Getaways in the surroundings of Paris: the Fontainebleau forest

Wide open spaces: towards the forest of Fontainebleau

Looking for extraordinary ideas to escape the elegant French capital for a day? Do you dream of finding yourself in the heart of stunning preserved landscapes less than an hour from Paris? Then head towards the enchanting forest of Fontainebleau.

What makes the forest of Fontainebleau so special?

Located 70 km from the center of Paris, the Fontainebleau state forest is the main green lung of the city and an ideal place for Sunday walks or sporty hikes. As the second largest forest in France, it is part of the royal wooded parks that have surrounded the grand château of Fontainebleau since the 10th century.

The forest has not always been called Fontainebleau. For centuries, the forest massif was known as the forest of Bière, before being renamed in the 17th century. It also consists of two major forests – Fontainebleau and Trois Pignons – both rich in thousands of floral and faunal varieties, gigantic deciduous trees, and spectacular limestone rocks.

What to do and see in the forest of Fontainebleau?

You are off to explore the lush landscapes of the forest of Fontainebleau under a radiant sun, here are some activity ideas for a day of relaxation and change of scenery:

Hiking in the forest between mysterious ponds and tall oak groves

With over 1,400 km of picturesque paths and marked hiking trails, the forest of Fontainebleau is a prime site for all those who love to stretch their legs. Breathe in the fresh air during a peaceful walk, follow the blue markings of the Denecourt-Colinet trail starting from Fontainebleau for a longer detour, or plan a more dynamic route in advance if you are an experienced hiker.

Must-discover hiking trails include the circuit of the Gorges de Franchard and the Massif des Trois Pignons. If you prefer to explore the forest with your feet above the ground, you can also ride a bike or even take the trail on horseback.

Discovering the fairy-tale château of Fontainebleau

France is literally full of magnificent châteaux, some dating back several centuries and once occupied by royal families. The immense château of Fontainebleau may not have the same aura as the château of Versailles, located 40 minutes to the north, but it is nonetheless impressive (it houses more than 1,500 rooms!) and its history is just as prestigious.

Built in the 12th century, the site, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the main residence of many French monarchs and presidents – including Catherine de Medici, Louis XVI, and Napoleon Bonaparte – before being converted into a museum in 1927.

It is located on the edge of the forest, in the town of Fontainebleau. The ballroom is a must-see, as is Marie-Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir and the emperor Napoleon’s apartment (as well as his imposing Throne Room).

The perfect place for bouldering or climbing

Want to challenge the rock? It turns out that the forest of Fontainebleau is one of the best climbing sites in the world. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced climber of cliffs, escarpments, and other peaks from around the world, you will have the opportunity to practice in dedicated centers located in the forest.

Bouldering has been practiced here since the 19th century, when alpine explorers came to train and hone their climbing skills on the limestone cliffs before heading further east into the French Alps. If you want to try one of these disciplines, Bas-Cuvier and the Gorges d’Apremont are two of the best spots in the forest, just a few kilometers from the center of Fontainebleau.

The forest at the rhythm of the horse

This is the best way to discover the forest as in the past. Settle into a horse-drawn carriage and feel the wind blow through your hair as you ride under the trees.

By going to the Attelages de la Forêt, you can rent a carriage with a driver for 20 minutes or enjoy a guided tour starting from the Porte Dorée (the main entrance of the château of Fontainebleau), or the allée de Maintenon. Prices start at €6 per adult and €4 per child.

Under the trees with sled dogs

A surprising and very popular new activity has made its way into the forest of Fontainebleau: discover dog-drawn carriages. Snow is rather rare in Seine-et-Marne, even in winter, so dogs pull carts equipped with wheels specially designed to travel the rugged trails.

Beyond the simple pleasure of riding in a dog-drawn carriage in the shade of the trees, you can also learn how to control and direct the dogs yourself. Prefer to keep your feet on the solid ground of the forest? Try a cani-cross hike where you will be attached to a dog that will help you climb hills and steep paths. All these activities are offered by Evasion Canine (the sled dog specialist) starting at €30.

How to get to the forest of Fontainebleau

Decided to enjoy a day in the forest of Fontainebleau? From Paris, take the E5 southbound. Stay on your left and join the A6. After 34 km, exit onto the N37/N7 towards Fontainebleau (about 30 minutes).