# Fontainebleau

> commune in Seine-et-Marne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q182872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q182872)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontainebleau)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fontainebleau

## Summary
Fontainebleau is a commune located in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and administrative role within the Île-de-France region. It is home to the renowned Palace of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and serves as a hub for education, business, and tourism.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Seine-et-Marne department, part of the Île-de-France region in northern France.
- **Population**: Estimated between 14,839 and 15,945 residents across various years.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.408888888889, Longitude 2.7016666666667.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Fontainebleau, created on May 1, 1988.
- **Historical Treaties**: Site of the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1679) between Denmark-Norway and the Swedish Empire, and the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1814).
- **Cultural Landmarks**: Home to the Palace of Fontainebleau, a major royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- **Education**: Hosts INSEAD, an international business school founded in 1957, known for its focus on internationalism, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
- **Transportation**: Includes the Halte de Fontainebleau-Forêt (a local railway halt) and the nearby Gare de Thomery station.
- **Economy**: Headquarters of Picard Surgelés, a French frozen food company founded in 1906.
- **Sports**: Home to RC Fontainebleau, a football club founded in 1912.
- **Governance**: Operates under the French commune system, established in 1789.
- **Environmental Recognition**: Participates in the Concours des villes et villages fleuris, an annual French contest promoting floral and environmental beautification.
- **International Organizations**: Linked to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), founded in 1948, and the European Youth Parliament, established in 1987.
- **Historical Edicts**: Associated with the Edict of Fontainebleau (1685), a decree revoking the Edict of Nantes.
- **Military History**: Site of the Western Union (1948), a post-WWII European military alliance.

## FAQs
**What is Fontainebleau known for?**
Fontainebleau is best known for its historic palace, a former royal residence that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also recognized for its role in significant treaties, such as the 1679 and 1814 Treaties of Fontainebleau, and as a center for education, particularly through INSEAD.

**Where is Fontainebleau located?**
Fontainebleau is located in the Seine-et-Marne department of the Île-de-France region in northern France. It lies approximately 55 kilometers southeast of Paris.

**What is the population of Fontainebleau?**
The population of Fontainebleau has varied between approximately 14,839 and 15,945 residents in recent years, reflecting its status as a mid-sized French commune.

**What historical events are associated with Fontainebleau?**
Fontainebleau is linked to several key historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1679 (ending a war between Denmark-Norway and Sweden) and the 1814 treaty that led to Napoleon’s abdication. The Edict of Fontainebleau (1685) was also issued here, revoking religious freedoms granted by the Edict of Nantes.

**What educational institutions are based in Fontainebleau?**
Fontainebleau hosts INSEAD, one of the world’s leading international business schools, founded in 1957. The school is renowned for its MBA programs and focus on global business leadership.

**What are the main economic activities in Fontainebleau?**
The local economy is supported by tourism, education (INSEAD), and businesses like Picard Surgelés, a major French frozen food company headquartered in the commune. The Palace of Fontainebleau also attracts significant cultural tourism.

**How is Fontainebleau connected to international organizations?**
Fontainebleau is indirectly connected to organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the European Youth Parliament, reflecting its broader engagement with environmental and youth-focused initiatives.

**What transportation options are available in Fontainebleau?**
Fontainebleau is served by local railway halts such as Halte de Fontainebleau-Forêt and nearby stations like Gare de Thomery, providing connectivity to Paris and other regional centers.

## Why It Matters
Fontainebleau matters as a cultural and historical landmark in France, embodying centuries of royal heritage, diplomatic history, and architectural grandeur. The Palace of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO site, symbolizes the evolution of French monarchy and art, attracting scholars, tourists, and artists worldwide. The commune’s role in hosting INSEAD underscores its modern significance as an educational hub, fostering global business leadership. Additionally, its association with pivotal treaties and edicts highlights its enduring impact on European history. As a blend of heritage, education, and economic activity, Fontainebleau serves as a microcosm of France’s broader cultural and intellectual contributions.

## Notable For
- **Palace of Fontainebleau**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and art.
- **Treaties of Fontainebleau**: Host to two major treaties (1679 and 1814), shaping European diplomatic history.
- **INSEAD**: Home to one of the world’s top international business schools, attracting global students and professionals.
- **Edict of Fontainebleau (1685)**: Site of the decree revoking the Edict of Nantes, a pivotal moment in French religious history.
- **Cultural Tourism**: A major destination for visitors interested in French history, art, and architecture.
- **Western Union (1948)**: Early post-WWII military alliance headquartered in Fontainebleau, precursor to NATO.
- **Picard Surgelés**: Headquarters of a leading French frozen food company, contributing to the local economy.
- **RC Fontainebleau**: Historic football club founded in 1912, reflecting the commune’s sporting heritage.
- **Concours des villes et villages fleuris**: Participant in France’s prestigious floral and environmental competition.
- **Proximity to Paris**: Strategically located near the capital, enhancing its accessibility and regional importance.

