From Paris: Chateau De Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Tour

Exploring the grand châteaux of France’s past can be a captivating experience for history enthusiasts. This guided tour from Paris offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural wonders of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Château de Fontainebleau. Guests will marvel at the lavish interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens of the 17th-century Vaux-le-Vicomte, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau, a stunning royal residence that has hosted countless French monarchs. With skip-the-line access and an informative guide, participants can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of these iconic French landmarks. The journey promises to transport visitors back in time, leaving them with a newfound fascination for the country’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• This small-group tour from Paris takes visitors to explore the stunning Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Chateau de Fontainebleau, two iconic French landmarks.
• The tour includes skip-the-line access to both chateaus, ensuring a seamless experience and maximizing time spent at each site.
• Guests enjoy guided tours of the lavish 17th-century Vaux-le-Vicomte chateau and its expansive gardens, as well as the Fontainebleau palace, including the throne room.
• A lunch break at a local cafe provides an opportunity to savor regional cuisine and recharge before continuing the tour.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Paris, as well as the services of an English-speaking guide, making it a convenient and informative way to discover these historic French châteaux.

Overview of the Tour

In an article titled ‘From Paris: Chateau De Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Tour’

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore two historically significant chateaus in the French countryside – Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Chateau de Fontainebleau.

Lasting 10 hours, the small-group tour is limited to 8 participants and provides skip-the-line access to both landmarks.

The day begins with a 50-minute van ride from Paris to Vaux-le-Vicomte, where guests will spend 2.25 hours touring the ornate 17th-century chateau and its 99-acre gardens.

After a 35-minute drive, the group will enjoy a 1-hour lunch break before visiting Chateau de Fontainebleau for a 2-hour tour, including seeing Napoleon’s throne.

The tour concludes with a 50-minute return trip to Paris.

Depart From La Flamme

The tour begins at La Flamme, a cafe located at 6 Avenue de Wagram in Paris, where participants gather 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Once everyone has arrived, the group boards a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus for the 50-minute drive to the first destination, Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The guide provides helpful commentary during the journey, sharing insights about the history and significance of the chateaus the group will be visiting.

The drive through the French countryside allows participants to catch a glimpse of the picturesque landscapes that surround these magnificent architectural gems.

Arriving at Vaux-le-Vicomte, the group is ready to begin the first stop of the day’s itinerary.

Explore Chateau De Vaux-Le-Vicomte

Upon arrival at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the guide leads the group through the ornate 17th-century palace, highlighting its impressive Baroque architecture and lavish interiors that once captivated French nobility.

The group wanders through the grand entrance hall, marveling at the intricate gilded carvings and colossal chandeliers. They then explore the opulent State Apartments, where they learn about the chateau’s history as the inspiration for the design of Versailles.

The tour continues through the immaculately manicured 99-acre gardens, featuring symmetrical flower beds, sculpted hedges, and fountains. Visitors are awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of this architectural masterpiece, gaining insight into the lavish lives of France’s elite during the 17th century.

Travel to Fontainebleau

After thoroughly exploring the grandeur of Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the group departs for the nearby town of Fontainebleau, embarking on a 35-minute van ride through the picturesque French countryside. Along the way, they’re treated to stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages.

Distance	Time	Scenery
35 miles	35 minutes	Countryside, forests, villages

The transition from the opulent Vaux-le-Vicomte to the historic Fontainebleau is seamless, as the group eagerly anticipates discovering the next chapter in their chateaux adventure.

Lunch at Local Cafe

With their exploration of Vaux-le-Vicomte complete, the group heads to a nearby local cafe for a relaxing lunch, eager to refuel before continuing their journey to Chateau de Fontainebleau. The cafe, tucked away in a charming village, offers a tranquil respite from the morning’s adventures.

As they settle in, the group is treated to a selection of regional specialties, including:

• Freshly baked baguettes with creamy Brie and tangy cornichons
• A hearty cassoulet, bursting with tender white beans and succulent sausage
• A vibrant salad of mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs
• A decadent tarte aux pommes, the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, caramelized apples

Energized and satisfied, the group prepares to continue their exploration of the French countryside.

Discover Chateau De Fontainebleau

The group now turns its attention to the impressive Chateau de Fontainebleau, a royal residence that has hosted three dynasties of French monarchs over the centuries.

This vast palace, nestled amidst the scenic forests of the Fontainebleau region, boasts a rich history and stunning architecture that captivates visitors.

Led by their knowledgeable guide, the group explores the chateau’s opulent interiors, including the throne room where Napoleon once sat.

They marvel at the exquisite Renaissance-style decor and the magnificent gardens that surround the palace.

The guide shares fascinating anecdotes about the influential figures who’ve walked these halls, painting a vivid picture of Fontainebleau’s storied past.

As the tour progresses, the group gains a deeper appreciation for this remarkable French landmark and its enduring legacy.

Return to Paris

Returning to Paris caps off the day’s tour, as the group boards the air-conditioned minibus for the 50-minute drive back to the starting point at La Flamme cafe.

Along the way, they reflect on the memorable experiences of exploring the grand Chateaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, marveling at the opulent architecture and rich histories of these French landmarks.

The tour has offered a unique opportunity to:

• Immerse in the grandeur and elegance of French royal history
• Appreciate the skilled craftsmanship and artistic vision behind these architectural marvels
• Gain deeper insights into the significant roles these chateaus played in shaping France’s past
• Feel a sense of connection to the cultural heritage preserved in these historical sites

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience, such as admission fees to both Chateaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, as well as transportation via an air-conditioned minibus.

Plus, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day, and audio guides are provided at each chateau to offer deeper insights.

However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of any food or drinks, nor gratuities for the guide. Guests are responsible for their own meals during the lunch break, and tipping the guide at the end of the tour is optional but appreciated.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and informative exploration of these two magnificent French châteaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Are the Small Group Tours?

The small group tours are limited to 8 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, ensuring each guest receives attentive service and has the opportunity to engage directly with the guide.

Are There Any Opportunities for Photography During the Tour?

Yes, there are ample opportunities for photography during the tour. Visitors can capture the ornate architecture and expansive gardens of both Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and Château de Fontainebleau, providing scenic backdrops for memorable photos throughout the day.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring historic chateaus and their expansive gardens. There are no formal attire requirements for this tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences, though the base itinerary and inclusions remain fixed. Guests may request modifications, such as longer/shorter visits or alternative lunch options, which the tour operator will try to accommodate based on availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s always a good idea to inquire about any available promotional offers or package deals when booking the tour to potentially save on the overall cost.

Recap

This small-group tour from Paris provides a unique opportunity to explore two of France’s most stunning 17th-century châteaux.

Guests will marvel at the lavish interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, before discovering the royal Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has hosted numerous French monarchs.

With skip-the-line access and an informative guide, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the architectural and historical significance of these iconic French landmarks.