Château de Fontainebleau

"It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, but still perhaps one of the most underrated landmarks in France. For one thing, it was inhabited by French royalty continuously for seven centuries. Napoleon preferred it to any other residence, calling it “the true home of kings.” It's also the most furnished chateau in the country and the decor is something to see (think Renaissance frescoes, precious porcelain, exceptional furniture through the Second Empire). No wonder so many art history students come here to study the decorative arts. There are newly renovated spaces that are only available on special guided tours: the Imperial Theatre, commissioned by Napoleon III, Marie-Antoinette’s Turkish Boudoir, Napoleon III’s study, and Eugenie’s Lacquer Room. The chateau is close enough to Paris—less than an hour southeast by train—but it feels like deep countryside. Allow time for a stroll in the sprawling gardens and along the canal designed by architect André Le Nôtre." - Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin

"Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 800 years of history. Erected during the medieval ages and almost completely rebuilt in 1528 by Francis I in grand Italianate style, the palace was passed down through the generations and continued to house monarchs well into the 19th century. At present, the château shows off elements that date to its medieval origins as well as French Renaissance ornamentation. More than just a place for lavish galas and royal engagements, the Château de Fontainebleau held special significance to Henri IV, was the birthplace of Louis XIII, and served as an escape for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. After the French Revolution, it became the imperial palace. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte put his own stamp on things, and present-day visitors can tour the only Napoleonic throne room still around today. Other highlights include Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, the horseshoe-shaped staircase, and the Francois I Gallery. Be sure to carve out some time to stroll around the formal gardens, which feature lakes and sculptures." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"The meticulously manicured, somewhat hidden Garden of Diana at the Château de Fontainebleau was named for its iconic statue of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, which is a replica of the ancient version King Henry IV received from the Pope. Château de Fontainebleau was originally a royal hunting lodge, making the fountain and the garden a fitting nod to the lavish estate’s medieval roots. The statue of the goddess is accompanied by a pack of stately dogs whose somber faces make them appear as though they aren’t too pleased to be permanently mid-pee. The original fountain gained fairly widespread recognition and admiration. After it was relocated to the Louvre in the 1600s, a replica was installed, which included the addition of the stag heads and stern-looking dogs. Getting the dogs to continually urinate was a significant feat of hydraulic engineering. Because of how bronze tends to age when exposed to the elements, the hounds and their counterparts have turned green.  The quaint Garden of Diana was designed during Henry IV’s reign. It was originally a private garden for the King and Queen. The landscape was first cultivated in the classic Italian and French styles, which aimed to draw attention to the fountains and statues scattered throughout the ground. It has since adopted a more picturesque English style. It’s a small, intimate spot where one can go and reflect upon the rich royal history that’s heavily intertwined with the tendrils of potted plants and stately trees." - ATLAS_OBSCURA