Château de Fontainebleau is one of the largest chateaus or palaces based in France. It became a museum in 1927 and the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1981. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been one of the most preferred residences amongst the French Kings. It has been a reign of Monarch and has evolved over time. It is even believed that the initial structure of the Chateau was built by Louis VI in the 11th century. Let us discover some of the most interesting facts about Château de Fontainebleau, one of the most fascinating landmarks in France.
Interesting Facts about Château de Fontainebleau
Located just Southeast of the Paris
The Château de Fontainebleau, also known as the Palace of the Fontainebleau is one of the largest royal residencies in France. It is located just the Southeast of Paris at a distance of 55 kilometers or 34 miles. The building is vast and has more than 1900 rooms spread over an area of 321 acres. The garden area also covers the largest parterre in Europe and you must consider planning a visit to the Château de Fontainebleau.
Favorite of many Royal Residents
Originally, the palace was occupied by a hunting lodge. The original structure dates back to the prehistoric period and the year 1137. Hunting was the favorite pastime of many French monarchs and kings. The surrounding forest was full of game and deer, which is one of the major reasons why the palace has been a favorite for many Royal residents. From King Louis VII in the 12th century to Napolean III in the 19th century, all the kings have lived here. Besides this, Château de Fontainebleau has also served as the center for many important events that happened in French history during these times. The palace was even used for army headquarters during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. It was also occupied during the time of World War II by the Germans.
Rooms Open to the Public are Fully Furnished
Although there are more than 1900 rooms in the castle, you can only get access to view a few of them. However, the rooms that are open to the public are fully-furnished. After the French revolution, Napoleon I made sure that the rooms were beautifully decorated and fully furnished. An auction took place earlier in which all the valuable items were sold out. There is also Napulean Museum at the castle, where you can discover the items used by Napolean and his family members.
Styles from Four Centuries
The original structure dates back to the year 1137. Over time, the Château de Fontainebleau has evolved in terms of design and structure. The current styles represented in the palace are from the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. You may also get a glimpse of the taste of previous occupants and monarchs. Francois, I gallery is one of the most impressive rooms at the Castle. The room was designed for the private use of the king and he used to carry the key to the room everywhere.
Once a German Headquarter
Château de Fontainebleau has been used as a headquarter by the Germans during WWII. It was used by NATO from the year 1945 to the year 1965.
Marie Antoinette never slept on her bed
Marie Antoinette is another queen and occupant of Château de Fontainebleau. Before moving into the castle, she asked for certain changes and made sure that the room was decorated as per her taste. However, she was executed before her bed arrived and her room was fully ready. You may see all these items are still intact in her room.
Louis XV married at Château de Fontainebleau
Some of the interesting facts about Château de Fontainebleau also include the celebrations and events that the palace has incurred over time. One such event is the wedding between Louis XV and Marie Leszczynska in 1725. The Salle de Bal hall has also been used for various receptions and banquets.
Belongings of Former Monarchs are still intact
Different tenants and monarchs have lived in the Château de Fontainebleau over the years. There are special rooms that showcase the jewelry items and clothing pieces used by the emperors and the queens. One of the rooms is dedicated to Napolean I, whereas there is one room which is dedicated to Napolean’s son. Different personal belongings, hats, and baby items are on display.
Major Historical Events have occurred at Château de Fontainebleau
Château de Fontainebleau is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Paris. One of the most interesting facts about Château de Fontainebleau is that it has served during some of the major historical events that have happened over the centuries. Some of the prominent personalities who have visited the palace include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Czar Peter the Great, King James V of Scotland, Queen Christina of Sweden, and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
Château de Fontainebleau Occupants explored different things
Multiple monarchs and empresses have lived at the Château de Fontainebleau. Every time, a new king or queen will enter the palace, they would get the castle redecorated according to their taste. Therefore, you will explore a mix of pieces and a beautiful blend of different items put together.
The Gallery of Diana became a Library
One of the most fascinating rooms at the Château de Fontainebleau is the Gallery of Diana which was originally built by King Henry IV. The gallery was designed so that his queen could walk freely. The place was redesigned by King Louis XVIII neoclassical king. He turned it into a library and added thousands of books to the gallery.
The Theater was named after an Abu Dhabi Sheik
There are multiple entertainment facilities and rooms for the residents. During the reign of Napoleon, a magnificent theatre was built in 1856. The government of Abu Dhabi donated 10 million euros to restore the theatre. It is now popularly known as “Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theater”.
Interesting Facts about Château de Fontainebleau – Summing Up
With over 800 years of history as a royal residence, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. These are some of the interesting facts about Château de Fontainebleau which make it more elegant. You must consider planning a visit to Château de Fontainebleau. You can also explore other free things to do in Paris. Stay tuned to Scott and Ben for more such guides and updates.