Historic sites in Fontainebleau

Historic Sites of Fontainebleau

This collection highlights the diverse historical landscape of Fontainebleau, centered on the UNESCO-listed Palace and its expansive royal grounds. Beyond the main residence, the list includes the 19th-century artist colony at Barbizon, medieval churches in Avon and Thomery, and distinctive forest monuments like the Table du Roi. Visitors can explore the ruins of the 12th-century Franchard Hermitage and the preserved studio of artist Rosa Bonheur at the Château de By, reflecting centuries of French architectural and cultural evolution.

Historic Sites of Fontainebleau — Map

ignis / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Palace of Fontainebleau

Palace of Fontainebleau, located 55 kilometers southeast of the center of Paris, in the commune of Fontainebleau, is one of the largest…

B

Palais et Parc de Fontainebleau

This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the former royal residence and its surrounding formal gardens, canal, and parkland. The grounds transition from manicured French landscapes to the protected natural environment of the Fontainebleau forest.

Yann Gwilhoù / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Prieuré Notre-Dame de Franchard

Ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory and hermitage located in the Fontainebleau forest. It is the oldest religious site in the forest, originally established during the reign of Philippe Auguste.

Thesupermat / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Église Saint-Louis

A Catholic church built between 1864 and 1868, featuring an eclectic architectural style. Located near the palace, it serves as the main parish church for the town of Fontainebleau.

auteur inconnu / Public domain

E

Table du Roi

A massive sandstone table in the northern forest, historically used for royal feasts following hunts. This monument marks a traditional meeting point for French monarchs dating back to the 18th century.

F

Musée départemental de l'École de Barbizon

Housed in the former Auberge Ganne, this museum preserves the living quarters and studios of the 19th-century landscape painters who founded the Barbizon School, including works by Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet.

Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Église Saint-Amand

A 13th-century Catholic parish church located in Thomery. The building features a traditional Gothic structure and serves as a significant example of medieval religious architecture in the region.

Remi Jouan / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Église Saint-Pierre

Located in Avon, this church dates back to the 11th century. It is notable for its Romanesque architecture and its historical connection to the French court, serving the residents of the nearby palace.

I

Table du Grand Maître

A stone monument in the Fontainebleau forest that historically served as a landmark for forest administration and the 'Grand Maître des Eaux et Forêts' during the royal era.

J

Château de By

The former home and studio of the famous animalier painter Rosa Bonheur. This 19th-century manor house preserves her original workspace, furniture, and sketches.

K

Le pavillon de l'Étang

An octagonal pavilion situated on an island in the middle of the Carp Pond within the Palace grounds. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it was historically used for royal refreshments and leisure.

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