FONTAINEBLEAU

(fon-tin-bl6), a town of France, department of Seineet-Marne, in the midst of the forest of same name, about 2 miles from the Seine and 37 miles 8.S.e. of Paris. It owes its origin chiefly to the palace, and is a quiet place, with broad, clean streets. Pop. 17,075. The castle or palace of Fontainebleau is one of the most magnificent in France. It occupies the site of a fortified chateau founded by Louis Vil in 1162; this was converted into a magnificent palace by Francis 1; much added to by Henry IV, Napoleon I, Louis Philippe, and Napoleon III. The palace was the residence of Madame de Monte span, Madame de Pompadour, and Marie Antoinette, and it was here that Napoleon I signed his abdication. The park is laid out like a vast garden, and adorned with statues, temples, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. The forest, which is about 50 miles in circumference, covers an area of 42,500 acres, affords numerous pleasant walks, and abounds with game.