Thinking about visiting Vaux-le-Vicompte.

Have any of you fine folk visited?

How hard is it to get there from Paris?

Any information would be helpful.

Cheers,
Thin

It's not so easy to go via public transports but check web site and I believe you can take a train to Melun and shuttle bus or bus from there. No direct train service.

About 10 years ago we took a day tour (husband had back problem) that went to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicompte. After Fontainebleau the other's interiors seemed rather plain to me. (Fouguet had more refined taste than I.) The gardens are a highlight.

Meant to add that about bus tours - not long ago several said that they took tours like Gwendolynn did and they were really reasonably priced and included both of those - positive reviews given.

You take a train to Melun. If you are fortunate you could take a taxi from there to Vaux; it is too far to walk. It used to be that the place was illuminated on certain nights and you could tour but not sure if that is still a possibility.

Yes, I understand how to get there taking the Provins train from Gare l'Est to Verneuil l'Etang, then the Ch teaubus to the estate. I get that.

Is it worth it, though?

Thin

The misspelling is appropriate given that Fouquet was the Intendant des Finances, but the normal spelling is Vaux-le-vicomte, without a "p". Versailles is more impressive but Vaux-le0vicomte was the predecessor.

We've been a couple of times. Obviously, we thought it worth it to return. One visit was in December and the decorations and lights were beautiful. They had a ferris wheel set up inside.

Both visits were much less crowded than Versailles, a real bonus.

It's been quite a few years since I visited it, and I've never been in winter, but my impression has always been that it would best be seen in mild weather, both for the gardens and for the evening illuminations. If I am recalling correctly that you have a bit less than a week in December to visit, it might not be the best choice.

Just read Judy's response. I didn't know about decorations in winter. That does sound nice.

I loved vaux le Vicomte (no 'p') - it is rumoured it was too beautiful for the king of France (XIV) and Fouchet was arrested soon after he completed the castle because Louis XIV was jealous.
Anyway, beautriful and easy to see.


'The misspelling is appropriate given that Fouquet was the Intendant des Finances '

Very good !

I very much enjoyed my visit a few years ago, using the train + taxi travel option. Pictures and commentary here: https://goo.gl/photos/vfB3qve6MNuctD4t5

Gorgeous, SemiMike!

Here is our day at Chateau Vaux le Vicomte and Chateau de Fontainebleau (lots of photos). Easy day trip from Paris and well worth it. Picture below from Vaux le Vicomte (view from chateau out to the back gardens)

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/cha...x-marveilleux/

Thank you for the photos. Great!

Maybe we will book a tour, too.

Thin

Loved being there in early Spring, low crowds and great gardens. We rented a car at CDG, stopped at Fontainebleau the first night then stopped at Vaux. Fabulous day in my opinion.

I went to Vaux for the first time early December two years ago for the Christmas lighting. It was a mild day and strolling the gardens was glorious. I then toured the chateau but it was so dark for the Christmas displays and SO crowded with visitors, it was not enjoyable at all. I was left with the impression it was jaded and not impressive compared to others I've visited. I did stay into the evening for the exterior Christmas lights and it was spectacular! I plan to go back again this December just for the exterior lighting. Yes, it is not easy utilizing public transportation but doable. The chateau which is a absolute must IMHO is Fountainebleau. I simply love that chateau. I would highly encourage you to visit Fountainebleau.

Hey, Thin, if you want to do something special that hardly anyone does, take the RER to Chatou, walk over the bridge and down the steps to the Ile des Impressionistes and have lunch at La Maison Fournaise: Musée Fournaise - Ville de Chatou

Guaranteed to be a highlight of a visit to Paris.