – a true residence of the french sovereigns | main inner features of the chateau de fontainebleau

The Fontainebleau palace is among the largest in entire France, and each sovereign that frequented this place since 1137 left his own mark, in a smaller or larger degree. The related photo, for example, presents the Napoleon I’s throne room, with an arrangement symbolizing a crown atop the baldachin; flanking ensigns feature his monogram (N) and the Imperial eagles (Napoleon was accustomed to using various symbols of the Roman Empire).

As you advance through the state and public rooms, you’ll have an opportunity to perceive symbols of other sovereigns that contributed in the expansion and embellishment of this outstanding chateau. Francois I’s symbols, for example, are F letter and the flaming salamander; Henri II’s are three interwoven crescent moons, alluding to his ability of a statesman to make a strong unity out of different, even often collided, factors.

Although the Revolution (1789 - 1799) deprived the palace of its old furnishings, the original decoration, thankfully, remained intact. Throughout the exhibited rooms, you’ll witness extraordinary examples of the wall and ceiling decoration. Gilded stucco framework and wall paintings are complemented by impressive chandeliers and candle holders, tapestries illustrating historical, religious and mythological motifs, sumptuous carpets and more, making an opulent, yet elegant, interior.

The Marie Antoinette’s private chambers are a great example of the ill-fated queen’s artistic sophistication, while the Diana Gallery (the former Queen’s gallery), which recounts the story of the Roman deity and is 80 meters long, had been turned into a library. In the Guardroom, pay special attention on an ornate vase, recounting the story of Jesus Christ. The Saint Saturnin Chapel, commissioned by Francois I and completed by Henri II, features the coffered ceiling and rich ornamentation. The Trinity Chapel illustrates the story of the humanity’s redemption, while the statues of Henri IV and Louis XIII represent the monarchs as Charlemagne and Saint Louis respectively.

Francois I Gallery

chateau de fontainebleau – a true residence of the french sovereigns | francois i gallery

The Francois I Gallery is the very best example of the French Renaissance inner decoration. In this very room, the First School of Fontainebleau was born. Main decorators were Giovanni Battista di Jacopo (better known as Rosso Fiorentino – Red Florentine), Francesco Primaticcio and Scibec da Carpi. Throughout the gallery, the wealth of stucco framework, reliefs and wall paintings represent Francois I in various forms. In the painting above, he is represented as a royal elephant; flanking depictions illustrate the abduction of Europe by Jupiter (left) and of Phylira by Saturn (right).

Ballroom

chateau de fontainebleau – a true residence of the french sovereigns | ballroom

Conceived as a loggia by Francois I, and turned into a ballroom by Henri II, the Ballroom is another highlight of the expansive chateau. The design of a coffered ceiling is reflected by the floor. To leave as much space for the ball events, the musician’s gallery was established above the ballroom entrance. Flanking wall paintings depict various mythological scenes, while Henri II’s monograms (H) and crescent moons are distributed everywhere. His logo was “Till he replenishes the whole world”. An ornate fireplace is topped by royal symbols and flanked by bronze copies of Primaticcio’s satyrs.

Napoleon I Museum

napoleon i museum

The extensive collection of objects related to the first French Emperor takes us through everyday life of Napoleon Bonaparte, both at home and throughout his conquests. Various portraits and busts of him and his family are adjoined with his personal belongings, such as medals, travelling hygiene and table sets, field tent, uniforms, etc. Objects belonging to his family, his heir’s cradle, for example, are also on display.

Next to the Napoleon I’s Museum, the Pope’s Apartment is located. Former Queen Mother’s Apartment, consisting of 11 rooms, had been lavishly decorated for Napoleon’s distinguished guests. The name of the apartment is related to Pope Pius VII, who happened to be the Napoleon’s prisoner during the visit in 1812.

External features of the chateau and the attached gardens

external features of the chateau and the attached gardens

The Chateau de Fontainebleau is completely surrounded by themed parks, gardens and courtyards. The main courtyard, which is accessible from the palace by a characteristic horseshoe-shaped staircase (refer to the photo at the top), used to be a parade ground. From the staircase, Napoleon announced to the arranged troops his abdication in 1814, as the allied forces were closing by. From the neighbouring Fountain courtyard, one can rent a boat during the summer season. In the middle of the Carp Lake, a romantic Pool Pavilion, with the inner paintings, was established by Louis XIV and rebuilt by Napoleon.

The enclosing parks and gardens feature completely different designs. The English Garden, to the south, is dotted with winding paths, occasional sculptures and high trees. The Diana Garden is the small, tucked piece of greenery to the north, encircled by the appealing facades of the chateau’s different wings. Although Louis XIV poorly contributed to the chateau’s appearance, he commissioned Andre Le Notre and Louis le Vau to lay the geometric layout of the Grand Parterre, the Europe’s largest French-formal garden. The centre of the garden is occupied by a pool with a large fountain in the middle. The long water canal to the west of the Grand Parterre, surrounded by symmetrically deployed trees, flanks the expansive park.

Prepare your visit

The Fontainebleau palace is located to the south of Paris in the homonymous town. It can be accessed by a car or by a train line from the Paris’s Gare de Lyon station (alight at the Fontainebleau-Avon station). From the Fontainebleau-Avon station, the bus number 1 takes you to the chateau. The full entry price is 16 EUR (18 USD), but holders of Paris Museum Pass and similar city passes have free entrance. Once inside, make sure to rent the visioguide (fee is a few euros). Working hours are from 09:30 to 18:00 (17:00 during the winter season), while the attached gardens close up to an hour after the chateau.

In order to properly explore the Chateau de Fontainebleau’s cultural heritage and historical significance, and admire its expansive gardens, you should plan as much time as possible for the visit. Even a full day wouldn’t be too much.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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In Zoran's writing career, he extensively covers global destinations and travel companies, examining cities, regions, countries, and cruising entities. Beyond sharing knowledge, he engages with...Read more

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