Question 1

How long does it take to drive from Paris CDG to Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

The Palace of Fontainebleau sits about 60 miles (97 km) south of Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, depending on traffic around the Paris ring road. The route passes through the Brie countryside before entering the vast Fontainebleau Forest that surrounds the chateau.

Question 2

Is Fontainebleau worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fontainebleau is one of the most extensive royal residences in Europe, with 1,500 rooms spanning eight centuries of French history. Unlike its better-known neighbor Versailles, Fontainebleau draws fewer crowds, making the visit feel more personal. The chateau housed every French monarch from Francis I to Napoleon III and offers a remarkably complete picture of evolving royal taste.

Question 3

Was Napoleon Bonaparte associated with Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Napoleon called Fontainebleau "the true home of kings" and made it his preferred residence. His apartments are preserved with original furnishings, including his throne room and bedroom. The Cour des Adieux in the front courtyard is where Napoleon famously bid farewell to his Imperial Guard on April 20, 1814, before being exiled to Elba.

Question 4

What are the opening hours of the Palace of Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

The Palace of Fontainebleau is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM and closed on Tuesdays. Last admission is one hour before closing. The surrounding gardens and the Cour des Adieux are free to enter and accessible year-round, so even on closed days, the exterior can be enjoyed.

Question 5

What is the difference between Fontainebleau and Versailles?

Accepted Answer

Versailles is the grand stage of Louis XIV's absolute monarchy, while Fontainebleau is a layered residence shaped by 34 monarchs across 800 years. Fontainebleau showcases the French Renaissance style introduced by Francis I and includes Napoleon's most personal living quarters. Versailles draws far larger crowds, making Fontainebleau the calmer alternative.

Question 6

What is there to do besides the palace in Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

The town of Fontainebleau offers a vibrant market on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, along with charming bistros along Rue Grande. The vast Fontainebleau Forest is world-famous for hiking and rock climbing, with bouldering routes that draw international climbers. The free palace gardens with their carp pond also make for a lovely walk.

Question 7

What should I wear when visiting the Palace of Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable walking shoes are essential since the palace's 1,500 rooms involve significant walking on parquet floors and stone staircases. The interior is climate-controlled, but the gardens and Cour des Adieux can be very cold in winter and warm in summer, so dress in layers. A light jacket is wise even in summer.

Question 8

When is the best time to visit Fontainebleau?

Accepted Answer

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather for combining a palace visit with a walk in the forest or gardens. Summer brings warm days and longer daylight, while spring and autumn provide cooler conditions and smaller crowds. Winter visits are quieter and atmospheric, although forest hiking is limited by shorter daylight.

Question 9

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 10

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 11

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 12

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 13

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 14

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 15

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 16

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 17

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 18

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 19

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Paris CDG to the Palace of Fontainebleau: Private day trip

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