Just 40 minutes from Paris, the Pays de Fontainebleau invites you on a true getaway within easy reach. Here, the change of scenery is immediate: a timeless bubble where remarkable nature, exceptional landscapes, and the spirit of the place offer a rejuvenating break in every season.

A mythical forest, rocks sculpted over centuries, artists’ villages, and a heritage rich with history shape a territory with a strong identity, molded by those who have lived in it, cherished it, and kept it alive. The Pays de Fontainebleau reveals itself at its own pace, guided by the seasons, encounters, and shared emotions.

Recharge, breathe, reconnect with the living world: here, every moment invites you to slow down and make room for emotion. In no time, your stay becomes a true journey—one of escape, authenticity, and meaningful connections.

Hiking, climbing, cycling, cultural visits, or gourmet breaks: the variety of experiences allows everyone to set their own rhythm. The Pays de Fontainebleau is the promise of an accessible escape close to home, where every place and every moment contribute to a vibrant, enjoyable journey.

A Journey into the Heart of History

Embark on a journey into the heart of history, where the Château de Fontainebleau has, over the centuries, captured the dreams of kings, queens, and emperors who lived within its walls. A true symbol of the French art of living, every detail—fresco or molding—bears witness to the relentless pursuit of beauty that defined the era. Historians recount that François Ier gave the château its unparalleled style, while Napoleon Bonaparte inscribed his own legend there.

Visiting this château is like stepping into a historical journey as a monarch of the time, wandering through galleries adorned with vividly colored frescoes, strolling in the shoes of a courtier amid effervescent intrigues, or entering the genius of André le Nôtre, who gave his first noble letters to the French-style garden.

Few steps from the town, the Château de Fontainebleau offers a true escape, a timeless place where history reveals itself and imagination can flourish freely.

A Journey into the Heart of Nature

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary forest and let yourself be guided through a mosaic of landscapes spanning over 22,000 hectares—a source of emotion and inspiration for centuries. Along its shaded paths, vast plateaus, rocky outcrops, and uniquely pure sandy expanses, punctuated by majestic centuries-old oaks, reconnect with the living world and the raw beauty of nature.

The atmosphere is enchanting, where every step brings a new discovery and every corner unveils a wonder. Feel the emotion of these places and understand for yourself why this forest has captivated the minds of creators and continues to draw renowned artists even today. A true sensory journey where nature becomes a source of contemplation and inspiration.

An Immersion into the French Art of Living

Embark on a journey inspired by the elegance of the Court, a true invitation to savor every moment in the Pays de Fontainebleau. Discover the royal and imperial town of Fontainebleau and its art of living, shaped by the refinement that once animated—and still animates today—the Château de Fontainebleau, located just a few steps away. This precious heritage, passed down through generations, is still expressed today through a welcoming art of hospitality, blending delicacy, conviviality, and pleasure.

By day or night, on a terrace or by the fireside, let yourself be enveloped by the town’s warm atmosphere, its spirit of sharing, and its gentle way of life that naturally invites you to enjoy each moment. This same spirit is reflected in the surrounding villages, long inspired by the presence of artists who cultivated a quietly enchanting bohemian charm. In this territory, where past and present harmoniously intertwine, the Pays de Fontainebleau embodies the very essence of the French art of living.

A Journey into Inspiration

Set out on a journey to the heart of inspiration, in a destination where picturesque villages and artistic heritage come together to awaken the imagination. Each village, rich in heritage and character, is home to timeless treasures that have captivated and inspired renowned artists such as Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau, as well as writers like Robert Louis Stevenson. These artists’ homes, now open as museums, testify to this creative effervescence: the Millet Studio and the Barbizon Painters Museum in Barbizon, the Stéphane Mallarmé Museum in Vulaines-sur-Seine, and the Rosa Bonheur Château-Museum in Thomery.

Entering these unique, historically rich spaces allows you to feel the soul of creation and be carried by an inspiring artistic atmosphere. A true journey where art and imagination meet, in a destination that continues to inspire and enchant countless artists.

Let Yourself Be Carried by the Bucolic Charm of Local Heritage

Discover the bucolic charm of local heritage, revealed in all its simplicity and authenticity. Off the beaten path, let your curiosity and imagination roam as you stroll through the cobbled streets of Fontainebleau’s characterful artist villages. Around every alley, lane, or square, uncover historical sites—from old houses with delicate façades to peaceful washhouses that invite you to imagine the bustling life of the past when washerwomen worked by the water. Time seems to stand still here, offering calm and serenity, accompanied by the gentle murmur of water. A journey that awakens curiosity and the mind, where every moment becomes an invitation to explore, dream, and savor the authentic soul of the destination.

A Journey Along the Water

In the Pays de Fontainebleau, embark on a journey along the water, where nature partners with the gentle flow of the Seine. Between Samois-sur-Seine, Samoreau, Héricy, Vulaines-sur-Seine, Bois-le-Roi, Avon, and Chartrettes, the destination reveals another side of itself: its peaceful and elegant riverbanks. An invitation to stroll, slow down, and let your gaze wander over calm waters and the beautiful villas lining the banks—these “fascinating” homes, with their refined architecture and flowered gardens, tell part of the story of the Pays de Fontainebleau.

The Seine, a source of inspiration and renewal, also offers a playground for numerous sports, such as rowing, whose energy quickly becomes contagious. Between serenity and vitality, this journey along the water immerses you in a living, timeless landscape where beauty and harmony invite contemplation and reconnection with oneself.

A Land of Sporting Emotions

Embark on a true journey into sport in the Pays de Fontainebleau, a destination alive with the rhythm of nature and athletic achievement. Between its legendary forest—the birthplace of bouldering—and the Seine, a playground for rowing, this destination stands out as an exceptional place for all lovers of outdoor sports.

The Fontainebleau Forest, with its shaded trails, time-sculpted terrain, and sprawling clearings, offers a true oasis of freedom for hikers, trial bikers, and horse riders alike. It is in this exceptional environment that many medal-winning equestrians made their first strides and continue to train today. For those seeking the intensity of major competitions, the Grand Parquet and the Hippodrome de la Solle, both nestled on the forest’s edge, host international equestrian events and high-level horse races. A genuine emotional journey awaits, experienced through sport in the Pays de Fontainebleau.