Fontainebleau

Beautiful, big and bold is my way of expressing my impressions of the chateau of Fontainebleau. As you enter the garden walk and thence, the forecourt, you are struck by the enormity of the buildings that rise in front of you. I had not expected to be confronted by a 1900 room chateau. In one sense the outer buildings and structures are not in themselves magnificent in style or design. It is the interior that makes this one of the finest chateaus to visit. So many rooms that are open to the general public are well furnished. In some cases we have found the splendour of the outer facades of a number of chateaux to be almost empty shells in terms of furniture and fittings. Fontainebleau does not have the ornate and groomed gardens of Versailles but if time and choices are a challenge then this is a recommended place to spend a few tourist hours. The audio assistance is vital for it explains many features that you see as you stroll from room to room. One does not access the entire chateau which is probably a good thing. Too much of a good thing can sometimes spoil the sampling. This chateau is also very accessible and so close to Paris too. If looking for a chamber nearby I would suggest the Aigle Noir Hotel for its proximity and ease of parking. Something that we have come to value as we have journeyed from Saint Aignan is parking and a welcome when you check in to your accommodation. A number of hotels just do it well! Others, what can I say? Aigle Noir is the first hotel to offer the Australian standard of in-room, tea and coffee making facilities. A small consideration for the weary traveller and received with gratitude. From our hotel room I can see the two storey carousel; surely a memento from a bygone era. There is a market held in the town's square each Tuesday. Clothes, fresh food, local produce, shoes, bags, umbrellas, flowers and just about anything that you can think is sold at some stall or another. Fascinating hour walking up each aisle. Loved the fur coats! Didn't buy one.