Fontaineblhostel Hostel & Camping (near Fontainebleau) - La Chapelle-la-Reine

M Lenten

No clue why this hostel is so highly rated. Probably the dirtiest hostel I've ever visited. The pictures on Google come nowhere near how it actually looks. Seems like there's no staff, just the owner, who's barely around, so I couldn't tell him about the clogged shower. In the 6 days I was there nothing was cleaned even once. Showers have mud & hair everywhere. Every room has dust on the ceiling corners. There's random junk everywhere (old fitness equipment, piles of old magazines, clutter). Most shared student housing is cleaner than this. I would highly advise the owner to hire staff & actually spend time in the hostel to clean & organize a bit. The only thing I saw him do was turn off the lights to save money.

Other fun facts:
-The lights in the bathroom are broken so there's just a standing lamp in the middle of the room (+ a piece of carpet for some reason)
-There's a flyer warning you about ticks and Lyme disease, but a lot of the grass in the campsite is not mowed
-The bathroom is poorly ventilated so your towel will never dry (if you're camping and hanging it there)
-If you wanna do the dishes you probably need to wash the tea towels yourself
-There are only two very small (uncomfortable & dirty) couches, so if you're waiting for rain there's a good chance the hostel is not the best place to do that

lan pan

Perfect stay for boulders! It has everything one needs: pads for rental, guidebooks and more importantly a super helpful host - Patrick. He is so nice and super responsive in making my first bouldering trip in Fontainebleau a great memory. Will definitely come back with more boulder friends next year!!

Phil Esra

Camped here for 2 weeks of bouldering in November 2023. I agree with all of the gushing things that have been said about Patrick and this place in other reviews. Already thinking about my next trip back. Would award a 6th bonus star for the boulangerie 75 meters from the entrance. (By the way, the hostel entrance is off a small alley; it's not totally obvious. Also, a visit can be done without a car, but I rented a car and appreciated the flexibility.)

alkan

Even if there were tens of alternatives, I will still choose Patrick’s hostel. Perfect accommodation and hospitality for climbers. Photo attached is the amazing view en route to L’elephant from the hostel.

Torjus Iveland

Great hostel for bouldering in Fontainebleau, would recommend! Helpful facilities for cooking and nice rooms. Patrick the host is very kind and helpful, as are the guests in the hostel. Very easy to meet people to go climbing with as a solo traveller.

H L-J

i stayed in my car as a solo climber and was instantly welcomed and would definitley come back. The host, Patrick, is super helpful and quick to respond. I stayed in my car outback and was able to use all the facilities and meet many other climbers. i know patrick was able to give lifts to people without cars, and there were a lot of pads to rent too. there are guidebooks and wifi. the showers for people camping are available and fine, the cooking facilities really helped. Patrick also made coffee in the morning for everyone. a great hostel 🙂

Wendy Law

I had an amazing experience staying at Fontainebl Hostel. Patrick was so great on arrival to give me all of the info I needed and use of the many guide books so that I could make the most of my short time in Font. He also introduced me to everyone at the hostel so it was easy for me to find climbing friends. It was great to have great quality boulder pads to rent for the day as well. The hostel is walking distance to Elephant, Dame Jouanne, Maunoury which have plenty of awesome boulders to keep you busy. I will definitely be staying at Fontaineblhostel next time I'm in Font and I highly recommend the same for any climbers travelling through. 🙂

Jasmin Fruehauf

What a wonderful place!!!! Patrick, the owner, is very kind and helpful. I camped for 8 nights and enjoyed the vast garden, kitchen and bathroom facilities (even a washing machine!).
This is a type of place that attracts very nice people. It is a good place for groups or solo travelers.