Fontainebleau, Paris, Travel Guide

"I toured a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 800 years of history: erected in the medieval ages and largely rebuilt in 1528 by Francis I in a grand Italianate style, the château still shows medieval elements alongside French Renaissance ornamentation. It held special significance for Henri IV, was the birthplace of Louis XIII, served as an escape for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and later became an imperial palace where Napoleon left his mark — the only Napoleonic throne room still standing can be seen here. Highlights I made sure to visit include Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, the horseshoe-shaped staircase, and the François I Gallery, and I carved out time to stroll the formal gardens with their lakes and sculptures. Practical details: the château is open every day except Tuesdays (closed Jan. 1, May 1, and Dec. 25), tickets cost €14, guided tours (currently only in French) are €7, and the gardens are open daily and free to visit." - Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines