The Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal castles. The beginnings of the castle date back to the 12th century, rebuilt many times since the 16th century. The dominant styles are the late French Renaissance and the French version of Northern Mannerism.
The School of Fontainebleau (École de Fontainebleau) was active in the arrangement and furnishing of the palace in the years ca. 1530 - ca. 1610.
Total area of 45,000 square meters spread over 11 levels. Total rooms 1500.
Main interiors:
- Gallery of Francis I
- Ballroom
- Chapel of the Trinity
- Stairway of the King
- Queen's bedroom
- Boudoir of Marie-Antoinette
- Throne Room of Napoleon
- Gallery of Diana
- Apartments of Napoleon
- Theatre
- Chinese Museum
Main courtyards (all courtyards cover 28,000 square meters):
- Court of the White Horse
- Oval Court
- Court of the Fountain
The parks and gardens of Fontainebleau include:
- Garden of Diana
- English garden
- Pine Garden Cave
- Fountain de Bliaud
- Parterre and canal
- Carp pond
The entire park complex covers 130 hectares.
The palace became a national museum in 1927.
More than 300,000 works in collections.
The Museum of Napoleon I was established in the palace in 1986.