What to see and do in Fontainebleau for a weekend?

Need a break? You would like to leave Paris for a weekend, but without spending too much money? Why not spend a pleasant weekend in Fontainebleau? Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, cultural excursions or culinary adventures, this town just outside of Paris has everything you need. This majestic town, 60 kilometers south of the capital, is the perfect destination to satisfy your desire for space and nature. Take advantage of your stay to explore the tourist and historical sites for which the city is famous. Our campsite in Fontainebleau welcomes you for a weekend or a longer stay at 1 hour from Paris.

The 10 must-do activities for your weekend in Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a charming little town and the perfect place to spend time with family and friends over a weekend. There are plenty of different activities to suit everyone. While you can't discover everything the town has to offer, be sure to take advantage of its must-see attractions :

Explore the Château de Fontainebleau and its lush gardens;
Stroll the pedestrianised streets of the town;
Hike through the Fontainebleau forest and discover its rock formations;
Visit the charming village of Barbizon;
Discover the medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing and the banks of the Loing;
Take a walk in the park of the castle of Courances;
Visit Milly-la-Forêt and its curious "Cyclop";
Recharge your batteries in the French Gâtinais nature park;
Take a diversion to Nemours and explore its prehistoric museum;
Attend themed events.

Book your activities

The forest of Fontainebleau

The forest of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique jewel for nature lovers. Composed of 90% dense forest and 10% rocks and moors, it offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes. The Fontainebleau forest is full of places to discover such as its many gorges, like Franchard and Apremont. You can go hiking or biking, but also enjoy more entertaining activities such as :

Relaxing on the sands of the Cul du chien, a beach nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest;
Boulder climbing on the 30,000 sandstone boulders scattered throughout the forest.

The Castle of Fontainebleau

The Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its vast park, it is one of the most sumptuous and large royal castles in France.
You can choose between a guided or self-guided tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, which is open every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm, except on certain holidays.
The Château de Fontainebleau offers a variety of interesting places to visit, such as the Grands Appartements, with the Pope's Apartment and the Queen Mothers' Apartment, as well as the Napoleon I Museum and the Chinese Museum. Be sure to make the most of your visit to the Château de Fontainebleau: stroll through the gardens, take a boat ride on the lake and don't forget to visit the Château de Fontainebleau Chapel.

The gardens and parks of the Château de Fontainebleau

In addition to its architectural wealth, the Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its incredible plant heritage through the set of gardens that surround it.
The largest garden in Europe, the Grand Parterre built under Louis XIV bears the imprint of André Le Nôtre and Louis Le Vau. Although the boxwood embroidery of the garden has been removed, you can still see the grass compartments and their general layout. Next to it, you can see basins decorated with statues and a water circle illustrated by a statue of the Tiber.
Delimited by the orangery, the Jardin de Diane houses a building that contains the Galerie des Cerfs and the Galerie de Diane. At the heart of the flower garden stands the Fountain of Diana, topped by the statue of the goddess.
Built under Napoleon I, the English garden with its artificial river allows you to discover rare species and statues.

The Fontainebleau golf course for sportsmen

Created in 1909 and designed by British architect Tom Simpson, the Fontainebleau golf course is one of the oldest and most beautiful courses in France. Located just 5 minutes from the Château de Fontainebleau, this golf club is widely acclaimed for its magnificent layout, lush fairways and captivating landscapes that change with the seasons.
The Fontainebleau Golf Course is a feast for the eyes and can be enjoyed all year round thanks to its sandy terrain, while offering an exceptional playing experience. The course offers high tees, rocky outcrops, thick heather and gorse bushes, tricky slopes and 103 bunkers that will force you to think strategically. The course offers magical moments thanks to an exceptional setting at every step, including a view of the splendid Norman-style house with its half-timbering.

Towns and villages near Fontainebleau

Barbizon is one of the three picturesque villages that were honoured by the genius of the Impressionist painters, alongside Auvers-sur-Oise and Giverny. It is ideally situated just a few minutes from Fontainebleau. Barbizon is the perfect place to take a family walk, explore the nearby forest or stroll through the town centre with friends to discover its impressive houses.
Grez-sur-Loing, 20 km from Fontainebleau, will seduce you with its charm. Explore this small village steeped in history and soak up the bucolic atmosphere of this commune which was once a crossroads of artistic activity.
Provins is an ancient medieval city located at the gateway to Paris. Get ready to take a trip back in time through its beautiful half-timbered houses and ramparts.
Located near the Fontainebleau forest, Larchant offers you the possibility to enjoy a rich historical heritage and the beauty of nature.