We've decided to spend our entire October trip in Paris this year..except for 3 days in Brugges..and plan on 1 or 2 day trips.

Auvers-sur-Oise is a definite and probably either Chantilly or Vaux-le-Vicomte for the other.

My question is , the directions to Chantilly and Vaux mention either train or RER, then a taxi, how easy is it to get a taxi for the return trip back to the station. Are taxis readily availaable at the chateaux?

Haven't been to Chantilly yet, but did the trip to Vaux. We went on a Sunday and apparently only 1 taxi was in service for Melun! We had to wait for him to deliver one cabfull then come back for us to reach the chateau. I imagine a weekday will be better.
Upon leaving the chateau, we gave his card to the gift shop desk, and they called him back for us. We walked out to the road and stood 'at the ready', and he recognized us and picked us up.
Not really a problem, except for the initial confusion.

Ho jody,

I've been to Chantilly and didn't see any taxis at the train station so walked to the Chateau. It's about a 15 minute walk. If I remember correctly, the TI is right next to the train station and they can probably call a taxi for you.

adrienne

Thanks to you both..

I didn't realize the chateau at Chantilly was so close ! I'd been reading about so many I've confused myself!

jody, do you have a trip schedule done yet? I'd love to see what you plan to see and do.

Jody,

From the station walk toward the town and make a left. You walk a few blocks and then take a right. There should be signs posted.

adrienne

I've gone to all these -- rank Auvers and Chantilly both very high, didn't find Vaux as interesting or worth the time as those two, not even close. It's more complicated travel, also. I really like to walk a lot when I travel, and plan these kind of excursions for nice weather, so I walked to/from Chantilly castle. However, it is at least a mile, maybe a bit more. I had a map and directions from my Day Trips in France book. I imagine a taxi to/from might not be that much trouble, however, as it is such a popular destination. Especially going from the station.

Vaux is out in the country and nothing is around it so you would have to make arrangements to call or be picked up. I think it's possible taxis might wait or be around Chantilly, much more than Vaux, but can't recall for sure.

Thanks again. Christina..I think you've made up my mind for me. I had been leaning towards Chantilly and a mile is just a good warm-up walk for us.

Degas..I'm working on it! So far , we've 3 days in Paris. Our arrival day is also our wedding anniversary..and with jet lag about all we'll do is walk about a bit and cafe sit then dinner ! Day 2 and 3 are sort of loose at the moment because we're meeting up with some friends and we'll probably hang loose for awhile, maybe have Michael Osman for 1 day as he is great fun and I missed him last year.On Thus., going to the saxe-Breteuil market for sure. Then Friday we all leave for Brugges and a week-end of partying with some other frinds fromUK and Belgium. Monday they all go home and DH and I retutn to Paris for 8 days. I've got my restaurant and museum lists put together , now I just have to check if there are any special exhibitions on that we want to see. Then I'll put it all together by arrondisements so we're not dragging butt all over town! I'll be happy to share with you when I get it finished. when we all get back from wherever..we need to plan a CF get-together and share pictures!

Do you have a file on the trips you have been considering? Or where are you getting your information?

I got a very good file from Ron..here on fodor's! and I have losts of websites that I've been using. I'm happy to share what I have with you if you email

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Jody - you didn't say when in October you'll be in Paris but Paris Walks has a half-day trip to Vaux on Oct 11 in the afternoon. I took this trip (and normally I don't take bus trips) and found it to be wonderful. There was much more info than I could absorb. We had a lecture on the bus each way and more lecture at the Chateau. I've taken and enjoyed their walking tours in Paris so decided to do the Vaux trip with them - well worth it. The price is 54E which includes admission fee to the chateau.

They also have an Auvers tour on Oct 19.

adrienne