Fontainebleau is a lovely historical town south of Paris. It is known for its historical Château de Fontainebleau of the kings of France, which attracts crowds of tourists. It has been the main summer residence for French Monarchs for hundreds of years. The château you see today dates from the 16th century, although additions were made by various royal incumbents through the next 300 years. Fontainbleau had the noblest garden in France. It was made for a king, Francois I, who wished to rival the great courts of Italy.

credit: Rina Sergeeva

The Bowes Museum opened in 1892 as a result of Victorian enterprise, taste and philanthropic vision. It was founded by a local business man, John Bowes who met and married his wife Joséphine, a French actress, in Paris. The Museum is home to a collection of European fine art and decorative arts. The permanent collections comprise works by artists such as Canaletto, El Greco, Courbet and Turner, and contain one of Britain’s most extensive collections of ceramics, including Italian maiolica and Sèvres Porcelain. The Bowes Museum is open daily. Closed only 25 & 26 December & 1 January.

Admission:

£9.50 Adults
£8.50 Concessions
£5.00 Students (on production of Student Card)
£14.00 6 Month Admission Pass*
Free entry to holders of the Great British Heritage Pass; National Art Pass (on production of membership card)
Free entry to the Friends of The Bowes Museum.
Free entry to Children (under 16)
Free entry to Accompanying Carers

credit: ozz13x