Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Château de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau, France

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 39 2026
Château de Fontainebleau

Former royal residence of French kings and of Napoleon, standing about an hour from Paris beside a large forest, with interiors from several centuries. Visitors see royal apartments, a throne room, the Gallery of François I and the Napoleon I Museum, then gardens, a carp pond and a park.

Highlights

  • Gallery of François I
  • Napoleon I Museum
  • Carp pond and gardens

Good to know

  • Audio guide on app, bring headphones
  • Some rooms and theatre by guided tour only
  • Little train tours the park for €8

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