past event

Picnic and the Queen’s Ball

Le 4 July 2026

The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to step back in time to the court of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Relive the splendor of grand royal festivities during an evening devoted to dance and fine food, in the spirit so dear to Marie Antoinette.

Enjoy the idyllic setting of the English Garden at nightfall for an open-air picnic, and learn 18th-century dances alongside the Queen and her court!

Throughout the evening, a variety of activities will be available:

  • Introduction to 18th-century dance (gavotte, minuet…) alongside 40 costumed dancers
  • Boat rides on the Carp Pond, subject to availability (from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM);
  • Themed workshops featuring live actors;
  • Illuminated ambiance to enhance the magical atmosphere of the English Garden at nightfall.

Photos: © Askja Studio

🧺 Picnics : Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic. For those who prefer a hassle-free evening, a takeaway food stand will also be available on-site. Please note that the meal is not included in the ticket price and is the responsibility of each guest.

👗 Dress Code : Feel free to arrive in 18th-century costume or bring along an accessory (feathers, hats, masks, etc.).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Accessibility : This event is open to all audiences and is accessible to persons with reduced mobility (lawns and garden areas).

⌚ Hours : From 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM). All exits are final.

🎫 Cancellation Policy : Tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation by the château. The Château de Fontainebleau reserves the right to cancel the event in case of *force majeure* (unforeseen circumstances).

📷 Media Release : By booking your ticket for the Queen’s Picnic and Ball, you consent to the use of your image by the Château de Fontainebleau in photos or videos taken or recorded during the event.

💰 Pricing : €20 | Free for children under 7.

For your own safety and confort 

Cutlery : Only wooden or bamboo cutlery is permitted (metal cutlery and blades are strictly prohibited).

Fire Safety : Open flames are prohibited (candles, fire pits). Only LED candles are allowed.

The Pond : Swimming in the Carp Pond and landing on the Pond Pavilion (*Pavillon de l’étang*) are strictly forbidden.

Alcohol :  Strong spirits and high-proof alcohol (vodka, tequila, whiskey, gin, rum, etc.) are strictly prohibited.

Furniture : Tables and chairs are not allowed. We highly recommend bringing a thick picnic blanket or sheet to sit on.

Pets : Animals are prohibited (even small pets or those in carrier bags), with the exception of guide dogs.

Tickets and prices

Online Ticketing

Online Ticketing

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 lunchtime (until 3 November; closed on Tuesdays, except during school holidays).

Please refer to the Practical Information section for updates on heatwave conditions.

Coming to the chateau

    Calcul de l'itinéraire jusqu'au Château de Fontainebleau