Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a historic town in Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, located about 17 km from Melun. Known for its famous château, Fontainebleau has a rich history that goes back to ancient times. In 2012, archaeologists discovered a Gallic village dating from 30 to 250 BCE near the château grounds. The first mention of the château itself dates to 1137, and over time, it served as a hunting retreat for French royalty.

In the 12th century, Thomas Becket consecrated a chapel within the castle, and by the 13th century, Saint Louis expanded the area by building a hospital-monastery. Notable figures such as King Philippe IV (Philippe the Fair) were born and died here. However, Fontainebleau was a small village until 1528, when François I, inspired by Italian palaces, transformed it into a grand château. Italian artists were brought in to redesign it, and the château became a central part of court life.

Under Henri IV in the late 16th century, the château saw further expansion, with a grand canal and pathways for hunting expeditions. Fontainebleau continued to flourish, attracting noble families who built private mansions, making it a lively place with inns and restaurants.

Important events took place here, such as Louis XIV signing the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, revoking the Edict of Nantes and pushing many Protestants into exile. The château remained significant in the Napoleonic era; in 1814, Napoleon made an emotional farewell to his guards from Fontainebleau after his first abdication.

Fontainebleau has stayed culturally and politically relevant, hosting the 1946 Franco-Vietnamese Conference and being home to NATO’s European headquarters from 1949 to 1967. Today, Fontainebleau is a tourist destination, famous for its château and prestigious business school, INSEAD. The town has been accessible by rail since 1849, linking it conveniently with Paris.