| Great escapes: Ile de France 4 |
Saunter through the sumptuous apartments and gardens of the French kings and explore one of France's most beautiful forests.
The renowned châteaux around Paris are a fascination for many and make for a wonderful Great Escape.
Fontainebleau, a name found on most sightseeing agendas, holds a greater appeal for those seeking all the luxurious trappings of a richly decorated château.
Lying south east of Paris, Fontainebleau is a 65km drive from the capital via the A6 and N7. Alternatively, it is possible to get there by train. It takes around 40 minutes and trains leave every hour from Paris' Gare de Lyon.
On arrival at Avon train station, it's a short bus ride or a 30-minute walk.
One good way to start at Fontainebleau, referred to by Napoleon I as "La Maison des Siecles", is with a stroll around the courtyards and gardens. Names such as the Cour du Cheval Blanc, Cour de la Fontaine and Cour des Adieux all have significant meanings and figure in the history of this château. The cobblestone Cour des Adieux, is where Napoleon said farewell to his Old Guard in 1814 before departing for his brief exile to the island of Elba. Of note on this courtyard, also known as the Cour du Cheval Blanc, is the famous Horseshoe Staircase built for Louis XIII.
From the Cour du Cheval Blanc you enter the château, aptly named the 'Home of Centuries': this is the palace where more than 30 sovereigns lived down the ages; each left their mark and the 16th-century château on view today includes additions made by various royal incumbents over the following 300 years.
Back to nature
Life at Fontainebleau always revolved very much around the forest, famous for its royal hunts. Still playing an important role, the 49,000-acre Foret de Fontainebleau spreads beyond the château's gardens and is one of the biggest forests in France. More than 11 million people find their way to this wooded massif each year, noted for its diverse natural landscape, picturesque rocky outcrops and dramatic heathlands. Some are happy to take a short stroll on the historic terrain, although the forest is laced with hiking trails for the more enthusiastic. Others set forth on mountain bikes, either their own or hired - you can even hire a donkey for the day!
Just in case you imagine that it is only the château and forest of Fontainebleau that attract, the town itself has famous schools, prestigious military institutions, and cultural and sports events. Well known are the horse events at Grand Parquet horse stadium.
Fontainebleau - its town, château and forest - offers more and more the closer you look: the hallmark of a truly Great Escape
|
ATTRACTIONS
The Musee National du Château de Fontainebleau
Open Daily except Tuesday from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-5pm (6pm during July/August). Admission Free up to 18 years; reduced admission for those aged up to 25 and 60+. Accessible for disabled visitors. Guided tours by appointment.
Tel 01 60 71 50 70.
The Fontainebleau Train
Information from the Office de Tourisme de Fontainebleau.
Tel 01 60 74 99 99.
Walking and Biking Trails
The tourist office has maps, guides and information on hiring bikes and rental of walking/climbing gear.
Recommended Map
Michelin Yellow No.237.
Tourist Information
Office de Tourisme de Fontainebleau-Avon, 4, Rue Royale, 77302 F'tainebleau. Tel 01 60 74 99 99.
|
|
|
Camping La Belle Etoile
A mature touring site with a swimming pool and a location overlooking the Seine. Although the sanitary facilities are less than ultra-modern, hot water is not in short supply.
How to get there Travelling south on the N6 Melun/Fontainebleau road turn left at the Buffalo Grill approx 2km south of Melun into Ave de la Seine. Continue to the river and turn left along the river bank to the site.
• WE LIKED The riverside setting and being within minutes of Fontainebleau.
• BE WARNED Sanitary facilities are crying out to be modernised, and the start of the approach road passes several industrial plants.
• WOULD SUIT Those wanting to spend time in Fontainebleau or go walking/cycling/rock climbing in the forest.
Address Quai Joffre, 77000 La Rochette, Melun.
Tel 00 33 (0)1 64 39 48 12.
Open 1 April-31 October.
Charges FF93-103 car, caravan + 2 persons inc electric hook-up; FF25-28 extra adult.
Facilities 186 touring pitches; 150 6-amp electric hook-up; 18 hot showers.
Shopping 3km.
Nearest pub 2km.
Gas exchange Camping Gaz.
FFCC Grading ***
|
|
