Can You Use the Paris Museum Pass for Day Trips to Fontainebleau and Chantilly?

Yes — both the Château de Fontainebleau and the Château de Chantilly are included in the Paris Museum Pass, along with other Île-de-France châteaux like Vincennes, Pierrefonds and the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The pass covers entry, but not the train fare to get there. For day-trippers and repeat visitors, this is one of the pass’s best-kept secrets. Here’s how to use it.

Both châteaux are included

The pass isn’t just for central Paris. It covers the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, a sprawling royal palace used from the 12th to the 19th century, and the fairy-tale Château de Chantilly, famous for its art collection, grand stables and turquoise moat. Both rival Versailles for grandeur — and both are included in your pass.

The pass covers entry, not transport

Crucially, the pass pays for château admission but not the journey. You’ll buy SNCF or RER train tickets separately to reach these out-of-town sites. Factor that into your budget and timing, but the saving on entry — especially when paired with Paris museums on other days — still makes the pass excellent value.

Getting to Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is reached by SNCF train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (around 40 minutes), then a short local bus to the château. Allow most of a half-day including travel. The palace is vast and richly furnished, so give yourself a couple of hours inside plus time for the gardens. Note it’s closed on Tuesdays.

Getting to Chantilly

Chantilly is reached by SNCF or RER D train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (around 25–45 minutes), then a 25-minute walk or a local bus to the château. Inside you’ll find one of France’s finest art collections and lavish apartments; allow about three hours for the palace and an hour for the gardens. Note it’s closed on Tuesdays and for a few weeks in January.

Which pass length suits day trips

Because a château day trip uses most of a day, day-trippers usually want a longer pass. The 4-day pass fits one big day trip plus Paris museums; the 6-day is ideal if you want Versailles plus Fontainebleau or Chantilly and the city’s major sites, all without worrying about which days your pass covers.

Great for repeat visitors

If you’ve already seen the big Paris museums on a previous trip, these château day trips are a compelling reason to buy the pass again. They let you go beyond the obvious, using the pass for grand sites most first-timers never reach — a fresh, rewarding way to experience the Île-de-France.

Plan around opening days

• Fontainebleau: closed Tuesdays.
• Chantilly: closed Tuesdays and for a few weeks in January.
• Check current hours before you travel, as they vary by season.
• Buy train tickets in advance to save time at the station.

The value of adding a day trip

At 2026 prices, Fontainebleau is around €14 and Chantilly’s admission is comparable, so a château day trip adds solid value on top of your Paris museum visits. Combined with a few city sites, it helps a longer pass pay back handsomely — one traveller reported getting over €200 of value from a 4-day pass by including a château.

Other Île-de-France sites on the pass

• Château de Vincennes — a medieval royal fortress on the metro, the easiest château to reach.
• Basilica of Saint-Denis — the Gothic burial place of France’s kings.
• Château de Pierrefonds — a fairy-tale restored medieval castle.
• Château de Compiègne and Château de Malmaison — imperial residences linked to Napoleon.
• Musée d’archéologie nationale (Saint-Germain-en-Laye) — France’s great archaeology collection.

Buy your Paris Museum Pass for day trips

To explore beyond the city, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance — Fontainebleau, Chantilly and more are included — then book your train tickets separately. Secure your pass and add a grand château day trip to your Paris adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fontainebleau included in the Paris Museum Pass?

Yes — the Château de Fontainebleau is covered.

Is Chantilly included?

Yes — the Château de Chantilly is covered too.

Does the pass cover the train fare?

No — you buy SNCF or RER train tickets separately.

Which pass length is best for day trips?

The 4 or 6-day pass, since each château takes most of a day.

When are they closed?

Both close on Tuesdays; Chantilly also closes for a few weeks in January.

Are they worth it for repeat visitors?

Very — they’re a great reason to use the pass beyond the main Paris museums.