Full Day Guided Tour of Castles of Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte from Paris

A French castle situated in Maincy, close to Melun, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is an exquisite example of baroque architecture. It was constructed in the 17th century by Nicolas Fouquet, the minister of the Sun King, in the unique Louis XIV style. It combines top-notch interior and landscape design with complex architectural concepts. There are magnificent old stones that have been standing here for centuries and beautiful sprawling lawns bordered by thick forests. This castle was so amazing that it later served as the source of inspiration for the construction of the Versailles Palace by King Louis XIV.

The Palace of Fontainebleau is located around 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris. It is one of the most significant royal castles in France. It served as the residence for several French kings over the centuries. Today, it is a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for the Gallery of Francis I and the Oval Courtyard, which is the setting of the famous painting of Napoleon bidding farewell to his Old Guard.

You will reach the Château de Vaux le Vicomte after an hour-long drive from the meeting point in Paris. You can explore the castle, and its vast grounds as your guide tells you more about the history and significance of the structure. Your guided visit to the Château de Vaux le Vicomte will end with a short stroll in the beautiful gardens that surround the castle.

The rest of your afternoon, after lunch, will be spent at the excellent Château de Fontainebleau. This was a favourite retreat for several French kings ranging from Francis I to Napoleon III. Renowned across Europe as a jewel of 16th century Renaissance architecture, the Palace of Fontainebleau is at the centre of over 300 acres of lush gardens. There are many rooms in the castle that you will be able to explore, such as the Guard’s Room, the Ballroom, the Council Chamber, Napoleon’s Apartments, and the Throne Room. After you explore the castle, you can relax for a while in the gardens before getting back on the bus that will take you back to Paris by 6.30 PM.