Virtual Tours: The Palace of Fontainebleau

In our fourth instalment of Virtual Tours, join us as we visit the majestic Palace of Fontainebleau. Set deep within the ancient forest and with an unbroken chain of 34 Kings and 2 Emperors, it stands as France’s oldest Royal Residence and, quite possibly, one of the most beautiful. From Louis VII to Napoleon III, Fontainebleau has witnessed more than 800 years of history and continues to play a major role in the reception of foreign officials and dignitaries today.
Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis on the site of Louis VII’s former hunting lodge, the Palace of Fontainebleau is perhaps best known for its association with Kings François I, Henry II and Henry IV, who helped to transform the château into the Renaissance jewel we have today. Join us as we uncover Fontainebleau’s true identity as we delve deep into its major rooms, including the Gallery of François I, Henry II’s ballroom and Napoleon Bonaparte’s private apartments.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Welcome
01:40 History of the Château
10:36 The Plate Gallery
11:13 Horseshoe Vestibule
11:45 Francis I Gallery
13:46 Guard’s Room
14:26 Ballroom
15:05 Chapel of Saint-Saturnin
15:29 Louis XIII Salon
16:09 Francis I Salon/Tapestry Room
16:36 Queen’s Antechamber
16:52 Diane’s Gallery
18:06 Empress’ Grand Salon
19:08 The Queen’s Bedchamber
19:47 Marie Antoinette’s Boudoir
20:26 Napoleon’s Throne Room
21:14 Napoleon's Council Chamber
21:59 Napoleon’s Bedchamber
22:37 Napoleon’s Study/Daybed
23:06 Abdication Room
23:32 Outro
What is hotel barging?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.
This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!
European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.
The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.
Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
www.europeanwaterways.com/

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