ENCHANTED FOREST
Fontainebleau forest, a former hunting park of the Kings of France covering an area of 28,000 hectares, is a haven of peace for nature lovers. This vast listed area covered with oak, beech and pine trees is home to a rich and varied flora and fauna, including flowering plants, lichen and mushrooms, deer, wild boar and rabbits.
With its many trails and 300km of waymarked paths, the forest is a popular destination for ramblers, joggers, horse riders and mountain bikers. Strewn with boulders and sandstone rocks, it is also a favourite place with climbers.
In addition to offering many outdoor activities, Fontainebleau forest is full of many famous natural curiosities: the Franchard gorges, Apremont rock formations and desert, the Croix du Calvaire (wayside cross on a promontory) and La Solle hills, to name but a few. You won't be short of things to do and see!
YOUR CHALET OUTDOORS
A swath of woodlands three times the size of Manhattan the forest of Fontainebleau, with its mysterious rock formations and gorges, has for at least eight centuries held a special place in French culture and history. Every Sunday Parisian families hop into their cars or take the 40-minute commuter train out here to frolic along the ruler-straight pathways that seem to go forever through the trees.
Here, one seems to sense ghosts amid the woods where generations of French royalty had their favorite hunting grounds and where some of Napoleon’s most intimate dramas were played out. It was also here that the bucolic canvases of the Barbizon School, so vital in shifting French urban artistic sensibilities to a naturalism that found its ultimate flowering in Impressionism — were painted, away from the bustle of Paris.
ROYAL CASTLE
The castle of Fontainebleau is one of the biggest royal castles in France; it is located in the town of Fontainebleau, 10kms (15 minutes) away from Chalet Paradis.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau can proudly claim to have been a sovereign residence for eight centuries. Capetiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orleans, all members of French ruling dynasties, have lived within these walls.
Kings and queens, emperors and empresses have all striven to make their own improvements to the chateau built around the original keep. The estate quickly became a huge palace in which many momentous historical events have been played out.
A must-see during your stay at Chalet Paradis!
The castle is opened to visitors everyday of the year (except Tuesdays and some holidays). You can visit the castle by yourself (audio guide) or with a guide (check in advance for availability).
A DAY IN THE CITY OF LIGHTS
What about spending a few hours in Paris?
Paris has more recognisable monuments than any other city in the world, but its tree-shaded boulevards, romantic bridges illuminated by wrought-iron lamps and wicker chair-lined café terraces all have a timeless familiarity too. There is so much of it to explore.
But it's all possible from Chalet Paradis.
Leave in the morning for Fontainebleau-Avon train station (20 minute-drive) park you car there and hop on in a train to central Paris (Paris Gare de Lyon station in 40 minutes). A memorable day ahead!
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Only 1-hour away from Chalet Paradis, treat yourself to the magic of Disneyland® Paris.
Leave in the morning with your car and come back in the evening: a fantastic day awaits you and your family.
You can choose between 2 incredible Disney Parks, the original Disneyland® Park or the Walt Disney Studios® Park. Or, for the ultimate Disney adventure, you can choose a 2-park ticket and visit both.
Meet Mickey and his beloved friends as you throw yourself into their magical fairy-tale world. Marvel at the daily star-studded parades of Disney characters, feel the excitement of the stunning shows and enjoy rides that suit every member of the family.
Disneyland® Park
Enchanting Disney classics are brought to life in the Disneyland® Park. Five incredible lands are just waiting to be discovered, from the swashbuckling thrills of Adventureland® to the Wild West showdowns of Frontierland®.
The Park is home to world-famous attractions and exhilarating rides like Hyper Space Mountain and the Big Thunder Mountain Railway, as well as slower-paced Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Walt Disney Studios® Park
Explore the exciting world of the silver screen at Walt Disney Studios®. Discover 5 themed lands, from Toon Studio to the Production Courtyard, and get a behind-the-scenes look into blockbusters in the Backlot.