Highlights
- Visit two French castles in one day on a full-day trip from Paris
- Discover the opulence of Vaux le Vicomte Castle, admiring the extravagant interiors that put its creator in prison
- Hear tales of French royalty from an audio guide while exploring Château Fontainebleau -- a UNESCO-listed site
- Spend free time in the gardens of both castles at leisure
- Transport from Paris by luxury, air-conditioned coach
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Spectauclar!View from the dome at Vaux le VicomtePhoto by: Cathy B
10 2013 -
Vaux le Vicomte Stairs to the ...Well worth the climb!Photo by: Cathy B
10 2013 -
Late summer flowers at Vaux ...Because I am a passionate gardener, I focused on the plantings at the two chateaus. The building in the background of ...Photo by: Gillian A
10 2013 -
vaux le vicomteone of the meeting roomPhoto by: nayu2955
Australia, 09 2013 -
fountainebleauthe throne of the kingPhoto by: nayu2955
Australia, 09 2013 -
Fountainebleauthe king bedroomPhoto by: nayu2955
Australia, 09 2013 -
Fountainebleauthe main dome of the fountainebleauPhoto by: nayu2955
Australia, 09 2013 -
Vaux le VicomteThe main entrance of Chateau Vaux le VicomtePhoto by: nayu2955
Australia, 09 2013 -
What You Can Expect
Chateaux de Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte Day Trip from Paris
While admiring the castle’s plush interiors and elaborate vaulted cellars, learn about Nicolas Fouquet – King Louis XIV’s finance minister – who created the building using the crème de la crème of French architectural talent. Unfortunately for him, King Louis felt upstaged by the extravagant building, and threw him in prison before he could spend too long enjoying it.
After exploring the castle, head outside to soak up the extensive garden scenery, seeing the dramatic fountains, lawns and flowerbeds that cover the whopping 99-acre (40-hectare) site. Enjoy some time for lunch in the on-site café (own expense), and then return to your coach.
Travel the short distance south to Fontainebleau, and then visit your second majestic building of the day: Château Fontainebleau. The only royal castle to be continuously inhabited for over seven centuries, Fontainebleau is one of the country’s more exceptional palaces – deservedly taking a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Step inside and explore the opulent Renaissance building with an audio guide, hearing all the gossip about the French royals who once called the place home. Gaze upward to see mesmerizing ceiling frescoes, and admire the intricate wood carvings and 15th-century furniture that typifies the castle’s lavish interior.
At the end of your audio tour, head outside to explore the grounds and ornamental lakes independently. Have your camera ready to capture the romantic gardens against the backdrop of the castle, and then return to your coach for your journey back to Paris.
Customer Reviews
January 2014
Made seeing these two chateau so easy! The audio guides were very helpful!
January 2014
An extraordinary palace and grounds. We traveled there via a clean and modern bus; the countryside was beautiful.
The lawns and water features of this fabulous place are awe-inspiring. We rented a golf cart to see it all, saving our legs for the huge chateau itself. We bought a nice lunch at the cafe next to the coach house, which contained many restored carriages from centuries gone by. A wonderful day trip.
