Last end of summer in Paris, we (my wife was with me) visited some of the Chateaux around Paris. Most of people know famous Chateau de Versailles Castle. I personally didn't found it very great just because it has huge garden and lake. There is less of attractive I found. Its more crowded with lots of people rushing in and out.

I liked another nearby Chateaux. Royal Chateau de Fontainebleau! Place is 40 min away by RER or some train going from Gare-de-Lyon to South side of France. Place is also covered in zone 6 costing you 14Euro to and fro journey by Bus service.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Oupx1

Here are details copied from http://parisbytrain.com/paris-to-fontainebleau-by-train/

Paris to Fontainebleau by Train

Departure station => Paris-Gare de Lyon

Train Line => Transilien or Ter

Direction => Laroche-Migennes / Montereau / Montargis / Sens

Arrival Station => Fontainebleau-Avon (Zone 5)

Ticket => Billet Ile-de-France - Fontainebleau–Avon

Price => 8,40€ one way

Passes Accepted => Carte Orange/Pass Navigo, Ticket Mobilis, Paris Visite Card

Attractions => INSEAD, Forest of Fontainebleau, Chateau Fontainebleau

First Train / Last Train => 06:05 / 23:35 (see notes)

PDF with timetable: http://parisbytrain.com/files/2008/12/paris_fb_timetable.pdf
you will also get this timetable if you visit ticket window at Gare de Lyon.

and return : http://parisbytrain.com/files/2008/12/fb_paris_timetable.pdf

More details: http://parisbytrain.com/paris-to-fontainebleau-by-train/

Place is beautiful to spend time with family and close group. Palace has more French history. The pond nearby Palace makes it more beautiful in view. Good to visit in Summer.

Here are some photoes: