From Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte & Fontainebleau Full-Day Tour with Optional Guide

Set out on a day-long journey, retreating from the hustle and bustle of Paris with round-trip AC transfers to explore the grandeur of 2 architectural masterpieces: the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Castle of Fontainebleau.

Journey through time

Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century marvel, was commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet and inspired the construction of the iconic Versailles. Explore its stately rooms and cap your experience with a breathtaking view from its dome. Dive into its intriguing past with an optional audio guide or a riveting 3D surround-sound experience on 'The Fouquet Affair'. Add a dash of fun to your visit with costume rentals for children, allowing them to step into the shoes of the castle's past inhabitants. Experience the tranquility of Vaux-le-Vicomte's meticulously designed French gardens, offering a serene escape amidst symmetrical layouts, fountains, and greenery, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenation.

Royal retreat

Post-lunch, continue your historical journey at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Castle of Fontainebleau. With over 7 centuries of continuous royal habitation, each room tells a story of French art, history, and architecture. As you explore the castle’s vast private apartments with a multilingual audio guide, don't miss the throne of Napoleon I and the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase. Finally, unwind in the castle's vast park surrounded by 3 picturesque gardens, a true testament to France's famed landscape design. For an enhanced experience, upgrade your tickets to change your trip into a guided tour with a professional guide.

From Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte & Fontainebleau Full-Day Tour with Optional Guide

Embark on a journey that sweeps you into the opulent past, visiting Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte during your day's highlight segment where history and grandeur coalesce in a mesmerizing dance. This tour is crafted for explorers of architectural marvels, devotees of French heritage, and seekers of timeless beauty, providing an immersive experience with its audio guides that transport you through the ages. With Vaux-le-Vicomte serving as a precursor to Versailles, your day promises to be nothing short of enchanting, weaving tales of opulence and intrigue around every corner. This full-day excursion offers more than just historical insight; it is a voyage into the heart of France's artistic and cultural soul.

Discover Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte’s Versailles-Preceding Grandeur

Access Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, included in the tour package enabling you to delve deep into the opulent history that inspired the construction of the Palace of Versailles. This architectural masterpiece, with its intricate frescoes and lavish gardens, offers a glimpse into the life of Louis XIV's minister Nicolas Fouquet, who commissioned it as his personal retreat. Visitors are captivated by the castle dome from which panoramic views of the sprawling estate unfold, while audio guides provide an immersive experience detailing every nook and cranny. The château’s grand staircase, replete with exquisite carvings, leads to opulent rooms adorned in gold leaf and tapestries that whisper tales of past elegance. Vaux-le-Vicomte stands as a testament to 17th-century craftsmanship, where visitors can immerse themselves in the luxurious ambiance crafted by Fouquet.

Explore Fontainebleau Castle's Napoleon Legacy

Experience Fontainebleau Castle as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring the grandeur and historical significance that marked France’s imperial past. This tour includes access to this iconic castle, where visitors can marvel at the imposing Horseshoe Staircase, a site of great historical importance for its connection to Napoleon Bonaparte's farewell to his Old Guard in 1814. The castle’s Gallery of Francis I is an architectural wonder, adorned with intricate Renaissance frescoes that tell tales of artistic and cultural heritage. This tour offers not only the chance to walk through rooms where history was made but also a deeper understanding of the intricate political and social dynamics of France's imperial era.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Vaux-le-Vicomte observation deck highest viewpoint
• Experience Fontainebleau Castle’s Horseshoe Staircase historically significant site
• Explore Vaux-le-Vicomte gardens meticulously landscaped expansive beauty
• Discover Fontainebleau Castle Gallery of Francis I renaissance frescoes impressive artistry
• Include round-trip transfers convenient seamless travel experience
• Choose optional professional guide offering unique insights comprehensive understanding

Inspired for explorers of French heritage, captivated by the grandeur of châteaux and seekers of historical depth, this full-day exploration weaves stories of opulent estates and imperial legacies into a tapestry that feels like stepping back in time. Join us to uncover the secrets behind France’s most captivating landmarks, crafting memories that linger like a painting on the walls of Vaux-le-Vicomte or a fresco in Fontainebleau's Gallery of Francis I.