Vue aérienne du château de Fontainebleau
Seine-et-Marne Attractivité - P. Crapet
Parc du château de Fontainebleau
Seine-et-Marne Attractivité - Appie - MG
Galerie François 1er du château de Fontainebleau
Seine-et-Marne Attractivité - FMR

The Château de Fontainebleau

France’s history summarized in a single château

A short ride from the Scandibérique, the Château de Fontainebleau, a major French royal residence, has many a tale to tell. Now a castle-cum-museum, a visit here teaches you much about French history, from King Philippe Auguste (12th century) to Emperor Napoleon III (mid-19th century). It’s said King François I made its stylish, while Napoleon made it iconic. Reflecting many developments in French architecture, the château, with its 1,500 rooms, helps you consider major periods in France’s history via its varied features.

Some 40 French sovereigns indelibly marked the history of the Château de Fontainebleau, having it embellished by the finest artists of their times. Don’t hesitate to stop here to explore the traces of French history revealed in its many chambers, including the magnificent imperial theatre, and make the most of special themed visits. The 130 hectares of grounds with their wide avenues are also a joy to explore.

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Melun / Fontainebleau

15 Melun / Fontainebleau

20 km
1 h 18 min
I begin / Family
This stage offers a symphony of blues and greens, as you ride between the Seine and the vast Fontainebleau Forest. Cycling between these waters and woods proves a treat for the eyes, and for the lungs, as you breathe in the clean air. The Bois-le-Roi outdoor leisure centre provides an ideal spot at which to unwind a while. A bit further on, Samois-sur-Seine is one of the most beautiful villages in the Ile-de-France Region, a joy to behold… and, should you pass through in June during the Django Reinhardt Festival, a thrill for the ears. The royal town of Fontainebleau counts as a great spot for a stopover; leaving the next morning you’ll feel you’ve topped up your red blood cell count the previous day!
Fontainebleau / Nemours

16 Fontainebleau / Nemours

30 km
2 h 02 min
I begin / Family
At the level of St-Mammès, you shift from the Seine to follow the Canal du Loing. This stage is quieter than the previous one, but the surfacing is rough in parts. Moret-sur-Loing has a bike museum at which cyclists along the Scandibérique may wish to pay homage, while Nemours is proud of its very complete museum dedicated to prehistory in the Ile-de-France Region. Both towns boast a remarkable medieval heritage and are well worth a proper stop. Riders, do make the most of a pause along the charming Canal du Loing before heading further south along the Scandibérique cycle route.