60km (37 miles) S of Paris, 74km (46 miles) NE of Orlȳans

Within the vestiges of a forest that bears its name (Forȴt de Fontainebleau), this suburb of Paris has offered refuge to French monarchs throughout the country's history. Kings from the Renaissance valued it because of its nearness to rich hunting grounds and its distance from the slums and smells of the city. Napoleon referred to the Palais de Fontainebleau, which he embellished with his distinctive monogram and decorative style, as "the house of the centuries." Many pivotal and decisive events have occurred inside, perhaps none more memorable than when Napoleon stood on the horseshoe-shaped exterior stairway and bade farewell to his shattered army before departing for Elba.

After the glories of Versailles, a visit to Fontainebleau can be a bit of a letdown, especially if you visit on the day after you saw Versailles. Fontainebleau, although a grand chȦteau, actually looks like a place where a king could live, whereas Versailles is more of a production. If you stay for lunch, a trip to Fontainebleau should last a half-day.