CHATEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU PARIS
The Chateau de Fontainebleau achieves the grandeur of Versailles with a unique charm. Frangois I and Napoleon stand out among the parade of post-Renaissance kings who lived here; the former was responsible for the dazzling ballrooms lined with work from Michelangelo’s school, the latter restored the post-Revolution dilapidation to ahome befitting an emperor. In the long Galerie de Francois I, the most famous room at Fontainebleau, muscular figures by II Rosso illustrate mythological tales of heroism. Since the 17th century, every queen and empress of France has slept in the gold-and-green Queen’s Bedchamber. The Musee Napoleon features a collection of the Emperor’s tiny toothbrush and tiny shoes, as well as his field tent and state gifts. (Open May-Sept. M and W-Su 9:30am-6pm; Oct.-Apr. M and W-Su 9:30am-5pm. Last entry lhr. before closing. ‚5.50. Under-18 and first Su of the month free. Invest in a printed guide (‚7.50), available down the hall from the ticket booth.) From the Gare de Lyon in Paris, trains run to Fontainebleau (45min. every hr. round-trip ‚14.60). The castle is a 30min. walk or a lOmin. bus ride away.
