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Offered in: English and 10 more
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Overview
Take a day trip from Paris to Fontainebleau to visit two castles once home to members of France’s extravagant aristocracy. First, explore Château Vaux le Vicomte, said to have inspired the Palace of Versailles. Then head to Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose history dates back to the 12th century. You have free time at each castle to look around on your own via provided audio guides, checking out the ornate architecture and opulent gardens, or upgrade for a guided tour.
- Visit two French castles in one day on a full-day trip from Paris
- Discover the opulence of Vaux le Vicomte Castle, admiring the extravagant interiors that put its creator in prison
- Hear tales of French royalty from an audio guide while exploring Château Fontainebleau—a UNESCO-listed site
- Transport from Paris by luxury, air-conditioned coach
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Your day trip starts as you depart Paris on board a luxury coach for the drive southeast to Château Vaux le Vicomte, a baroque castle that is said to have been the inspiration for France’s most famous royal residence, the Palace of Versailles.
When you arrive, you are free to explore independently using your provided audio guide or, follow your guide, if you've upgraded. See elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this massive home, Nicholas Fouquet, who was King Louis XIV’s minister of finance. After Fouquet commissioned Vaux le Vicomte to be designed by a top architect, the king felt upstaged and threw the minister in jail. When you’re finished inside, walk outside to discover the castle’s 99 acres (40 hectares) of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch from the onsite café (own expense) before returning to the coach.
Then make your way south to Château de Fontainebleau, the only royal castle in France to be continuously inhabited for more than 700 years. With its Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, 15th-century furniture, and detailed wood carvings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great alternative to visiting Versailles. Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here.
Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to wander the grounds before hopping back on your coach for the return drive to Paris, where your day trip ends.
When you arrive, you are free to explore independently using your provided audio guide or, follow your guide, if you've upgraded. See elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this massive home, Nicholas Fouquet, who was King Louis XIV’s minister of finance. After Fouquet commissioned Vaux le Vicomte to be designed by a top architect, the king felt upstaged and threw the minister in jail. When you’re finished inside, walk outside to discover the castle’s 99 acres (40 hectares) of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch from the onsite café (own expense) before returning to the coach.
Then make your way south to Château de Fontainebleau, the only royal castle in France to be continuously inhabited for more than 700 years. With its Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, 15th-century furniture, and detailed wood carvings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great alternative to visiting Versailles. Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here.
Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to wander the grounds before hopping back on your coach for the return drive to Paris, where your day trip ends.
Itinerary
Its star attraction is the Vaux le Vicomte Castle – the impressive Baroque chateau that allegedly inspired the Palace of Versailles – so hop off your coach and head inside for your audio-guided tour.When you arrive, you are free to explore independently using your provided audio guide. See elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars, and learn about the man behind this massive home, Nicholas Fouquet, who was King Louis XIV’s minister of finance. After Fouquet commissioned Vaux le Vicomte to be designed by a top architect, the king felt upstaged and threw the minister in jail. When you’re finished inside, walk outside to discover the castle’s 99 acres (40 hectares) of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds and sprawling lawns. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch from the onsite café (own expense) before returning to the coach.
Duration: 2 hours
Admission Ticket Included
With its Renaissance architecture, ceiling frescos, 15th-century furniture and detailed wood carvings, this World Heritage site is a great alternative to visiting Versailles. Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here.
Château Fontainebleau. The only royal castle to be continuously inhabited for over seven centuries, Fontainebleau is one of the country’s more exceptional palaces – deservedly taking a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list
Tour the building independently via the audio guide, listening to tales about the French royalty who once lived here. Château de Fontainebleau is also home to extensive gardens and lakes, so take time to wander the grounds
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
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Product code: 2050FVN
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