Private Tour: Châteaux of Vaux Le Vicomte & Fontainebleau

Exploring the grandeur of French aristocratic estates can be a captivating journey through the country’s rich history. This private tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the architectural and cultural splendor of two iconic châteaux – Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau. From lavish interiors to serene gardens, each landmark tells a unique story that transports guests back in time. With flexible booking options and personalized experiences, this tour provides a seamless way to discover the charming French countryside. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this enchanting adventure?

Key Points

• This private tour offers visits to two famous French castles, Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris.
• The tour includes skip-the-line tickets for both castles, allowing customers to explore the lavish interiors and serene gardens without waiting in long queues.
• Customers can discover the unique features and rich history of each château, including Fontainebleau’s role as a favored royal residence and Vaux-le-Vicomte’s distinctive architecture.
• The tour also includes a lunch stop in Fontainebleau and an optional break at Blandy-les-Tours, providing a chance to immerse in the French countryside.
• The tour duration of 10.5 hours allows ample time to fully experience the castles and the surrounding natural beauty, with the option to reserve and pay later.

Tour Details

The tour lasts 10.5 hours and allows customers to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickups and drop-offs are available at 11 locations across Paris, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

The itinerary includes a 2-hour visit to Château de Fontainebleau, a 1-hour lunch in Fontainebleau, a 2-hour visit to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, and an optional 15-minute break at Blandy-les-Tours.

Highlights include visiting two famous French castles and their gardens, exploring the French countryside, and discovering the unique features of each castle.

The tour includes non-queuing entry tickets to both châteaux as well as hotel transportation within Paris.

Pickup and Drop-off

Conveniently, the tour offers pickup and drop-off services at 11 locations across Paris, including guests’ hotel accommodations.

This ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure. Whether you’re staying in the heart of the city or on the outskirts, the tour will provide transportation to and from the châteaux.

The pickup locations are situated in popular neighborhoods, making it easy for participants to join the tour. At the end of the day, the group will be returned to their original departure points, simplifying the journey home.

With this comprehensive service, travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights without worrying about navigating the Parisian streets.

Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary features a captivating exploration of two renowned French châteaux, Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, along with a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Fontainebleau and an optional stop at Blandy-les-Tours.

Guests will have the chance to spend two hours at each castle, seeing the unique architectural features and breathtaking gardens. During the lunch break, participants can savor the local cuisine and soak in the picturesque surroundings.

The optional stop at Blandy-les-Tours provides a chance to stretch one’s legs and enjoy a 15-minute respite before continuing the journey.

• Château de Fontainebleau (2-hour visit)
• Lunch in Fontainebleau (1 hour)
• Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (2-hour visit)
• Break at Blandy-les-Tours (15 minutes, optional)
• Discover the distinctive qualities of each château

Highlights

Although the tour features visits to two renowned French châteaux, it also allows guests to explore the captivating French countryside between the sites, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.

The highlights of the tour include visiting the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, which boasts stunning Renaissance architecture and elaborate gardens, and the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century masterpiece known for its harmonious design and picturesque setting.

Along the way, guests have the option to take a brief break at the charming village of Blandy-les-Tours. Through this carefully curated itinerary, travelers can enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the French countryside while discovering the unique features of these iconic castles.

Inclusions

The tour includes entry tickets to both the Château de Fontainebleau and the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, allowing guests to explore these iconic castles without the hassle of purchasing tickets separately.

Plus, the tour provides non-queuing tickets, enabling visitors to skip the lines and maximize their time at each site.

Rounding out the inclusions are hotel pickup and drop-off services within Paris, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.

The tour also includes:

• Entry tickets to Château de Fontainebleau
• Entry tickets to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Non-queuing tickets for both castles
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Paris
• Explore the French countryside and discover the unique features of each castle

Château De Fontainebleau

Situated just 55 kilometers from the heart of Paris, Château de Fontainebleau stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural prowess of France’s royal heritage.

This sprawling palace, originally a hunting lodge, was gradually expanded and embellished over the centuries, becoming a favored residence of French monarchs from the 12th to the 19th century.

Visitors can marvel at the château’s lavish interiors, including the ornate Ballroom, the opulent Louis XV Apartment, and the serene gardens that once played host to royal hunts and promenades.

Strolling through the château’s corridors, one can almost feel the weight of history that permeates its walls, a true embodiment of France’s rich cultural legacy.

Lunch in Fontainebleau

After exploring the grandeur of Château de Fontainebleau, the tour now takes visitors to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Fontainebleau. Nestled in the heart of the French countryside, this historic town offers a delightful selection of local eateries, where guests can savor the flavors of traditional French cuisine and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

From cozy bistros to elegant restaurants, the options for dining in Fontainebleau are plentiful:

• Savory crêpes and tarts
• Hearty stews and roasted meats
• Freshly baked breads and pastries
• Seasonal produce and local cheeses
• Rich, aromatic wines from the region

This one-hour lunch break provides a perfect opportunity to refuel and rejuvenate before continuing the exploration of the grand Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte

Next, the tour takes visitors to the grand Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a stunning example of 17th-century French Baroque architecture.

Constructed between 1656 and 1661, this majestic château was commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances under King Louis XIV.

Featuring an impressive symmetrical design, the château is renowned for its ornate interiors, lavish gardens, and intricate network of canals and fountains.

Visitors can explore the château’s opulent rooms, admire the breathtaking formal gardens, and learn about the fascinating history of this architectural masterpiece.

The château’s grandeur and attention to detail provide a glimpse into the luxurious living of the French nobility during the Baroque era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Transportation Are Used During the Tour?

During the tour, visitors are transported in comfortable coaches with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The transportation allows them to explore the French countryside and travel between the two famous châteaux on the itinerary.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the tour. The tour is family-friendly and welcomes visitors of all ages. Admission is provided for children, and the itinerary includes activities suitable for both adults and kids.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent. Certain stops, such as the two château visits, are fixed, but the duration at each location and optional breaks can be adjusted to suit the traveler’s preferences.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price covers the entry tickets, non-queuing access, and hotel pickup/drop-off. There are no additional costs beyond the tour price. Customers won’t have to pay any extra fees during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Châteaux?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the châteaux, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and respectfully. Casual attire is generally acceptable, though visitors may want to avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.

Recap

This private tour offers an immersive exploration of two of France’s iconic châteaux, Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.

With guided visits, a leisurely lunch, and seamless logistics, it provides a memorable experience of the French countryside’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

The tour’s flexible booking and cancellation policies ensure a convenient and enjoyable outing for participants.