Fontainebleau Castle & Barbizon Half-Day Trip from Paris

Leave central Paris behind for a few hours and discover one of France’s most beautiful royal residences and the landscapes that inspired generations of painters. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with your driver-guide, who will share stories and historical background along the way. At Fontainebleau Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and favourite residence of the French kings from François I to Napoléon III, enjoy an audio-guided visit that lets you explore the lavishly decorated apartments, grand galleries and magnificent chapels at your own pace. Afterwards, stroll through the formal gardens and wooded park that surround the château. On the way back to Paris, your route takes you through Barbizon, a charming artists’ village on the edge of the forest where 19th-century painters like Corot and Millet came to capture light and nature. This half-day excursion is the perfect mix of royal history, architecture, landscape and art, all within easy reach of central Paris.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Meet your driver-guide at a central Paris meeting point close to the Louvre. Board your air-conditioned coach and leave the city towards the vast Fontainebleau forest. Enjoy views of the countryside and the ancient royal hunting forest as your guide introduces the history of Fontainebleau and explains why so many French rulers chose to live there.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   2 hours

   On arrival, skip the ticket line and enter the château for your self-paced audio-guided visit. Discover more than eight centuries of royal history as you explore the Renaissance and classical façades, the François I Gallery, the royal apartments, Napoleon I’s throne room and the richly decorated Napoleon III rooms. Then, take some free time to wander through the French-style parterres and the vast park designed for royal hunts and court promenades.

3. 3

   Barbizon

   Pass by

   On the return journey, your driver-guide will take you along the main street of Barbizon, a small village nestled at the edge of the forest. From the coach, learn how this peaceful hamlet became one of the birthplaces of Impressionism, attracting artists in search of natural light and rural scenes.

4. 4

   Paris

   Pass by

   Relax on the drive back and arrive in central Paris in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free for your own plans.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.