Château de Fontainebleau, France • A Walk through the History of French Chateau
While we visit many fascinating sites aboard our classic cruise through the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy, our favourite could just be the Chateau de Fontainebleau, a monumental royal residence that dates back to the twelfth century. Located in the heart of a 42,000 acre forest, the Palace of Fontainebleau was one of the residences of the sovereigns of France. It was home to almost 30 kings over eight centuries from Louis IX to Napoleon III. Starting as a 12th century hunting lodge, Fontainebleau saw many additions and renovations over the centuries. However, it was during the Renaissance that the palace underwent its most spectacular transformation. Francois I (1494 - 1547) brought together extremely diverse collections of art work and made Fontainebleau an artistic centre, attracting people from across Europe. It is world-renowned for its extraordinary Italian Renaissance art and architecture. http://www.europeanwaterways.com/