We are planning on visiting Chantilly, Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte by train. It looks as though Fontainebleau and Vicomte are fairly close, so the question begs: will we be shortchanging ourselves by trying to visit both in a single day? I know this subjective and hate to ak this We both really love arcitecture and felt one day wasn't enough for Versaille nor several of the Loire Valley Chataeux, so my inclination is that it is a bad idea however, with as bad as the $ is it may be more economical. If anyone has any input I would greatly appreciate it. Also if you have any suggestions on other not so well known chateaux to visit as daytrips, fire away. I noticed on the intermusee card some chateaux I am not familiar with nor is there alot of info. in my guides. Thanks, DT

Yes...you can visit Fountainebleau in the AM and Vaux on the way back. I'm sending you my daytrip file.

I just visited Vaux last week and wished I'd spent my day another way. I just didn't find it a good use of my time nor that interesting. I've enjoyed every other chateau I've seen -- loved both Chantilly and Fontainebleau. If it were me, I'd much prefer seeing a couple chateaux in the Loire Valley than Vaux le Vicomte.

However, I suppose you can do it but it won't be easy as there isn't good public transportation to it. I know there is to Fontainebleau, but not to Vaux, and I don't even know how you'd get there from the train station, but I guess if you pay for a taxi you can do it (but I think that makes it quite expensive).

However, if Ron did it, I guess you can, and I know this is personal, but I just didn't find it a good use of my personal time. Mainly because there were no gardens and I really enjoy that part of visiting chateaux. The chateau itself was fine and somewhat more interesting because it included kitchens where others don't, but the gardens consisted only of lawns and clipped hedges, no flowers.

Christina, you must be confusing Vaux le Vicomte with another castle!

Its gardens, designed by Le Nôtre are a masterpiece and the main reason why Louis XIV had him plan those at Versailles.

Here's are 2 links with explanations and pictures (which don't do the gardens justice IMO):
http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/eng/vv_histoire.htm

http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/eng/vv_image.htm

The castle exterior is also magnificent IMO. The interior is nothing special however, as it was never finished.

Hope this helps,
Andre

I did Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte last year, free lance.
The trip to Fontainebleau was simple.
We took the train from Gare de Lyon and got off at Faintanebleau Avon station.
A city transit bus was waiting, and we were taken to the chateau gates.
The chateau is on the edge of the main area of the town, which makes finding a place to have lunch is quite easy.

The bus took us back to the train station with no problems. It is easy to do because the bus runs about every 20 minutes.

In Melun, we had to take a taxi to Vaux.
The ride out and back cost us about $40. It would be $50 this year because of the sagging dollar.

The problem we ran into coming back was bizarre.
First it was night. Secondly, we could not buy a Melun to Gare de Lyon ticket in Fontainebleau. Third, when we got back to the train station in Melun, there was no one around to sell tickets. Fourth, none of our credit or check cards would work in the ticket vending machines, even though the machines had MC and Visa logos plastered all over them. Fifth, the vending machines would NOT take Euro bills; they accepted coins only.
Sixth, the train I had listed on my schedule was not listed on the arrival departure board at the station.

I ended up going outside to hunt for change. Thank heavens I found the taxi driver still waiting at the station for his next call. I had fortunately tipped him well, so he made change for me.

Then we were able to buy our tickets from the vending gadget.

I never did find out why I could not by my ticket from Melun to Paris in Fontainebleau. Probably I should have bought one in Fontainebleau to Paris!!
I will next time, if there is a next time!!

Just re-read Christina's post and see what she means now - well, different strokes for different folks I guess.

I still find that especially for architecture lovers (I'm one too), Vaux is an absolute highlight.

Hope this helps,
Andre

One last snippet: I would recommend renting a car at Orly or near the Gare Montparnasse for the day if you want to combine Fontainebleau and Vaux (quite doable if you get an early start).

Vaux seems difficult to reach by public transportation, but it's quite an easy drive, with ample (and free) parking.

Hope this helps,
Andre

We have always been able to buy round trip tickets for our train trips. But I agree the whole process can really be confusing. I never have tried the ticket machines.

Thanks for all the input everyone. We have decided to rent a car as it is only $45 for the day + gas, so it will be a huge savings over train and cab fare for 2. We are going to go on Saturday and stay for the candle-light music that evening.