Our journey south took us into the Ile de France region, and Seine-et-Marne, near Fontainebleau, where we had a drink in one of the cafés, along Boulevard Magenta, before we looked around the Château de Fontainebleau. This was a spectacular piece of architecture. Louis VII built an abbey here in the 12th centurybut this was later consecrated by Thomas à Becket in 1169. A medieval tower survived, but most of the present château dates back to the time of François I, who was drawn here originally for the hunting in the vast forests in the surrounding area. François based the château on Florentine and Roman styles. It was home to many kings after, and finally became home to Napoleon Bonaparte. We spent around an hour here, also walking around the colourful landscaped gardens, before resuming our
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