the Renaissance to France in the 16th century, when he vastly expanded the chateau with artists and artisans
he brought from Italy. The Italian Mannerist style was transformed here to the Fontainebleau style.
The chateau was completely looted in the Revolution, but Napoleon restored it as his grand palace.
In 1814 he surrendered here and departed for exile on Elba.
Fontainebleau, just in front of the Chateau
The Grand Entrance to the Chateau:
The Horseshoe Stairway
Galerie Francois I
The Grand Ballroom
Eileen is looking up at the musicians' balcony, shown in the next photo.
(That's an audio guide, not a cell phone.)
The Musicians' Balcony in the Ballroom
The Horseshoe Square, Including the Keep from the Original 12th Century Castle
Some Exterior Views of the Chateau
