55, bd. JOURDAN

Rather unlike Versailles the previous day, our trip to Fontainebleau, on February 14 no less — was wonderful, warm, and sunny.

Arriving there by train was really quite simple. Though the first sight out of the window was that of a construction area, and not quite fitting with our perception of the quaint region, a hop on the bus and a short drive through town proved otherwise. We got off at the tourist office, about a block away from the castle and strolled down to its impressive entry-way.

Immediately the difference between Fontainebleau and Versailles was obvious — here there was actually grass and greenery — and a happy twinkling sun made everything much more welcoming. What’s more, the sight of a happy married couple taking their wedding photos on the grand staircase, made the whole place that much more endearing.

After meandering about the grounds for a bit, which included a spectacular courtyard and a duck-spotted lake, I think all of us were quite in love with the place.

On the interior, I must admit that the charms of Fontainebleau outdid even those of Versailles. Somehow the rooms just had a cozier feel to them, maybe it was the wood paneling, or how much more comfortable the beds looked — but here was a castle that I really could live in. Plus their chairs were especially built to maximize by-the-fireplace warmth — how cool is that?

The only thing that seemed a bit questionable was the level of devotion to the Hunting goddess Diana. The library and many of the rooms paid homage to her, she even had her own fountain in one of the courtyards. I didn’t really mind it until I gave the fountain a closer look, but hey — whatever floats your boat, kings of France.

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