Fontainebleau Tour
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Napoleon at Fontainebleau
Prior to the French Revolution the Chateau at Fontainbleau had fallen into disrepair and during the Revolution many of the original furnishings were stolen and what remained were sold. Within a decade Napoleon began to transform the Chateau into a symbol of his grandeur as an alternative to empty Versailles, with its Bourbon connotations. He completely refinished the entire palace and Fontainebleau became one of his favorite residences. The throne room is the most spectacular room in the apartment, with silks and brocades enriched with precious decorations of gold bee and other Neoclassical symbols.
It was here at Fontainebleau that Napoleon bade farewell to his Old Guard and went into exile in 1814. Napoleon, from his last exile at St. Helena, recalled Fontainebleau fondly: "Here was a true home of kings, the best furnished and most happily situated ancient house in Europe".
Today the museum dedicated to Napoleon in the Chateau brings his epic career to life thought small objects that were part of the daily life that he shared with his brothers and sisters, the monarchs of half of Europe.
Barbizon
At the beginning of the 19th century, Barbizon was a small hamlet of peasants. It was around the middle of the 19th century that Barbizon truly gained popularity when Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet who fleeed Paris due to a choleraepidemic. Barbizon counted at this time famous residents such Paul Huet, Diaz Of Pena, Cabat, French Louis, Daubigny, Decamps, Chintreuil or Daumierand hence was creat the Barbizon School of Art. The creative current which emerged from this place gave immortal Artworks such as " The Angelus " or " Les Glaneuses ".
Forest of Fontainebleau. A life-size workshop.
Beyond seeing a collection of paintings signed by the greatest artists from Corot to Picasso, the exhibition explains why the forest of Fontainebleau became such a great attraction for artists
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Visit Fontainebleau Castle
Visit Fontainebleau castle ,the royal residence from the 12th century, hunting lodge of Francois I and Napoleon Bonaparte's abdication, with a collection of paintings, furniture and a museum devoted to Napoleon I.
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Private Tour
Luxury vehicle & licensed driver/guide
Visit the Chateaux and on the way the quaint village of Barbizon.
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Fontainebleau and Barbizon on the way.
The castle was built from 16th until the 18th century. In the 16th century, Francois I transformed the castle into a Renaissance palace decorated by Florentine artists. The castle was made into a national museum since 1870.
Outside, you'll visit the "cour du Cheval-Blanc" with the statue of Marcus Aurelius and the famous monumental horseshoe shaped stairway. Inside, visit of the "Grands appartements", François I's gallery and the Renaissance Halls, Napoleon I's room. You can also visit the museum of Napoleon I.
And not to forget to take a stroll through the gardens.
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Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Barbizon
The day starts off with the visit of Barbizon, famous since the 19th century thanks to artists such as Millet, Rousseau and Stevenson. Monday and Friday at 8:30am by semi private minivan full day tour.
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From 49€ pp
Duration 9 1/2 hrs
162€ pp Secure Online Booking
You will then cross the forest to the Castle of Fontainebleau, favourite residence of French kings and emperors during eight centuries. An audio-guided tour inside the castle will be followed by some free time in the gardens.
Then off to Vaux-le-Vicomte, Nicolas Fouquet's masterpiece which inspired considerably Louis XIV when he built the palace of Versailles.
After lunch on site (included), an audio-guided tour of the main rooms of the Castle. The day ends with time to stroll freely through the gardens and the carriage museum.
Entrance tickets included.
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Bus shuttle Paris Option - Vaux le Vicomte - Fontainebleau - Paris.
Entrance tickets & audio guides included for the visit of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau castles. Free time for lunch.
49€ pp Secure Online Booking
Departure 9.15 am : Every Saturday from May 8th to September 25th
+ every Wednesday from July 7th to August 25th.
Return to Paris around 6.15pm
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Overnight in Fontainebleau
On the way to Fontainebleau we will cross the charming village of Barbizon, an artistic centre since the 19th century. At the end of the day take a balloon adventure and spend the evening ina charming hotel.
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Overnight Experience
Guided visit of the Palace of Fontainebleau where you will appreciate various styles of architecture, magnificent decorum and ancient pieces of furniture. These are the richest you can find in France.
On the way to Fontainebleau we will visit the charming village of Barbizon, an artistic centre since the 19th century. Our guide-interpreter will revive the atmosphere of the different periods: from Saint-Louis to Napoleon III not forgetting Francois 1st and Napoleon 1st. Free time to wander through the gardens.
Your guide will check you into your hotel and at around 6pm you will walk back over to the Chateaux where you will begin your balloon adventure. Prepare the balloon, fly, land, drink champagne and back to the hotel for an overnight in a lovely 4 star hotel.
At your leisure next morning wander the town beofre taking the train to Paris in less than 1 hr.