Fountainebleau

[gertie]

I've been to Versailles twice now, two different seasons. Was looking for something that sounded more relaxing as a day trip and hit on Fountainebleau because I read about a horse-drawn carriage tour. Oddly finding it difficult to get information on restaurants and other things in the area. So far I am looking at an early morning train from Gare du Lyon to Avon-Fountainebleau, followed by the bus ride to the Chateau. Assuming all this transport is covered under the same Navigo Decouverte which will cover our airport transport and transport within Paris. A little unclear if anything beyond State Apartment Tour is covered by the museum pass, but won't mind forking over as it isn't expensive (webby says € 4.00 for the carriage tour) Managed to hunt up info on one restaurant, www.caveaudesducs.com/ which has an € 33.00 midi with aperitif, entree, plat, dessert, cafe, and vin which sounds the very thing. Since re-entry won't be an issue with our museum card, thought we'd arrive early, look around, try to catch the first carriage tour and then the State Apartments, settle in for a nice relaxing lunch. Go back to the Chateau if we feel there is more we want to see in the afternoon. What I am looking for is direction to any sort of shopping or market we might do in the afternoon or early evening and a nice restaurant for dinner. Anyone have any suggestions?

[sunshine817]

Hi, Gertie -- the website for the village of Fontainebleau says that the market is Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, 7.30-12.30

The chateau is in the village itself, so there are some restos, etc., within walking distance -- and the Office du Tourisme is directly opposite the front gate.

Here's their website: www.fontainebleau-tourisme.com/pays-fontainebleau/ville-fontainebleau/fontainebleau.asp

[gertie]

Thanks, Sunshine!

I did some more poking on that website and then used google maps to "walk" through town. Only a couple of roads mapped for "walking" through, but I saw a lot of great stuff in walking distance of the chateau. Chowhound was pretty negative about restos in village of Fontainebleau, though I did get a great recommendation for Caveau des Ducs from my girlfriend in Lille. Chateau is closed Tuesdays, I had it in mind for Monday but still working on general schedule. Maybe I'll slide it to Friday and just reserve something near Gare du Lyon for say 8 or 9 pm for dinner that night. Have to have a look at train schedules then decide.

Oops thought I would toss in I read one of the fromageries in Fontainebleau village is extremely highly regarded so that was part of my reasoning for having it early in the week. I was just imagining taking some great cheese back to eat at the apartment through the week. You all love how food is half my reason for most of my schedule plans, right? ;D

[Darcy]

Gitte had a very nice lunch at a resto near the chateau. You might try searching her trip reports for it.

[GitteK]

Gertie, if you care to see pictures from Fontainebleau - and from one of the best (and biggest) lunches ever, you can check it out
here.

[gertie]

Ooo thank you, Gitte, for the link! I really meant to read it but when I got to your blog I got to reading, I so love to read all your wonderful reports.