Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
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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 to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The visit to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte includes Nicolas Fouquet’s private apartments, the state rooms, the cellars, the French formal gardens, and the Carriage Museum.
A place of history and elegance where every detail evokes the splendor of the Grand Siècle.
Opening Hours of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte – 2025 Season
🏰 Daytime Visit
From March 16 to October 25, 2025:
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last ticket sale at 5:30 p.m.)
Early closure on October 25, 2025, due to a private event:
- Last access to the château: 2:15 p.m.
- Ticket office closes: 4:30 p.m.
- Gardens close: 6:00 p.m.
✨ Candlelight Evenings
From June 1 to September 27, 2025
Every Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last ticket sale).
Discover the estate illuminated by thousands of candles for a unique, romantic, and magical experience.
🎃 All Saints’ Day Holidays
From October 18 to November 3, 2025
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sale at 5:30 p.m.)
On October 18, 31 and November 1, enjoy the theatrical visit “Family Secrets”, with exceptional opening hours from 11:00 a.m. to midnight and last entry at 9:30 p.m.
The Grand Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte
From November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Online booking required.
- From November 15 to December 21, 2025: open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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From December 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026: open daily, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
(except December 24 and 31, early closing at 4:00 p.m.) - Closed on December 25 and January 1
🎟️ Discounts and Free Admission
- Reduced rate for students and job seekers (with valid proof).
- Free entry for children under 6 years old.
💡 Good to Know
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Strollers are not allowed inside the château for heritage preservation reasons.
All other areas of the estate remain accessible. - Period costume rental available from age 2: €4 (inside the château only).
- Free audioguides available all day, no booking required.
- Free parking, including for coaches.
- No pets allowed on site (except guide dogs and assistance dogs).
🚍 Shuttle Service
Shuttles connect Melun train station to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte every open day of the estate starting March 30, 2025.
📅 Practical Information
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Booking required for:
- Candlelight Evenings (June 1 to September 27, 2025)
- The Grand Christmas (November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026)
Getting to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
| Traveling to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris | |
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| TRAIN approximately 1 hour |
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| Car or Coach |
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
77950 Maincy
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