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Origin and history

The Château de Fontainebleau, located 60 km south-east of Paris, is a high place in the history of France, having served as residence for sovereigns from Francis I to Napoleon III. Its origins date back to the 12th century, with the first traces of a castle fortified under Louis VII. The present monument, mainly of Renaissance and classical styles, was deeply transformed by François I, who made it his favourite home and a major artistic home, attracting Italian artists like Rosso Fiorentino and Le Primatice. The latter contributed to the creation of the École de Fontainebleau, an influential 16th century artistic movement.

Under Francis I, the castle became a symbol of the French Renaissance, integrating Italian architectural and decorative elements while preserving medieval traces, such as the dungeon of Saint-Louis. The work continued under Henry II, who was born there in 1519, and under Henry IV, which enlarged the wings and modernized the gardens. The castle was also a place of power and diplomacy, hosting historical events such as signing treaties or royal marriages.

In the 17th century, Louis XIV, though preferring Versailles, maintained Fontainebleau as a monarchic symbol, bringing to it developments such as the redrawing of gardens by André Le Nôtre. The castle experienced a period of decline under Louis XV and Louis XVI, but was revitalized by Napoleon I, who installed his court there and signed important treaties, such as the concordat of 1813 with Pope Pius VII. The emperor abdicated there in 1814, marking a turning point in his history.

Under the Restoration and monarchy of July, the castle was restored and refurbished, notably by Louis-Philippe, who organized royal weddings there. Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie stayed there regularly, adding elements like the Chinese museum, created from items brought back from the palace bag in China. The castle, classified as a historical monument since 1862 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, now houses exceptional collections of furniture, paintings, and art objects, covering nearly eight centuries of history.

The architecture of the castle reflects this rich history, with medieval elements such as the dungeon, Renaissance decorations in the François I gallery, and classic additions such as the Trinity chapel or the ballroom. The gardens, redesigned several times, include elements such as Diane's garden, created by Catherine de Medici, and the 80-hectare park under Henry IV. The castle, with 1,530 pieces and its five courses, remains a unique testimony of the evolution of tastes and power in France.

Today, Fontainebleau Castle is a national museum open to the public, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors a year. It houses temporary exhibitions and cultural events, such as the Art History Festival, while preserving its architectural and furniture heritage. Its role in the history of France, from the Renaissance to the Empire, makes it an essential place to understand the political, artistic and social evolution of the country.

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