fontainebleau forest (foret de fontainebleau)

Surrounding Fontainebleau is the Kings forest. This area is great for walking, hiking, running and mountain biking. You can easily spend days getting lost in the Forest. The best time of the year to tour through the forest is in the spring or Autumn. There are many different paths throughout the forest and it is cut in a number of places by the arterial roads between Fontainebleau and its many surrounding villages. You can easily walk to many of these villages because the forest connects them. However, you will need a map, whilst the paths are marked they will not show the directions to the villages. Don't be surprised to see deer, and if you walk early morning or late afternoon you may even encounter wild pigs. The soil is mostly sandy throughout the forest, so even after a heavy rain it is still an enjoyable walk. Enjoy.

Have visited many times and never tire of coming. There is so much to see wether you are on foot walking, or biking or even horse riding.So many different paths to follow and it is quiet easy to get lost ! But that is all part of the fun. One of my favourite things is exploring around the rocks that are scattered in parts of the forest.Come in autumn to see the amazing couleurs.

This is one of the largest national forests in France and so well tended. My husband and I enjoy walking our dog there each weekend along the kilometers of well trodden and cleared (for the most part) paths. The Tour Denencourt offers a great view of the surroundings. The beautiful low placed rock formations make it magical for kids of all ages. This is a place to explore over multiple visits throughout the seasons.

Especially in the autumn, when the leaves change color every day. Take a mountain bike and tour the forest, or just trek around.

My partner and I stayed in a private apartment on air bnb which backed onto the forest. Absolutely beautiful, lovely walking path for all types of walkers/adventurers. We ended up following a very long walk which felt never ending but we found a stunning lookout which was completely worth it. If your staying in barbizon or Fontainebleau it is a must :)

Great place to go for a hike with the kids or a long solo run. The Fontainebleau tourist office has detailed maps of the forest that are quite helpful.

Very scenic. Make sure to get a map because all trails looks the same and may be difficult to find way out.

Bouldering heaven, loads of different spots, well marked routes with mostly easy sandy landings. Worth buying a guide book.

This is really beautiful forest, impressive rocks and great paths through it make your hike really exciting. Views from the top of the rocks are also breathtaking, great place to spend some time in.

Whether you're into hiking, running, mountain biking, rock climbing or simply looking to chil out with the family and kids and have a picnic in a stunning environment, the forest of Fontainebleau is certain to suit your needs. i loved mountain biking through it as it presents all the challenges you could ask for: boulders, sandy paths, woody paths, dirth paths... An endless supply of fun!Wish the Netherlands had one of these...

The forest is full of walking trails. It's worth buying a map to make sure that you find your way as it's very large.

Happened to take a group walk through the Fontainebleau Forest and enjoyed every moment of it. While we did go down the trodden path, it was refreshing as one smelt the clean forest air and walked through nature in its purest form. Something I would recommend for anyone visiting Paris and especially Fontainebleau.

Fantastic spot for a picnic! Good for riding a bike , running or just peacefully walking under the trees.

Travelled from Paris to Fontainebleau by Train (Navigo pass can be used). We reached around 10AM. We had some snacks and took Cycles for rent (15 Euros/Day). Both mountain and road bikes are available in Fontainebleau. Mountain Bikes are preferable as the tracks are inside forest. (Visit Tourist office next to Cassel) You can get free maps and useful information about the trails. We selected a trail from Fontainebleau to Barbizon (16km to & Fro) Difficulty level Easy to moderate. Very nice trail cool temperature, no noise, smell of wood its one of the best trail I have done so far. Barbizon is a small village, beautiful houses, flowers. You can spend some time there before returning to Fontainebleau. I will recommend this Trail.. Not to be missed.

Some areas are great for bouldering with lots of routes of varying difficulty close together in one area. Make sure to get a map, and some local advice, as not all of them are equally good and well marked. We recommend Mont Aigu if you're based in the town and on foot.