From Paris: the Great Christmas at Vaux Le Vicomte & Fontainebleau

The Christmas season in France is a magical time, and nowhere is this truer than at the magnificent chateaus of Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau. Just a short journey from Paris, this immersive tour offers a glimpse into the opulent world of French aristocratic life, complete with Baroque-style interiors, expansive gardens, and festive seasonal decor. From admiring the grandeur of these historic sites to indulging in a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Fontainebleau, this enchanting experience promises to transport visitors to a realm of enchantment and elegance – but there’s more to discover beyond the surface.

Key Points

• The 10.5-hour Christmas Chateaux Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the festively decorated Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
• The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off at multiple locations across Paris, ensuring accessibility for travelers.
• Highlights of the tour include discovering the opulent interiors of the chateaux, admiring the stunning Baroque gardens, and enjoying a lunch break in the charming town of Fontainebleau.
• The tour showcases the rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur of the French chateaux, providing insights into the aristocratic life during the holiday season.
• The tour concludes with a 1.5-hour van transfer back to Paris, allowing visitors to reflect on their experiences and further explore the city’s holiday atmosphere.

Overview of the Christmas Chateaux Tour

The Christmas Chateaux Tour offers visitors an immersive experience into the grandeur and opulence of French aristocratic life during the holiday season.

For $245.81 per person, this 10.5-hour excursion takes guests on a journey to explore two of France’s most renowned chateaux – Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte – while showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and affinity for elegant seasonal decor.

With 11 convenient pickup and drop-off locations in Paris, the tour includes transportation, skip-the-line tickets, and audio guides in multiple languages.

Highlights include discovering the art of French living during Christmas, exploring the historic chateaux and gardens, and experiencing the picturesque French countryside.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations in Paris

With 11 convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the city, the Christmas Chateaux Tour offers visitors flexibility and accessibility when embarking on their journey to the renowned French chateaux.

Passengers can be picked up from various points in Paris, including central locations like Gare de Lyon and Pyramides, as well as popular tourist spots like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe.

This wide range of options ensures that travelers, regardless of their starting point in the city, can easily join the tour and be transported to the magnificent Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The hassle-free pickup and drop-off service adds to the seamless experience of exploring the festive French countryside during the Christmas season.

Exploring Chateau De Fontainebleau

After a 1.5-hour van transfer from Paris, visitors arrive at the majestic Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the most important historical monuments in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spanning over 7 centuries, this former French royal residence boasts an impressive blend of architectural styles, from the Renaissance to the Second Empire period, showcasing the evolving tastes and preferences of its illustrious inhabitants.

Guests can explore the opulent apartments of Napoleon I, adorned with lavish furnishings and artwork.

They can also visit the stunning Renaissance-style Italian Gallery, with its intricate frescoes and ornate décor.

The tranquil gardens, featuring lush greenery, manicured hedges, and serene waterways, are another highlight.

Lastly, the iconic horseshoe-shaped staircase, a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, is a must-see.

Lunch in Fontainebleau

Following the visit to Chateau de Fontainebleau, visitors enjoy a 1-hour lunch in the charming town of Fontainebleau, where they can indulge in the local French cuisine and soak up the festive atmosphere.

The town’s historic center, with its quaint shops and cafes, provides the perfect setting for a relaxing midday break. Visitors might opt for a traditional French meal, such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon, accompanied by a glass of Bordeaux wine.

Others may prefer lighter fare, like a fresh salad or crêpe. Regardless of their culinary choice, travelers can take in the enchanting holiday decorations and mingle with the locals, truly seeing the spirit of Christmas in France.

Optional Photo Stop at Blandy Les Tours

On the way between Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the tour van makes a brief 30-minute stop at Blandy les Tours, allowing travelers to capture photographs of this picturesque medieval village set against the backdrop of a historic castle.

Blandy les Tours boasts:

• A well-preserved 13th-century castle with impressive stone walls and towers.
• Charming cobblestone streets lined with traditional French architecture.
• A serene town square surrounded by local shops and cafes.
• Stunning views of the rolling French countryside from the castle ramparts.

This optional photo stop provides a welcome break and the chance to immerse in the authentic atmosphere of a quintessential medieval French village.

Visiting Chateau De Vaux-Le-Vicomte

The magnificent Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, one of the most important French châteaux in history, takes center stage as the tour’s second highlight. Visitors are captivated by its breathtaking Baroque architecture, meticulously designed gardens, and rich historical significance.

Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Constructed in the 17th century
Commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet
Designed by renowned architects
Expansive gardens & fountains
Stunning Baroque-style interiors

The 2-hour visit allows travelers to explore the château’s opulent interiors, stroll through the immaculate gardens, and gain insights into the intriguing history of its former owner, Nicolas Fouquet, whose lavish spending ultimately led to his downfall.

Transfer Back to Paris

After the captivating visit to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the tour group embarks on a 1.5-hour van transfer back to their pickup locations in Paris, concluding the day’s exploration of French architectural and cultural treasures.

The journey offers a chance to:

• Admire the picturesque French countryside as the van winds through quaint villages and rolling hills.
• Reflect on the magnificent chateaux visited and the insights gained into French history and artistry.
• Enjoy conversation with fellow travelers, sharing impressions and memories of the day’s experiences.

Anticipate the return to Paris, with time to further explore the city’s holiday atmosphere and charm.

Highlights of the Tour

During the captivating day trip, visitors can discover the French art of living during the Christmas season at the two most important chateaux in French history – Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Guests will be enchanted by the stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and magnificent gardens of these iconic landmarks.

At Fontainebleau, they’ll explore the opulent palace that was home to French royalty for centuries.

Then, they’ll marvel at the grandeur of Vaux-le-Vicomte, whose stunning Baroque design and enchanting Christmas decorations offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the French nobility.

This immersive experience allows visitors to truly appreciate the rich cultural heritage and festive traditions of these remarkable French chateaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a full charge. Customers can make changes to their booking up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Does the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Dietary Requirements?

The tour does not explicitly mention accommodating vegetarian or dietary requirements. However, it includes a 1-hour lunch in Fontainebleau, so guests with special dietary needs should contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about potential options.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Chateaux?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the chateaux, although some restrictions may apply in certain areas. Photography is permitted for personal use, but commercial use may require prior authorization.

Is the Tour Available on All Days During the Christmas Period?

The tour is available on all days during the Christmas period, allowing visitors to discover the French art of living at the chateaux without long queues. The tour includes hotel pickup and entry tickets to both chateaux.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, as the tour description mentions it’s a 10.5-hour trip. Customers may be able to request an extended tour, subject to availability and additional fees. The standard itinerary can likely be customized to meet specific needs.

Recap

This Christmas tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the grandeur of French aristocratic life.

Travelers will discover the opulent Chateaux de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, admiring their Baroque-style interiors and expansive gardens adorned with festive decor.

The convenient transportation and skip-the-line access ensure a seamless and memorable journey through the enchanting French countryside, providing a glimpse into the lavish celebrations of the holiday season.