Chateau De Fontainebleau & Chateau De Versailles

Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Versailles are two of France’s most iconic royal residences, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the country’s storied past. While Fontainebleau boasts stunning Renaissance architecture that attracted French monarchs for centuries, Versailles dazzles with its magnificent Hall of Mirrors and meticulously landscaped gardens. Both sites provide a rich exploration of France’s royal heritage, showcasing the opulence and grandeur that defined the monarchy. Delving deeper into these historic destinations promises to reveal the fascinating stories that lie within their walls.

Key Points

• The tour provides a comprehensive experience to visit the historic Chateau de Fontainebleau and the iconic Palace of Versailles in a single day.
• Chateau de Fontainebleau features lavish interiors, including Napoleon’s Throne Room, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into the grandeur of French monarchy, with highlights like the Hall of Mirrors and the beautifully manicured gardens.
• The tour includes skip-the-line tickets, allowing for a seamless experience, and is available with live guides in multiple languages.
• Guests can expect a well-organized itinerary, with transportation provided and the flexibility to explore the sites at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore two iconic French castles – the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles.

Visitors can explore two iconic French castles – the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles.

Lasting 10.5 hours, the tour costs from $282.76 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup is available from 11 locations across Paris, and transportation is via van.

At each castle, visitors will have 2-3 hours to tour the grounds and buildings.

The tour includes skip-the-line tickets and live guides in French and English, with audio guides in several other languages.

Reviews praise the driver’s punctuality and communication.

Pickup and Transportation

Pickup for the tour is available from 11 locations across Paris, including the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements.

Travelers should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

The van transportation takes 75 minutes to reach Chateau de Fontainebleau, 70 minutes to Versailles, and 75 minutes back to Paris.

While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour typically follows this schedule.

This efficient transportation allows guests to maximize their time exploring the iconic French castles.

Chateau De Fontainebleau

Visitors to Chateau de Fontainebleau can explore the lavish house of French kings, including Napoleon Bonaparte’s iconic Throne Room.

Built across several centuries, the castle showcases stunning Renaissance architecture and opulent royal apartments.

Guests have 2 hours to wander the magnificent grounds, admiring the ornate details and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the visit, travelers enjoy a 1-hour lunch break to sample local cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Whether marveling at the grandeur or learning about France’s rich history, the Chateau de Fontainebleau offers an immersive cultural experience just outside of Paris.

Lunch Break

After exploring the grandeur of Chateau de Fontainebleau, guests enjoy a 1-hour lunch break to sample local cuisine at nearby restaurants. This break provides a chance to refuel and soak in the charming French atmosphere before continuing the tour. The following table outlines some popular restaurant options within walking distance of the castle:

| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |

|————|———|————-|

| La Fontaine | French | $$ |

| Le Relais Saint-Jean | Bistro | $$ |

| Café de la Fontaine | Café | $ |

| L’Essentiel | Upscale French | $$$ |

| Le Café du Commerce | Local | $$ |

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Palace of Versailles

After exploring the grandeur of Chateau de Fontainebleau, guests continue their journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles.

They discover the Kings and Queens apartments, admire the stunning Hall of Mirrors, and marvel at the artwork by Charles Le Brun.

The tour then ventures into the beautifully manicured gardens designed by André le Nôtre, including:

• The Estate of Trianon

• Serene bosquets (groves)

• The Orangery

• Ornate fountains

• Sprawling grounds

With a total visit duration of 3.5 hours, guests are immersed in the opulence and splendor that defined the French monarchy.

Guided Tour and Audio Guides

Throughout the tour, a live guide is available to provide commentary in both French and English, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the rich history and captivating stories of these iconic landmarks.

For those who prefer self-guided exploration, audio guides are offered in several languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. These handheld devices allow visitors to explore the castles at their own pace, providing detailed information about the key sights and features.

No matter the preferred method, guests can skip the ticket lines and enjoy a seamless experience at both Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have shared their perspectives on this tour, providing valuable insights for prospective visitors.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 5 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the driver’s punctuality and communication, while some reviews indicate the tour was more self-guided than expected, with a focus on transportation rather than guided tours.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 5 reviews, with positive feedback on the driver’s punctuality and communication, but some reviews indicate it is more self-guided than expected.

Key points from the reviews include:

• Punctual and communicative driver

• Tour is more self-guided than expected

• Transportation is the main focus, rather than guided tours

• Unique historical sites and beautiful gardens are enjoyed

• Some room for improvement in guided tour experiences

Additional Information

To ensure a smooth experience, travelers should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Throughout the tour, visitors will enjoy exploring the historical sites and beautiful French gardens. The itinerary is subject to change, so travelers should be flexible.

With pickup locations across 11 arrondissements in Paris, the tour provides convenient transportation to and from the Château de Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles.

Travelers can choose the private trip option for a more personalized experience, with a live tour guide available in French and English as well as audio guides in multiple languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Castles?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the castles, but there may be some restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff upon arrival for specific photography guidelines at each location.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors should dress comfortably and appropriately for exploring historical sites. Casual, smart-casual attire is recommended to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free experience throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer any student or senior discounts. However, the overall price is reasonable, and the tour provides great value with transportation, skip-the-line tickets, and guided access to the iconic Chateau de Fontainebleau and Palace of Versailles.

How Much Time Do We Have to Explore the Gardens?

The tour includes 75 minutes to explore the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the beautifully designed gardens and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary includes a lunch break at a local restaurant near Fontainebleau, and there are no provisions for picnicking. Guests should plan to purchase meals and refreshments during the scheduled breaks.

The Wrap Up

Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Versailles offer visitors a captivating glimpse into France’s regal past. Fontainebleau’s Renaissance elegance contrasts with Versailles’ grandiose splendor, providing a well-rounded exploration of the country’s royal heritage. Guided tours and audio guides enhance the experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the opulence and artistry that defined the French monarchy. Whether seeking architectural beauty or historical insights, these iconic chateaus deliver an unforgettable journey through France’s illustrious past.

You can check availability for your dates here: