TRAVEL GUIDES
OUR GUIDE TO FONTAINEBLEAU
AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Welcome to the Fontainebleau Guide!
After spending a year here (with Nils pursuing an MBA in Fontainebleau), we've become well-acquainted with the area and all its different spots.
Just an hour away from Paris, the region of Fontainebleau offers different options for little staycations or day trips, providing a perfect escape from the chaos of the city.
While the town is renowned for its famous majestic castle, its woods and vibrant student life, it's not always easy to find the best dining options .
That's why we've curated a list of the finest finds (in our opinion), ensuring you experience only the very best.
Additionally, the Fontainebleau area is dotted with charming villages and small towns, making it perfect for a weekend road trip around the region. Enjoy!
Where to Stay
We passed by the Hotel de Cavoye once, and it looked great with a super lovely terrace and an Italian restaurant called Gigi. We didn't try the food, but it gave us great vibes. It's right next to the Château de Fontainebleau, its park, and the city center. If you need to stay in Fontainebleau, this one looks like a very good option.
Fontainebleau, France
HOTEL DE CAVOYE
From 170€ per night
Bourron-Marlotte, France
From 250€ per night
Château de Bourron is in the picturesque village of Bourron-Marlotte, a charming and tranquil spot. The château is surrounded by 42 hectares of lush, meticulously maintained gardens, perfect for strolling and soaking in the natural beauty. It offers unique relaxation experiences, like evening massages in nature and a thermal bath nestled in the forest.
Barbizon, France
LA FOLIE
From 170€ per night
La Folie is not just a hotel; it's also an artist residency, making it a vibrant hub of creativity and expression. We went for their famous vegan brunch, which was delicious. The place has a very artsy vibe, managed by young people, and has two lovely terraces. Notable artists who have resided there: Oracle Sisters, La Femme, Nicolas Lefebvre, and many more.
What to do
CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
The Château de Fontainebleau is THE must-visit in the area, famous for its beautiful gardens and rich history. Don't miss the chance to walk around the surroundings, take a boat ride on the lake and sip a drink (they provide beers, rosé and snacks). And, of course, it's known for being a favorite residence of Napoleon Bonaparte!
Fontainebleau, France
WALK IN THE FOREST
The Forest of Fontainebleau spans over 25,000 hectares with peculiar rock formations resembling scenes from a fantasy movie. It's a top destination for climbers worldwide, with thousands of routes to explore. Scaling the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views from the top!
Fontainebleau, France
Fontainebleau's market has various vendors offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. Yet, Sundays steal the spotlight with our cherished oyster stand, a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Here, you'll find exceptionally fresh oysters at unbeatable prices !! You can have them at the stand, paired perfectly with white wine, and freshly baked bread.
GET OYSTERS FROM THE MARKET
Fontainebleau, France
Barbizon is a charming tiny village known for its picturesque street and quaint ambiance. One stroll down the street transports you to another time, with its historic buildings and rustic charm. This setting famously inspired the Impressionist movement and, as you walk around, you will encounter the houses of different famous painters who started the movement at the time.
VISIT BARBIZON
Barbizon, France
One sunny day, we popped over to Moret-sur-Loing for a quick visit and ended up taking a very nice path along the Seine River. In the summer, people actually swim there, adding to the charm of the village. We stumbled upon an adorable creperie with views on the river called La Poterne (you need to book it in advance).
VISIT MORET-SUR-LOING
Moret-sur-Loing, France
We didn't manage to visit the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, but from what we've heard, it's quite impressive. Known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, it's said to be a must-see attraction in the area.
CHÂTEAU DE VAUX-LE-VICOMTE
Maincy, France
What to Taste
Bourron-Marlotte, France
€€
La Papote is hands down the coolest spot in Bourron-Marlotte! While we only had time for lunch, it's also a great place for an overnight stay. The decor is tastefully done, and the food is simply delicious. They also serve up some great drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether it's lunch or dinner, the terrace adds to the charm of this place. The service is laid-back, with staff members who are incredibly cheerful and friendly.
Bourron-Marlotte, France
€€
Attention meat lovers: Le Bistrot du Broc is your paradise. This place is all about tradition, serving up hearty French dishes paired with a selection of nice red wines. It's cozy in the winter, with a charming exterior to enjoy during the summer months. The kind of laid-back spot you can visit with family, friends, or even for a date night. One of our absolute favorites is the bone marrow with grilled bread—it's Ines' go-to dish, and never disappoints.
Saint-Vrain, France
€€€€
Le Doyenné is an incredible farm-to-table experience that is just a 30-minute drive from Fontainebleau or an hour from Paris. They've brought in local artisans to ensure the integrity of the historically significant site, transforming it into the French ecologically driven farmhouse of their dreams. Not only can you savor a fabulous meal here, but they also offer lovely guest rooms if you don't feel like traveling after (just make sure to book in advance)!
Fontainebleau, france
€€
Vivavino is a place of sharing, built around natural wine crafted by environmentally conscious winemakers. It's a haven for lovers of fine foods, featuring artisanal grocery products made as naturally as possible. Tucked away on a quaint street in Fontainebleau, it offers Italian specialties to take away and thirteen place settings for intimate dinners on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
CAFE DE LA PAIX
Café de la Paix caught our eye as we passed by next to Château de Bourron, and it looks like the cutest restaurant ever! It's as if it jumped straight out of a storybook, with its charming atmosphere and picturesque setting. Though we didn't have a chance to dine there, we're definitely making plans to try it soon, just for the ambiance alone! Plus, we've heard that their pastries are absolutely delicious— another reason to visit!
Bourron-Marlotte, France
€€
The iconic Hôtel Napoléon has recently undergone renovations, and we're loving its bar. With its dim lighting, red velvet decor, and selection of cocktails and champagne, the ambiance is just perfect. The décor skillfully blends Empire-style references with contemporary touches, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting.
Fontainebleau, france
LE BAR DU NAPOLEON
€€
Barbizon, France
€€
Barbizon can sometimes lean towards the touristy side because of its undeniable charm—restaurants might not feel the need to go above and beyond to attract visitors. However, L'Hermitage Saint Antoine is an exception to the rule. With daily menus changing weekly to reflect the season's offerings, you're guaranteed a good dining experience.
The Perfect Trip
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