Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte Chateaux Day Trip from Paris

A day trip from Paris to explore two of France’s most impressive castles offers a fascinating glimpse into royal and aristocratic life. Priced at $133.81 per person, this 9-hour tour takes visitors from the heart of Paris to the baroque Château Vaux le Vicomte and the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau. The tour departs from Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy at 9:15 am, with a comfortable, air-conditioned coach that ensures a smooth journey.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate architecture, history, and beautiful gardens. The tour includes admission tickets to both castles, audio guides for independent exploration, and the option to upgrade to guided tours. While some reviews note timing and organization issues, most find the visit rewarding, especially for the stunning interiors and grounds. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly. Overall, it’s a well-rounded day for lovers of French culture and grand estates.

Key Points

• Visit two castles in one day: Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau
• Admission tickets and audio guides included for independent exploration
• Luxury coach transport from Paris, with comfortable seating
• Vaux le Vicomte is famous for its extravagant interiors and gardens, inspired Versailles
• Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inhabited for over 700 years
• The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with ample time at each site

Departure from Paris and Coach Comfort

The tour begins at Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy, a location easily accessible near public transportation. The luxury coach features air conditioning and provides a comfortable ride through the southeastern countryside of France. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, creating a more intimate experience and ensuring the driver and guide can focus on your journey.

The coach departs promptly at 9:15 am, so arriving on time is crucial. The return to Paris is expected around 6:15 pm, giving a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. The small group size often leads to a more personal experience, although some reviews mention confusing departure instructions and lack of signage, so paying attention at the meeting point is advised.

Visiting Château Vaux le Vicomte: Inspiration for Versailles

The first stop is Vaux le Vicomte, located about 35 miles (55 km) southeast of Paris. This baroque castle is renowned for its lavish interiors, vaulted cellars, and expansive grounds. The admission ticket includes access to the castle interior and the dome, where ornate rooms and exquisite decorations await.

Exploring Vaux le Vicomte independently is made easier with the audio guide, which narrates the story of Nicholas Fouquet, the finance minister who built the estate. The grounds cover 99 acres (40 hectares), featuring fountains, flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns that visitors can wander freely. The gardens are often praised for their beauty, and the fountains are a highlight.

A practical tip involves lunch: there is an onsite café, but costs are not included in the tour. Visitors can take their time enjoying the exquisite architecture and landscape design before boarding the coach again.

Exploring Château de Fontainebleau: Royal Residence for Over 700 Years

After about 2 hours at Vaux le Vicomte, the journey continues south to Fontainebleau, around 35 miles away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unique because it has been inhabited continuously by French royalty for over 700 years. The Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, and 15th-century furniture make this palace a compelling visit.

The audio guide at Fontainebleau provides stories about French kings and queens who called this palace home. The rooms are decorated with detailed wood carvings, and the sumptuous interiors are complemented by extensive gardens and lakes. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds, taking in the scenic lakes and well-maintained gardens.

Timing at Fontainebleau is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, which most reviews find sufficient to appreciate the interior highlights and outdoor scenery. Like Vaux le Vicomte, lunch options are available outside the tour, but are on your own.

The Tour’s Organization and Guide Features

The self-guided audio tours at both castles allow for flexible exploration, with narrations sharing stories about French royalty and architectural details. Some reviews praise the earpiece guides for providing an easy-to-follow narration, making the visit more engaging.

However, there are comments about confusing logistics and lack of guidance on the bus or at the meeting point. The small group size helps keep the journey intimate, but some travelers wish for more directions and better signage.

The period costume rentals for children add a playful touch, letting young visitors imagine themselves as 17th-century aristocrats.

Practical Aspects: Timing, Pacing, and Accessibility

The timing at each site is designed to balance exploration with travel, but reviews indicate that Fontainebleau’s size and many rooms can make the visit feel overwhelming if not paced carefully. The two-hour visits at each castle seem to be enough for many, but some wish for more time at Vaux le Vicomte.

The meeting point near public transportation is convenient, but finding the exact location can be tricky, especially since signage and communication at the start are sometimes lacking. The physical demands are moderate; walking the grounds and interior is manageable for most, but visitors should have moderate fitness levels.

Value for Money and Tour Limitations

For $133.81, the tour provides admission tickets, audio guides, and luxury transportation. The inclusion of access to the dome at Vaux le Vicomte is a notable perk. However, the lack of guided tours inside and food options are drawbacks for some.

Some reviews mention organizational issues like late departures and confusing instructions, which can detract from the experience. Food and drinks are not included, so additional expenses should be planned.

Overall Suitability and Recommendations

This tour suits those who value architecture, gardens, and French royal history. It offers a full day of sightseeing at two impressive castles, with ample time to explore each independently. Visitors who prefer guided tours or more structured experiences may find the lack of guides during the visit limiting.

The small group size enhances intimacy, but timing and organization are areas for improvement, according to some reviews. The stunning grounds and interiors of both castles make it a worthwhile trip for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte Chateaux Day Trip from Paris

This day trip from Paris delivers a comprehensive visit to two of France’s most treasured castles. While some organizational hiccups are noted, the exquisite architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic interiors make the experience worthwhile. The luxury coach, audio guides, and admission tickets provide good value, especially for those interested in French history or architecture.

Visitors should plan for lunch outside the tour and be prepared for moderate walking. It’s most suitable for independent explorers who enjoy self-guided tours and flexible pacing. This trip offers a memorable glimpse into France’s aristocratic past with some logistical considerations to keep in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
Admission tickets to Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau, audio guides, access to the dome at Vaux le Vicomte, and luxury coach transport.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:15 am and returning around 6:15 pm.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch and beverages are not included. There is an onsite café at Vaux le Vicomte, but costs are extra.

Is there a guided tour inside the castles?
Exploration inside the castles is self-guided with audio narration. Upgrades may offer guided options.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves moderate walking across grounds and interior spaces. Participants should have moderate physical fitness.

What are the main highlights at Vaux le Vicomte?
The lavish interiors, vaulted cellars, and extensive gardens are key attractions. The fountains and landscape are also highly praised.

What makes Fontainebleau special?
Its long history of continuous royal habitation and Renaissance architecture, along with frescoed ceilings and furniture from the 15th century.

Can I upgrade for guided tours?
Yes, guided tours are available as an upgrade.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy, near public transportation, but signage may be limited, so careful arrival is recommended.