A Day at Chteau de Fontainebleau

(Hardback)

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Imbued with over eight centuries of history, A Day at Chateau de Fontainebleau offers unique historical insight into the lives of over thirty-four French sovereigns who inhabited and enhanced this great architectural monument. A visit to the exceptionally well-preserved Fontainebleau - one of the few royal residences left intact during the French Revolution - offers unparalleled access to French history, art, and architecture. From Francois I to Napoleon, and from Marie-Antoinette to Josephine, Fontainebleau sweeps the reader back in time to experience the traditions and customs of great figures throughout the history of France. Comprised of more than 1,500 rooms on 130 acres of parkland and gardens, and situated thirty-seven miles south of Paris, Fontainebleau welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year. This book features superb images illustrating the artisanal decorative details of the chateau and the spectacular works of art still housed within; it includes exclusive access to archival documents and numerous rooms and galleries that are not open to the public. From hunting excursions to the grand parties and spectacles that took place at Fontainebleau, A Day at Chateau de Fontainebleau is a private invitation inside a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France's most beautiful historical monuments. Exquisite photographs by Eric Sander trace the French ruling dynasties - Capetians, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orleans- that made their mark on this historical estate. The photographs offer rare access to parts on the chateau usually closed to the public, including the Napoleon III's office, Marie-Antoinette's Turkish-style boudoir, Madame de Maintenon's apartments, the Imperial Theater, the medieval keep, Francois I's Cour Ovale, Henri IV's Gallery of Stags, the Salle des Colonnes, Diana Gallery, and many rare objects from the impeccably well-preserved monument.

Reviews

"Whether you have visited Chateau de Fontainbleau or not, Flammarion's book A Day at Chateau de Fontainbleauis a feast for the eyes and a worthwhile adventure, offering a rare view into areas of the chateau that guests could not personally access."
-CourtneyPrice.com

"Whereas many chateaux are associated primarily with a particular resident or royal, Chateau de Fontainebleau represents almost 1,000 years of French ruling dynasties.A Day at Chteau de Fontainebleauoffers not only insights into the history, art and culture of France throughout the centuries, but also the lives of those who inhabited this magnificent French landmark."
-QuintessenceBlog.com

A Day at the Chteau de Fontainebleauis a fascinating illustrated guide to the chteau de Fontainebleau, one of the most well-preserved, historically rich chteaus in the whole of France.. . .I highly recommendA Day at the Chteau de Fontainebleaufor anyone with an interest in French history, French architecture, and historical buildings."
-ViveLaQueen Blog

A Day at Chateau de Fontainbleau is a beautifully illustrated book about the exceptionally well-preserved Chateau near Paris. It brings to life the history of this enormous castle with stories and anecdotes from its past. . .If youve never been there, youll feel like you know the chateau from this book, and if you have been there, the book will transport you straight back in your mind"
-TheGoodLifeFrance.com

"Akin to a private tour,A Day at Chteau de Fontainebleaugives readers anup-close view of thisformer royal residence, once home to the likes of Franois I, Louis XIV, and Napolon. With its many photos of the palace'ssumptuous detailsand its sometimesintimatethough often sweepingarchitecture, the book makes it crystal clear why this chteau has earned its reputation as one of France's architectural gems."
-THE PEAK OF CHIC BLOG

Author Bio

Guillaume Picon is a historian and a specialist on the kings of France. He is the author of Versailles: A Private Invitation (Flammarion, 2011).

Eric Sanders photographs have appeared in Life, Time, and Newsweek, and in Jacques Garcia: Twenty Years of Passion: Chteau du Champ de Bataille (Flammarion, 2013).