Private tour: Chateaux de Vaux le Vicomte & Fontainebleau

Key Points

• Visit two of France’s most celebrated castles: Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux le Vicomte
• All-inclusive private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris
• Duration of 10.5 hours perfect for a full day of sightseeing
• Skip the lines with pre-booked entry tickets for both castles
• Expert driver-guide ensures smooth transportation and insightful commentary
• Flexibility for lunch in Fontainebleau with options at local restaurants or bakeries

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Convenience of Private Transportation in Ile-de-France

This tour begins with hotel pickup in Paris, with a choice of 12 pickup locations across key districts, including the 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements. The private van then takes you on a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the French countryside toward Fontainebleau. This setup ensures a relaxed start, avoiding public transport hassles and traffic concerns.

The driver-guide remains with the group throughout the day, providing commentary and facilitating entry to each castle. The round-trip transport makes this experience comfortable and efficient, with no need to worry about navigation or parking.

Touring Château de Fontainebleau: The House of Kings

Your first stop is the Château de Fontainebleau, a majestic residence that served as the royal home from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. This 2-hour visit allows you to explore the grand interiors, including the throne room used by Napoléon Bonaparte, and admire the historic architecture that has hosted numerous French monarchs.

After touring the château, there is an opportunity to enjoy lunch in Fontainebleau. Visitors can choose from a variety of local restaurants or bakeries, sampling regional specialties. This flexible lunch break ensures you can tailor the experience to your tastes without being rushed.

Exploring the Gardens and Park of Fontainebleau

While at Fontainebleau, you also get to appreciate the beautiful gardens and park surrounding the castle. These outdoor spaces provide a peaceful setting for photos and leisurely walks, highlighting the blend of natural beauty and royal grandeur. The gardens are particularly notable for their design and historical significance.

This part of the tour offers a chance to relax and reflect after the castle tour, with enough time to soak in the scenery or grab a quick snack in the area before heading to the next destination.

Visiting Château de Vaux le Vicomte: The Magnificent Inspiration

Following lunch, the tour continues with a 30-minute drive to the Château de Vaux le Vicomte, a baroque masterpiece often regarded as the inspiration for Versailles. The 2-hour visit involves exploring the castle’s stunning architecture, fantastic gardens, and the park.

The castle was the collaborative work of Louis le Vau, Charles Le Brun, and André Le Nôtre, whose talents combined to create this spectacular estate. Its opulence and grandeur are on full display, with interiors and exterior gardens that demonstrate the height of 17th-century design.

Visitors also enjoy strolling through the garden and park, appreciating the meticulous landscape architecture that complements the castle’s majesty.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Schedule and Pacing of the Day

The tour maintains a careful balance between sightseeing and travel. It starts with early pickup in Paris, allowing ample time at both castles without feeling hurried. The overall 10.5 hours includes travel, visits, and lunch, with added flexibility for a relaxed experience.

The return journey to Paris takes about 1.5 hours, giving time to unwind and reflect on the day before being dropped off at one of 12 convenient locations across the city.

The Quality of Guides and Transportation

The driver-guide provides a knowledgeable and friendly presence throughout the day, assisting with entry tickets and audio guides. The audio guides are available in multiple languages including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, Japanese, and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations for all visitors.

Reviews highlight that guides like Andy and Sandra are praised for their informative commentary, personable manner, and expert driving skills, especially through Paris traffic and the countryside.

Cost, Inclusions, and What You Pay For

At $293 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to both castles, and non-queuing tickets to avoid long lines. The price reflects the private nature of the tour, making it ideal for those seeking a personalized experience.

Food, drinks, and tickets to Blandy les Tours are not included, giving you flexibility to choose your own lunch spot. This setup allows for a tailored experience, whether you prefer a quick snack or a sit-down meal.

The Value of a Private Tour Experience

Many reviews emphasize the value of the private format, with spacious vehicles, flexible timing, and personalized attention. Travelers appreciate the expert guides who provide historical insights and helpful tips throughout the day.

The skip-the-line tickets ensure minimal waiting, maximizing your time at each site. The comfort of door-to-door service in a private vehicle makes this day trip more enjoyable, especially for those unfamiliar with navigating public transport or crowded tourist spots.

Notable Highlights and Unique Features

One standout feature of this tour is the visit to Château de Vaux le Vicomte, which inspired Versailles and features remarkable architecture and beautiful gardens. The combination of a royal residence that once hosted kings and a baroque masterpiece provides a well-rounded view of French château design.

The flexible lunch in Fontainebleau allows for a personalized experience, and the guided visits are praised for their thoroughness and engaging narration. The small group format guarantees a more intimate and informative engagement with these historic sites.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture fans, or anyone seeking a luxurious, stress-free day exploring France’s royal estates. It suits travelers who appreciate guided commentary and personalized service.

People who want flexibility in meal choices and skip-the-line access will find this tour particularly valuable. It’s perfect for those who prefer a full day of sightseeing without the worries of transportation or crowds.

Final Thoughts on the Château de Vaux le Vicomte & Fontainebleau Tour

This 10.5-hour private tour offers a comprehensive and comfortable way to explore two of France’s most iconic castles. The all-inclusive price covers entry tickets, hotel pickup, and drop-off, making it convenient and straightforward.

The guides’ expertise, flexible lunch options, and avoidance of queues make this experience stand out. With excellent reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and beautiful sites, it’s a strong choice for those seeking an immersive and hassle-free day in the French countryside.

While it’s on the pricier side, the private nature and full-day coverage deliver good value, especially for travelers wanting a personalized tour with insider insights into these majestic castles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux le Vicomte, and non-queuing tickets.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10.5 hours, including travel, visits, and lunch.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from 12 pickup locations across Paris’s arrondissements, such as the 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, or 16th.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch and beverages are not included, giving flexibility to choose your preferred dining spot in Fontainebleau.

What languages are available for guides and audio guides?
Guides are available in English and French, with audio guides in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, Japanese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While suitable for adults interested in history and architecture, specific age restrictions are not provided; check with the provider for family considerations.

How is transportation arranged?
A private van transports the group between locations, with driver-guides ensuring smooth and comfortable travel.

What makes this tour different from other castle trips?
The private, all-inclusive setup, skip-the-line tickets, and personalized guide service set this tour apart, especially with the inclusion of Vaux le Vicomte, a lesser-known but spectacular castle.

Who would most enjoy this tour?
Those seeking a luxurious, hassle-free day exploring French royal architecture, landscaped gardens, and historic interiors will find this tour particularly rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby