Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte Tours and Tickets

The Châteaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of France’s largest and grandest castles. Dating to the 17th century, it was built for Nicholas Fouquet, a statesman under King Louis XIV. It is considered an architectural masterpiece, designed by architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and landscape architect André Le Nôtre.

Although many assume the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the châteaux of the Loire, it is actually just 33 miles (53 kilometers) south of Paris. To get there by public transit, take the RER D to Melun; from there, it’s a quick taxi trip (or trip via the palace shuttle).

What isn’t an attraction at the pristine Châteaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte? Its exterior architecture is so grand it supposedly inspired the design of Versailles, while its lavishly decorated interior—including rooms like the King’s Bedroom and Fouquet’s Bedroom—is well worth discovering. Its sprawling, formal gardens are essential for any visit.

No, the château does not offer any guided tours, although all visitors receive free access to an audio guide, which they can use to conduct a self-led tour of the landmark. However, several outside tours are available, including those that visit Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Château de Fontainebleau in one day.

Yes, you can book a separate visit to the gardens at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The château offers combined packages for visiting its interior and gardens and more affordable garden tickets. As the formal gardens sprawl across 100 acres (33 hectares), you could easily spend hours discovering them alone.

Yes, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is family-friendly, and children have separate activities. One of the most popular is a costume rental service; for a small fee, kids can rent princess or musketeer outfits to wear. Other activities, including picnic packages in the gardens, are also ideal for visiting families.