9 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Your day trip starts as you depart Paris on board a luxury coach for the drive southeast to Château Vaux le Vicomte, a baroque castle that is said to have been the inspiration for France’s most famous royal residence, the Palace of Versailles.
When you arrive, you are free to explore independently using your provided audio guide or, follow your guide, if you've upgraded. See elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this massive home, Nicholas Fouquet, who was King Louis XIV’s minister of finance. After Fouquet commissioned Vaux le Vicomte to be designed by a top architect, the king felt upstaged and threw the minister in jail. When you’re finished inside, walk outside to discover the castle’s 99 acres (40 hectares) of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch from the onsite café (own expense) before returning to the coach.
Then make your way south to Château de Fontainebleau, the only royal castle in France to be continuously inhabited for more than 700 years. With its Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, 15th-century furniture, and detailed wood carvings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great alternative to visiting Versailles. Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here.
Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to wander the grounds before hopping back on your coach for the return drive to Paris, where your day trip ends.
Operated by
Paris CityVision
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.1
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313 traveller ratings
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Most memorable was the...
Kurt_R, Oct 2024
Most memorable was the fact that there was no guidance whatsoever. Packed in a bus, handed some tickets, off you go…
Not organized
Tim_B, Sept 2024
The actual Chateu's,. The vehicle had no signage and driver only spoke French. Very confusing on where to get on the buss. Buss was late leaving pickup and late arriving at each destination.
Worth the trip
Daniel_R, Jul 2024
The WOW moment when you first see the double staircase at Fontainebleau. Sumptuous rooms, tapestries, and furniture.
AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE
Zarine_H, Jun 2024
Tour was cancelled after whole group waiting at meeting point for 45 min Utterly ridiculous Do not come near this agency Unprofessional and apologies don't cut it
Itinerary
Le Styx, Riviere des Enfers
On board a luxury coach, you will drive to southeast and reach Vaux le Vicomte ( approx,35-miles (55-km))
Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Its star attraction is the Vaux le Vicomte Castle – the impressive Baroque chateau that allegedly inspired the Palace of Versailles – so hop off your coach and head inside for your audio-guided tour.When you arrive, you are free to explore independently using your provided audio guide. See elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this massive home, Nicholas Fouquet, who was King Louis XIV’s minister of finance. After Fouquet commissioned Vaux le Vicomte to be designed by a top architect, the king felt upstaged and threw the minister in jail. When you’re finished inside, walk outside to discover the castle’s 99 acres (40 hectares) of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds and sprawling lawns. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch from the onsite café (own expense) before returning to the coach.
2 hoursAdmission IncludedFontainebleau Forest (Foret de Fontainebleau)
Then at 1.15/1.30pm,make your way south to Château de Fontainebleau, the only royal castle in France to be continuously inhabited for more than 700 years.
Tourist Fontainebleau
With its Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, 15th-century furniture and detailed wood carvings, this World Heritage site is a great alternative to visiting Versailles. Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here.
Chateau de Fontainebleau
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
Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here. Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to wander the grounds
3 hoursAdmission Included
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Access to the dome of the Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Audioguides at both castles
- Period costume rentals for children to transport them back to the 17th centur
- Entrance tickets to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte castles
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The access to the dome of the Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle is reserved to people over 1.35 m
- Arrival in Paris at the end of the tour expected around 6:15 pm
Guide Languages
English
Portuguese
Japanese
Russian
Spanish
German
Italian
French
Dutch
Mandarin
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.