Fontainebleau palace, situated close to Paris and at the edge of the forest of Fontainebleau, has been a royal hunting lodge since the 13th century. Thirty four French rulers have spent time here, from Louis VI through Napoleon III. It was their family home. The current palace was built starting in 1528 under François I and expanded under Henri IV. Many of the rooms are currently in the renaissance style from their tenure.

Napoleon Bonaparte also lived here, and it was here that he signed the abdication papers and said farewell to his officers. His study, bedroom and throne room have been preserved.