This is the library at Fontainebleau, a chateau about 40 minutes SE outside Paris. This is another royal pad that everybody had to add their touch to. It was built by Francois I, who loved Italian style. He imported all the artisans from Italy to work on this place, and it shows. Lots of frescos and sculpture everywhere. Lots of heavy woodwork everywhere as well, and decorated ceilings reminded me a little of Spain.
Napolean I and Napoleon III also took their turn at "decorating drama" here. I still find it hard to believe how Napoleon I lived and looked every bit like the the King that the French had just beheaded. We walked through the room where Napoleon I abdicated before he was shipped off to Elba.
Check out more pics at:
http://suzyinparis.free.fr
We also went hiking for a few hours in the huge royal forest that surrounds the town. The overpowering greenness of all the trees leafing out reminded us both of hiking in Vermont. Unfortunately it was spitting rain at us during the hike, so the camera stayed stowed. Not a beefy Texas thunderstorm, but a nice gentle French pitter-patter.
We'll definitely be back for more hiking, it's great to have good hiking 40 minutes away.
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