Castle Country Home: Château Fontainebleau

With our second week of classes complete, the Travel Study program had another excursion planned for us this weekend. Instead of staying in Paris, we went to the town of Fontainebleau to see the former country home of the French kings. I love the city life, but it was nice to get away for a day. We met everyone at school bright and early and hit the road at 8:00am!

The medieval castle is only 34 miles away from Paris, but there was a definite change of pace in lifestyle. Despite being a Saturday, the castle was quiet, without loads of tourists or the sounds of bustling traffic. Even from the gate, I could tell that the grounds were enormous. The castle backs up to a forest, and for that reason became a favorite place for many of the French kings. Serving as the hunting lodge and summer home for King Francis I all the way to Napoleon III, Fontainebleau has seen it all throughout the years. This was the first castle I have ever been to, so I was eager to start our tour.

We found our guide and entered the grand staircase in the front. The Gallery of Francis was our first stop.

A castle has existed in Fontainebleau as early as the 12th century, but saw renovations from its medieval origins to a Renaissance style when Francis I began his reign in 1494. Francis I is one of the most prominent French kings who helped develop the modern day France we know today. He is accredited with starting the French Renaissance by bringing many Italian artists to France – one of whom was Leonardo da Vinci. Francis I helped expand the French empire with exploration in the New World, promoted French as the official language across the country, and increased the power of the royal monarchy.

This room captures the essence of Renaissance artwork with its intricate wood paneling and beautiful frescos along the walls. The fleur-de-lis (pictured below) is often recognized as the symbol of French monarchy and can be found in many locations all over France.

Each king has their own emblem that is representative of him as a ruler. For example, at Versailles one will see the sun emblem everywhere around the palace because Louis XIV was known as the “Sun King.” Likewise, Fontainebleau is no different. However, instead of the golden rays from the sky, the Francis I emblem features a crowned salamander. Yep, you heard that right! A salamander. This might seem strange, but since ancient times salamanders were to believed to have the ability to be in fire without succumbing to the flames. This era also believed that salamanders could extinguish flames with their bodies. Symbolically, these are good qualities for a king – one who exists through hardship and struggle and can eliminate injustice. This helped derive Francis I motto Nutrisco et extinguo, which means “I nourish [the good] and extinguish [the bad].”

After the gallery of Francis, we continued with our tour through the ornate and extravagant rooms of the palace.

The queen’s bedroom, every queen from 1600 to 1871 rested in this chamber. The doors and the bed were imported specially for Marie-Antoinette, however, she did not get to see them because they didn’t arrive until after her execution. This space was used by Napoleon’s wives after he assumed power.

Next is the Throne Room of Napoleon, which used to be the King’s bedroom. The bed where Kings since Henry IV to Louis XVI rested was replaced by the Emperor of France’s throne. Though Napoleon’s reign signaled the end of the French royal monarchy, hence the removal of the bedroom, his throne remains as a display of power.

Because his throne took the place of the bed, Napoleon’s bedroom was moved to the dressing chambers.

After our tour of the interior of the castle, we had the rest of the day to explore the grounds and the town of Fontainebleau.

There is no shortage of open space surrounding the castle, it’s no wonder the kings loved to come here to escape Paris! The grounds seemed to extend forever with grassy fields, large ponds, and fountains. Even a few swans came out to say hello!

After a full day of activities it was time to return to Paris. During the summers, most French people leave the city for the countryside on the weekends – I now understand why! The change of pace is very relaxing and the countryside is idyllic. Fontainebleau was incredible to see and a great French history lesson. I’m excited to see what the second half of Travel Study has in store!

Fulfilling my princess dreams