Private tour of the Great Christmas of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau

This private tour of the Great Christmas of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau offers an enchanting way to experience France’s royal heritage during the holiday season. Priced at $347.58 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, with convenient pickup included. It’s designed for those eager to see two of France’s most iconic castles decorated for Christmas, with a focus on refinement, history, and holiday cheer. While the tour involves a full day of sightseeing, it maintains a relaxed pace perfect for exploring without feeling rushed. This experience is ideal for visitors looking for an immersive journey into French royalty and festive traditions without the hassle of planning.

The tour departs from Paris at 9:00 am from 22 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, with a private driver guiding you through scenic routes and stopping at carefully chosen sites. The inclusion of private transportation makes for a comfortable and personalized experience. Since the tour is booked on average 22 days in advance, it suits those who prefer a well-organized, hassle-free day filled with history, stunning decor, and engaging activities.

Key Points

• Private tour that includes transportation, visits to Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte, and a stop at Château de Blandy-les-Tours.
• Duration of 8 hours 45 minutes with a flexible schedule that includes scenic drives and sightseeing.
• Visit two historic castles, each famous for their unique history and architecture, adorned for Christmas.
• Activities include walking through decorated castles, a treasure hunt for children, and a lively show called “The King is Coming”.
• Stops at local cafes and bakeries in Fontainebleau for a relaxed lunch or snack, but lunch is not included.
• Tour highlights: the Throne of Napoleon at Fontainebleau and the architectural brilliance of Vaux le Vicomte, which inspired Versailles.
• Highly praised guide, with reviewers noting Andy’s knowledge, helpfulness, and courteous manner.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Discovering Fontainebleau’s Royal Heritage

The journey begins with a 1 hour 30-minute transfer from Paris to Fontainebleau, one of France’s most cherished royal residences. The Château de Fontainebleau served as a home for many kings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. During the Christmas season, the castle’s grand rooms and gardens are decorated festively, creating a warm, historic atmosphere. The highlight of this visit is seeing Napoleon Bonaparte’s throne, a striking symbol of France’s imperial past. The castle’s transformation into a French Renaissance palace under François I adds to its visual appeal, blending medieval and Renaissance architecture.

This stop provides a comprehensive look at France’s royal history, with enough time allocated for exploring the decorated interiors. The guide ensures you appreciate the castle’s significance, adding context to the holiday decorations and the royal stories that resonate through its halls.

Dining and Leisure in Fontainebleau

After exploring the castle, the tour offers a one-hour stop in Fontainebleau for lunch or a quick coffee. The town boasts numerous cafes and bakeries offering fresh baked goods and local dishes at reasonable prices. Visitors can choose to relax in a cozy café or grab something on the go before continuing to the next sites. This flexible break helps balance sightseeing with personal preferences, making sure the day remains enjoyable and unrushed.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, the variety of eateries in Fontainebleau ensures you’ll find a spot that suits your tastes and budget, whether you prefer a quick crepe or a leisurely sit-down meal.

Visiting Château de Blandy-les-Tours En Route

On the way to Vaux le Vicomte, the driver makes a 45-minute stop at Château de Blandy-les-Tours. This medieval fortress adds another layer of history to the day, offering an authentic glimpse into France’s feudal past. Though admission is not included for this stop, it provides an opportunity for those interested in medieval architecture and history to stretch their legs and take photos of the castle’s well-preserved towers and walls.

This brief stop balances the more opulent castles with a taste of medieval France, enriching the overall experience.

Exploring Vaux le Vicomte’s Christmas Decorations

The highlight for many is the visit to Château de Vaux le Vicomte, built by King Louis XIV’s finance minister Nicolas Fouquet. The castle’s remarkable architecture and expansive gardens, designed by André le Nôtre, have long inspired the Palace of Versailles. During the Christmas season, Vaux le Vicomte transforms into a lively, festively decorated castle, with twinkling lights and themed displays that evoke the holiday spirit.

Visitors are invited to adorn themselves with a red velvet cape for the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere. The castle hosts activities suitable for all ages, including a treasure hunt for children and a lively show called “The King is Coming”. The 2-hour visit allows ample time to walk through the decorated interiors and gardens, immersing in the ambiance of refinement and French art of living.

This site’s historical significance, combined with its holiday decorations, makes it a memorable part of the tour.

The Festive Atmosphere and Activities at Vaux le Vicomte

The Christmas decorations at Vaux le Vicomte are complemented by themed activities designed to bring the festive spirit alive for everyone. The treasure hunt offers children a playful way to explore the castle, while adults can enjoy the show “The King is Coming”, which adds lively entertainment to the day.

The experience emphasizes refinement and elegance, showcasing French craftsmanship and holiday traditions. The guided walkthrough ensures visitors understand the historical context behind the decorations and activities, creating a deeper appreciation of the castle’s beauty and history.

Return to Paris and Final Remarks

After a full day exploring Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte, the tour concludes with a 1 hour 30-minute drive back to the starting point in Paris. The private transportation ensures comfort and allows for reflection on the day’s sights and experiences.

This tour’s value lies in the seamless combination of history, festive decor, and personalized service. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy royal architecture, Christmas celebrations, and guided storytelling. The high ratings and positive feedback highlight the quality of guides like Andy, who is praised for his knowledge and courteous manner.

While the tour does not include lunch, the flexible stops and rich cultural experiences make it a worthwhile choice for a memorable holiday outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation, visits to Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte, and admission tickets for both castles.

Is there a guide, and what is their role?
Yes, the tour features a guide who provides historical explanations, context for the decorations and activities, and ensures a smooth experience throughout.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What should I bring for the activities?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and if you like, a red velvet cape loaned for the Vaux le Vicomte experience. The activities are suitable for all ages.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are local cafes and bakeries in Fontainebleau to enjoy during the free stop.

How long is the visit at each site?
Fontainebleau is visited for about 2 hours, while Vaux le Vicomte is explored for roughly 2 hours as well.

What makes this tour special during Christmas?
The castles are decorated for the holidays, and activities such as themed shows and treasure hunts create a festive and lively atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially with activities like the treasure hunt and festive shows, making it engaging for families.

What is the overall rating?
The tour holds a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 1 review, highlighting its quality and memorable experience.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by ASR SERVICES, known for creating personalized private tours.

This private tour of the Great Christmas of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau presents a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season immersed in history, stunning decorations, and festive activities, all within a comfortable and personalized setting.