## Body
### Geography and Administration
Fontainebleau is a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department (created in 1790) within the Île-de-France region of northern France. It is part of the arrondissement of Fontainebleau, established on May 1, 1988, and the canton of Fontainebleau, formed in 2015. The commune’s coordinates are 48.408888888889°N latitude and 2.7016666666667°E longitude, placing it approximately 55 kilometers southeast of Paris. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Fontainebleau Forest, a notable natural landmark.

### Historical Significance
Fontainebleau’s history is deeply intertwined with French monarchy and diplomacy. The **Palace of Fontainebleau**, originally a royal hunting lodge, was transformed into a grand residence by kings such as Francis I and Napoleon Bonaparte. The palace witnessed the signing of two critical treaties:
- **Treaty of Fontainebleau (1679)**: Ended the Scanian War between Denmark-Norway and the Swedish Empire.
- **Treaty of Fontainebleau (1814)**: Marked Napoleon’s first abdication and exile to Elba.

The **Edict of Fontainebleau (1685)**, issued by Louis XIV, revoked the Edict of Nantes, stripping French Protestants (Huguenots) of religious freedoms and leading to widespread emigration.

### Cultural and Educational Hub
Fontainebleau is a center for education and culture. **INSEAD**, founded in 1957, is headquartered here and is globally recognized for its MBA and executive education programs. The business school emphasizes internationalism, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, attracting students from over 90 countries.

The **Palace of Fontainebleau** remains a major cultural attraction, housing museums, gardens, and historic apartments open to the public. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its blend of Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque styles.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The local economy is diversified, with key contributors including:
- **Tourism**: Driven by the palace, forest, and proximity to Paris.
- **Education**: INSEAD’s presence supports a vibrant academic and professional community.
- **Business**: **Picard Surgelés**, founded in 1906, is headquartered in Fontainebleau and is a leader in France’s frozen food industry.

Transportation infrastructure includes:
- **Halte de Fontainebleau-Forêt**: A local railway halt serving the commune.
- **Gare de Thomery**: A nearby station providing regional connectivity.

### Sports and Community
Fontainebleau is home to **RC Fontainebleau**, a football club founded in 1912, which competes in regional leagues. The commune also participates in the **Concours des villes et villages fleuris**, a national competition promoting environmental beautification and sustainability.

### International Connections
Fontainebleau has indirect ties to global organizations:
- **International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)**: Founded in 1948, with a focus on nature conservation.
- **European Youth Parliament**: Established in 1987 to engage youth in civic and cultural dialogue.
- **Western Union (1948)**: A post-WWII defense alliance headquartered in Fontainebleau, precursor to NATO.

### Governance and Modern Role
As a French commune, Fontainebleau operates under the decentralized administrative system established in 1789. It is governed by a mayor and municipal council, responsible for local services, urban planning, and cultural preservation. The commune’s official website ([fontainebleau.fr](https://www.fontainebleau.fr/)) provides resources for residents and visitors.

Fontainebleau’s blend of historical legacy, educational excellence, and economic activity makes it a dynamic and influential locale within France and beyond. Its ongoing role in tourism, business, and international education ensures its continued relevance in the 21st century.

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. [Maires de Fontainebleau. archives municipales de Fontainebleau. 2012](https://www.fontainebleau.fr/fileadmin/Ville/Maires_de_Fontainebleau_fevrier2019.pdf)
3. [Une ville jumelée](http://www.fontainebleau.fr/seduisante/une-ville-jumelee-514.html)
4. [Fontainebleau (F)](https://www.konstanz.de/leben+in+konstanz/stadtportraet/staedtepartnerschaften/fontainebleau+_f_)
5. [Nouveauté ! Fontainebleau signe son 6e jumelage !. 2022](https://www.fontainebleau.fr/fil-infos-109/nouveaute-fontainebleau-signe-son-6eme-jumelage-2789.html)
6. BnF authorities
7. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
8. INSEE code
9. [Source](https://data.iledefrance.fr/explore/dataset/villes_idf_label_vvf/download?format=csv)
10. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
11. répertoire géographique des communes
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Annuaire de service-public.fr
14. datos.bne.es
15. MusicBrainz
16. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
17. Populations légales 2016
18. Populations légales 2017
19. Populations légales 2018
20. Populations légales 2019
21. Populations légales 2020
22. Populations légales 2021
23. Populations de référence 2022
24. Populations de référence 2023
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
27. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=14166)
28. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
29. [Source](https://www.fontainebleau.fr/engagee/une-equipe-au-service-des-bellifontains-255.html)
30. GeoNames
31. BBC Things
32. [Source](http://www.iut-fbleau.fr/)
33. [Source](http://topobleau.fr/)
34. [Source](https://www.cafbleau.fr/)
35. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
36. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
37. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
38. museum-digital