I read that Fontainebleau is a beautiful place, what do you think? How long will it take to take a full tour?
Would you rank it above Versailles?

Cannot answer but Vaux-le-Vicomte which was the prototype for Versailles is very much worth a visit IMO and you can reach it by suburban rail and then a taxi. Wonderful when illuminated (inside) at night, too.

Fontainbleau is well worth a visit - depending on a lot of things. Will you be in Paris? How long is your stay there? Have you been to Paris before? Versailles. Until we know a little more, it is hard to say whether Fontainbleau is a good use of your time.

What do you know about the history of Fontainebleau and what interests you about going there?

I went to Fontainebleu on my first trip to Paris. We enjoyed it...decadent for a hunting lodge. It's not Versailles but worth the trip and far less crowded than Versailles. Certainly, it may depend on what else you are going to see or have already seen.

Loved it,, but there is no way you can or should compare it to Versailles..

I think you need to decide WHY you want to visit a chateau.. is the history, the gardens, the exhibits/furnishings/art inside, the countryside around it, the history , the history the history?

One thing about Fontainebleau , its never crowded,, and Versailles will definitely be crowded ( in palace ) .

We loved Fontainebleau. It's a more laid-back chateau and the grounds are beautiful. There are some great paths through boulders in the woods around Fontainebleau if you like that sort of thing...and there were practically no people out there with us. We've done those hikes on two trips to Fontainebleau chateau.

Also loved Versailles because it was so over the top - you won't see anything like that elsewhere.

Decide if you want crowds and opulence or a smaller more intimate chateau with pretty grounds and possibly a hike through the woods and boulders.

Thank you everyone... I will be in Paris (1st time) and I'm much interested in the history... I will have only time for one of these locations so, I believe Versailles will be the best option. Fontainebleau will be for the next time

If you like history then you should see it. It was Napoleon's preferred palace, a number of French kings were born there, it has a beautiful library and the grounds are very nice.

The nearby town (village?) of Barbizon is quite charming, too.

How does it compare to Vaux-le-Vicomte? We're always looking for something new and we haven't been to Fontainebleu. We've been to Versailles both during the day and also for a fireworks show at night. We enjoyed V-le-Vicomte for the quietness. I'm assuming Font. would be similar but worth a visit.

I haven't been to Vaux le Vicomte so can't compare , but Fontainbleau is very nice and quiet too.. peaceful... and the town is lovely .

My real fave quiet chateau to daytrip to is Chantilly though,, the Conde Musuem housed inside is second only to the Louvre in many of its collections.. and anywhere that specializes in serving strawberries and Chantilly cream( yes , was invented there!) in a garden café can't be missed.

Trophywife you are so right! Barbizon was a sweet little surprise for us!