Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
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Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle - by David Mark from Pixabay
Description
The château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was built in the mid-XVII century for Louis Fouquet, in charge of the government budget under the King Louis XIV. It is considered one of the masterpieces of classic architecture and was used as a model for the Château de Versailles - in fact the same team was used: Le Brun (paintings), Le Notre (gardens), Le Vau (architect) and Villedo (builder). The estate consists of the main chateau with 4 pavilions (2 on either side) and gardens in the traditional French style that are up to 1500m in length and 200-250 wide. On Saturday evening, from May to early October, "candlelit evenings" are held and from mid-Nov to end of December special lighting is deployed.
Access & Transport
The estate is located in Mancy, close to Melun, 50km to the southeast of Paris. By car, take the A4 or A6 motorway, then follow signs to Troyes via the motorway A5. The nearest motorway exit to the Château is Exit No.15 signposted to Saint Germain Laxis. By train from downtown Paris, take the RER D or the R Line from Gare de Lyon until Melun and then catch a taxi/private transport for the last 8kms. The Paris CityVision bus operator also proposes shuttles leaving from near Le Louvre in the 1st Arr. (2 rue des Pyramides) Accessibility info: https://vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/access-for-disabled-persons/
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with a walk and discovery of the Fontainebleau Forest and / or the village of Barbizon. The château de Fontainebleau is also nearby but that is a little bit too much of glorious estates in one single day in our book.
Environmental & Social
We have no data on the energy consumption required to operate the palace, but the gardens are environmentally friendly. The activity has a positive social impact, not only does it preserve the country's cultural and architectural heritage, but it employs directly between 50 and 100 people.
Conclusion
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is with Fontainebleau and Versailles the most impressive example of its kind in the Ile de France Region. The latter is more spectacular but also more expensive and crowded so this is a close second in our opinion and it is also much more manageable in scale. We have not noted any significant flaws so, if you have the time and don't mind the logistics, it is a worthy day trip from Paris which can be combined with other sights in that area.
Key positive
Beautiful gardens
Doesn't feel too crowded
Special events in winter and on Saturdays in spring and summer
Key negative
A little expensive for children / families
Suitability
Only partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: no lift to floors in the chateau and no asphalted path in the gardens.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:4h
Start of Season 1:Mar, 16
MONDAY10:00 - 19:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 19:30
THURSDAY10:00 - 19:30
FRIDAY10:00 - 19:30
SATURDAY11:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY11:00 - 19:30
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY -
SUNDAY -