Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle

What to expect

Nestled in the countryside in the village of Maincy, the Vaux-le-Vicomte estate is an absolutely stunning place. With a history spanning 350 years, the castle and its garden offer a living experience of the 17th century. The result of the visionary and passionate spirit of Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances for Louis XIV, it showcases the work of three of the greatest artists of the Grand Siècle: architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Lebrun, and landscape gardener André Lenôtre. Louis XIV would later assemble the same team to build the Palace of Versailles, thus making Vaux-le-Vicomte the model that would inspire numerous palaces across Europe. Since 1875 and over five generations, the de Vogüé family has made it their duty to restore and preserve the estate, which has been open to the public since 1968. If you can, don't miss the candlelit tours every Saturday evening from May to October when the castle and gardens are illuminated with over 2000 candles.

Visit of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The visit of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte includes Nicolas Fouquet’s private apartments, the state rooms, the basements, the French formal gardens, and the Carriage Museum.
A place of history and elegance where every detail evokes the splendour of the Grand Siècle.

Perfect, here is a clean, up-to-date, smooth and ready-to-publish version (SEO + professional) 👇

🏰 Opening Hours of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte – 2025–2026 Season

🌿 Self-guided Day Visit

The château and its French formal gardens welcome you in an exceptional setting, designed by André Le Nôtre, Louis Le Vau and Charles Le Brun.

📅 Opening period:
From mid-March to early November

🕒 Hours:
Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
👉 Last ticket office access: 5:30 p.m.

⚠️ Please note:
Opening hours may be adjusted depending on private events or exceptional circumstances.

✨ Candlelit Evenings (must-see event)

Enjoy a magical experience as you discover the estate illuminated by thousands of candles. A romantic and timeless atmosphere awaits you.

📅 Period:
From mid-May to late September (exact dates vary each year)

🗓️ Frequency:
Every Saturday

🕒 Hours:
From 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
👉 Last ticket office access: 9:30 p.m.

🎟️ Tip:
Advance booking is strongly recommended, or even mandatory depending on attendance.

🎃 All Saints’ Holiday Break

During the holidays, the château offers an immersive atmosphere with entertainment and special visits.

📅 Period:
Mid-October to early November

🕒 Indicative hours:
Daily opening with extended hours (until 7:00 p.m. depending on the day)

🎭 Good to know:
Some dates include night-time theatrical tours with exceptional evening opening.

⚠️ Opening hours and events may vary each year.

🎄 The Grand Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Step into a fairy-tale setting where the château transforms to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

📅 Period:
From mid-November to early January

🕒 Hours:

• From 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Open Wednesday to Sunday, then every day during school holidays

🎅 Important information:

• Early closing on 24 and 31 December (around 4:00 p.m.)
• Closed on 25 December and 1 January

🎟️ Discounts and Free Admission

• Reduced rate for students and job seekers (upon presentation of proof).
• Free admission for children under 6 years old.

💡 Good to Know

• Strollers are not allowed inside the château for heritage preservation reasons.
  All other areas of the estate remain accessible to them.
• Historic costume rental from age 2: €4 (inside the château only).
• Free audio guides available all day, no booking required.
• Free parking, including for coaches.
• Pets not allowed on site (except guide dogs and assistance dogs).

🚍 Shuttle Services

Shuttle buses connect Melun Railway Station to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte every opening day of the estate from 30 March 2025.

📅 Practical Information

• Booking required for:

  • Candlelit Evenings (from 1 June to 27 September 2025).
  • Grand Christmas (from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026).

Getting to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

	Traveling to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris
TRAIN approximately 1 hour	By TER R: Take the TER R train to Melun station, where you can board the Châteaubus shuttle available every day the château is open.
Car or Coach	Itinerary 1: A4 (towards Troyes, Nancy, Melun) – N104 (towards Melun, Montereau-Fault-Yonne) – A5B – Exit 14 Voisenon Itinerary 2: A6 (towards Metz, Nancy, Melun) – N104 (towards Troyes, Melun, Savigny-le-Temple) – A5 (towards Melun, Montereau-Fault-Yonne) – D82 Itinerary 2 bis: A4 – N6 (towards Troyes, Melun, Savigny-le-Temple) – A5 (towards Melun, Montereau-Fault-Yonne) – Exit 14 Voisenon GPS coordinates of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: enter the town of Maincy then “Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte” or 48.568727000, 2.713580000 Parking: free, including for coaches.

Map

Customers also bought