Escaping the hustle and bustle of Paris, this day trip to Vaux le Vicomte and Château de Fontainebleau transports you to a world of regal grandeur. Uncover the history behind the inspiration for Versailles at Vaux le Vicomte, then learn about the lavish lives of French royalty at the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau. Whether you opt for a self-guided audio tour or an in-depth guided experience, this itinerary promises to whisk you away to a bygone era. But the real question is – which château will captivate you most?
Key Points
- A day trip that immerses visitors in the grandeur of two iconic French chateaux: Vaux le Vicomte and Chateau de Fontainebleau.
- Vaux le Vicomte, the inspiration behind the Palace of Versailles, offers enchanting Baroque architecture and lavish interiors.
- Chateau de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a rich history and diverse architectural styles from French monarchs.
- Travelers can explore the chateaux and gardens independently using audioguides or upgrade to guided tours for more in-depth insights.
- The day trip includes air-conditioned transportation, admission tickets, and optional period costume rentals for children to enhance the immersive experience.
Overview of the Day Trip
The day trip from Paris takes visitors on an immersive journey through the grandeur of two iconic French châteaux – Vaux le Vicomte and Château de Fontainebleau.
Vaux le Vicomte is said to have inspired the magnificent Palace of Versailles, while Fontainebleau boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travelers can explore these magnificent castles and their enchanting gardens independently using audio guides or upgrade to a guided tour.
The experience also includes access to the dome of Vaux le Vicomte and period costume rentals for children, all while traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle.
It’s a perfect day trip to learn about France’s regal past.
Visiting Château Vaux Le Vicomte
As visitors arrive at Château Vaux Le Vicomte, they’ll be enchanted by its grand Baroque architecture and sprawling formal gardens, which were designed by legendary landscape architect André Le Nôtre. The castle’s lavish interiors showcase exquisite frescoes, ornate furnishings, and stunning chandeliers that transport you back in time.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dome Access | Climb to the top of the castle’s iconic dome for panoramic views |
| Audio Guides | Explore the château and gardens at your own pace with informative audio guides |
| Costume Rentals | Children can dress up in period costumes to enhance the immersive experience |
With its rich history and breathtaking aesthetics, Château Vaux Le Vicomte is a true highlight of this day trip from Paris.
Exploring Château De Fontainebleau
After exploring the grandeur of Vaux le Vicomte, the day trip ventures to the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau, a sprawling royal residence with a history dating back to the 12th century.
This majestic château has served as a home for French monarchs for centuries, leaving behind a rich tapestry of architectural styles and captivating stories for visitors to uncover.
With the provided audio guides, travelers can enjoy the palace’s storied past, wandering through ornate chambers, lavish gardens, and iconic courtyards.
From the opulent apartments to the stunning Renaissance-style chapel, Fontainebleau offers a glimpse into the lavish lives of French royalty and the enduring legacy they left behind.
Audioguides and Guided Tours
Visitors can choose to explore Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte independently using the provided audioguides, which offer a captivating narration of each castle’s history and highlights.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights from a knowledgeable local guide. The audioguides allow visitors to wander at their own pace, stopping to admire the stunning architecture, grand halls, and opulent furnishings.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the guided tours provide a personal touch, with the guide sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge that bring the castles’ rich past to life.
Whichever option visitors choose, they’re sure to leave with a greater appreciation for these magnificent French landmarks.
Included Amenities and Exclusions
The day trip from Paris to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte chateaux includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience, from entrance tickets and audioguides to period costume rentals for children.
However, travellers should note that food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered in the package.
Visitors will have access to the dome of Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle, providing panoramic views of the stunning grounds. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey between the two sites.
While the castles can be explored independently using the provided audioguides, travellers can also upgrade to a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
Arrival and Departure Details
Travelers meet at the Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy at 9:15 am to begin the day trip to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte.
The group then returns to the same location around 6:15 pm, marking the end of the full-day excursion.
An air-conditioned vehicle transports guests between the two chateaux throughout the day.
The adventure includes:
- Visiting the iconic Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte castles
- Accessing the dome of Vaux-le-Vicomte for panoramic views
- Utilizing audio guides to explore the historic sites
- Optional period costume rentals for children to immerse themselves
It’s an exciting day filled with French history, architecture, and stunning landscapes – all just a short trip from Paris.
Cancellation and Change Policies
Can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the experience start time won’t be accepted. This flexible policy allows you to plan your trip with confidence, knowing you can get a full refund if your plans change.
| Cancellation Policy | Change Policy |
|---|---|
| Can cancel up to 24 hours in advance | Changes less than 24 hours before experience not accepted |
| Full refund available | No changes allowed |
The cancellation and change policies are based on local time, so be sure to double-check the timing when making any adjustments. With these clear guidelines, you can focus on enjoying your day trip to Fontainebleau and Vaux Le Vicomte without worrying about unexpected changes.
Key Considerations for Travelers
When planning this day trip, there are several key considerations travelers should keep in mind. The meeting point is at the Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy, so they’ll need to make their way there to join the tour. Plus, the trip doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, nor any food and drinks, so travelers will need to plan accordingly.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, so booking early is recommended.
Audioguides are provided at both castles, but travelers can upgrade to a guided tour if they prefer.
Children can rent period costumes to enhance their experience.
The expected return time to Paris is around 6:15 pm, so travelers should plan their evening accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The package doesn’t include any meals or refreshments, so you’ll need to purchase them at the castles or nearby cafes. But the audio guides are included to enhance your experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, though the historic castles and gardens may present some challenges. The tour provider can accommodate guests with mobility needs, so it’s best to check with them directly about accessibility details.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for visiting the castles, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, so wear sturdy shoes. Just avoid extremely casual attire like shorts or beachwear.
Can I Stop at Other Locations Along the Way?
Sorry, but this day trip has a fixed itinerary and doesn’t allow for stops at other locations along the way. The tour focuses on visiting the two castles, so you’ll need to stick to the planned schedule.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
Yes, you’ll need to book this tour in advance. Popular trips like visiting French chateaus sell out quickly, so reserving your spot ahead of time is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Recap
This day trip offers the chance to explore two of France’s most captivating chateaux.
Vaux le Vicomte’s Baroque splendor inspired Versailles, while Fontainebleau’s royal history stretches back centuries.
Travelers can discover these icons at their own pace or with a guide, making for an unforgettable look into France’s grand architectural and cultural legacies.
