Palace of Fontainebleau
| Palace of Fontainebleau | |
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| Location | Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, France |
| Coordinates | 48°24′08″N 2°42′02″E / 48.40222°N 2.70056°ECoordinates: 48°24′08″N 2°42′02″E / 48.40222°N 2.70056°E |
| Official name: Palace and Park of Fontainebleau | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, vi |
| Designated | 1981 (5th session) |
| Reference no. | 160 |
| UNESCO Region | Europe and North America |
 Location of Palace of Fontainebleau in France
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The Palace of Fontainebleau (/fɒntɪnˌbloʊ/;French pronunciation: [fɔ̃tɛnblo]) or Château de Fontainebleau is located 55 kilometres (34 miles) southeast of the centre of Paris, and is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The medieval castle and later château was the residence of French monarchs from Louis VII through Napoleon III. Napoleon I abdicated his throne there before being exiled to Elba. Today, it is a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the commune of Fontainebleau.
The earliest record of a fortified castle at Fontainebleau dates to 1137. It became a favorite residence and hunting lodge of the Kings of France because of the abundant game and many springs in the surrounding forest. it took its name from one of the springs, the fountain de Bliaud, located now in the English garden, next to the wing of Louis XV. It was used by King Louis VII, for whom Thomas Becket consecrated the chapel in 1169; by Philip Augustus; by Louis IX, or Saint Louis, who built a hospital and a convent, the Couvent des Trinitaires, next to the castle; and by Philippe le Bel, who was born and died in the castle.
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