Fontainebleu

After the display of the Napoleon period, we were lead through into a series of gorgeously oppulant rooms, that had been lived in over many years by the 2 emperors and 34 kings of France.

The rooms and furniture oozed wealth and comfort for the royalty of the day, both for them, their families and their courtiers.

Even the corridors connecting the various wings of the chateau were grand and ornate.

A wonderful thing to see is how many of the silks and furnishings in the rooms have been restored, woven in recent years by artisans in Lyon who faithfully recreated the materials, their colours, and the styles that were originally used. This gave a real vibrancy to the rooms, and a true feeling of how they would have looked. Often period buildings can look tired and unloved, but Fontainebleau is full of colour, and feels cared for.

It’s a spectacular experience, and well worth a visit. We were all so glad we made the drive.