Napoleon III and Eugenie at Fontainebleau

Du 18 February
au 31 December

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of Napoleon III, the Château de Fontainebleau is honouring one its significant historical periods: the Second Empire (1852-1870). After having embellished and modified the spaces according to the taste of the time, Napoleon III and Eugenie turned the château into a place of residence and reception for hundreds of guests. A new itinerary, guided tours and installations will allow you to take a fresh look at “la maison des siècles”.

New tour: “Fontainebleau in stereo(scopy)”

Pictures of the Palace under Napoleon III

Stereoscopic views were vey popular during the Second Empire. These three-dimensional images create an optic effect thanks to two overlapping pictures, taking from a slightly different angle. A new itinerary will be offered in the visitor tour to present the château in the 19th century through reproductions of stereoscopic views from the château’s collection. This tour is also the opportunity to discover many of the improvements made during the Second Empire.

Price : accessible with the château ticket entrance.

Feu d'artifice à la cour de Napoléon III et Eugénie au château de Fontainebleau

Presentation: “Fashion during the Second Empire”

Fashion is both a social marker and a witness of the evolution of the society. During the Second Empire, the textile industry was highly developed and lead to real revival of fashion. Thirteen period costumes are installed in the emblematic rooms of the château’s tour circuit, as true witness of the court life under Napoleon III as well as the savoir-faire of the fashion designers of the time.

From 18th February to 18th September
Price: accessible with the castle entrance ticket

Guided tours

Continue your experience with numerous complementary visits and (re)discover the spaces desired by Napoleon III and Eugenie, which are usually closed and are for the most part restored: the smoking room, with a new display of Rosa Bonheur’s work, Napoleon III’s study, the Empress’ museum, the salon des Laques, the apartment of guests and the majestic Imperial Theatre. During the school holidays, you can also benefited of thematic and theatrical guided tours to immerse yourself in the court life at Fontainebleau, and in life under the Second Empire.

Only available in French 

 

  • Winter holidays: 19th February – 4th March: “The ghosts of the theatre”
    Two actors, like ghosts straight out of the Second Empire, will bring to life the golden age of the Imperial theatre created by Napoleon III and Eugenie. Discover in an original and spirited way this unique heritage where anecdotes, secrets and extracts from plays performed in the 19th century all mingle together.
    Duration: 1h
    All public -Childrens from 6 years old, under adults supervision

    Price: 27€ with castle entrance ticket included | 13€ at reduced price
  • Easter holidays: 23rd April – 8th May: “Extraordinary journeys inside the works of Jules Verne”
    Dive into the world of this emblematic with characters who, by touching your imagination, will take you on an adventure full of surprises and humour.
    Duration: 1h
    All public – Children under adults supervision

    Price: 25€ with the castle entrance ticket included | 10€ at reduced price
    Reservation available soon
  • “Splendours and backstages”
    Discover the areas, from the most private one to the most spectacular one, which made the renown of the grand sojourns in Fontainebleau during the Second Empire.
    Duration: 1h45
    All public
    Price: 19€ with the château’s entrance ticket | 5€ at reduced price
    Everyday from 19th  February
  • “Rosa Bonheur and Napoleon’s smoking room”
    Admire the new display of Rosa Bonheur’s works at the Château de Fontainebleau, first museum dedicated to the artist. (Re)discover the Napoleon III’s smoking room, an emblematic private area of the court life during the Second Empire.
    Duration: 45 minutes
    All public
    Price : 19€ with the château’s ticket entrance included | 5€ at reduced price
    Every last Saturday of the month from 25th February

Discover the château and gardens in a unique way

Every day, the castle offers numerous guided tours, allowing you to discover the secrets and historical anecdotes of this royal palace. Small flats, Empress Eugenie’s museum, imperial theatre… access exceptional spaces that will amaze young and old alike!

Depending on the season and your wishes, discover the gardens through unforgettable experiences. Horse-drawn carriage rides, mini-train rides, canoeing, or a visit to the Jeu de Paume room, choose the activity that suits you best.

You can also take advantage of the restaurant Les Petites Bouches de l’Empereur, the Café des Mariniers and a wide range of takeaway food for both big and small appetites.

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Tickets and prices

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Opening hours

The chateau

The chateau is open every day except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

From October to March: 9.30 am to 5 pm (last access at 4.15 pm).

From April to September: 9.30 am to 6 pm (last access at 5.15 pm).

The park and gardens are open, under the usual conditions, free of charge.

The restaurant is open every day for lunch (exceptionally closed on Tuesdays until the end of March, except on Tuesdays 13th and 20th, February).

Coming to the chateau

    Calcul de l'itinéraire jusqu'au Château de Fontainebleau