Just a few kilometers southeast of Paris is one of the most beautifully preserved chateaus, the Vaux le Vicomte Palace. Built in the 17th century, the palace has a distinct baroque style that was highly influential in Europe at the time.

With many areas to explore and regular events and exhibitions on the agenda, a day trip to Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris is ideal for visitors wishing to learn more about French history and culture.

Here is your guide to Vaux le Vicomte Palace, one of the most beautiful day trips from Paris.

What is the best way to travel to Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris?

The Vaux le Vicomte Palace is located in Maincy, which is about 55 kilometers southeast from Paris. It is easily accessible by car, bus and train.

From Paris to Vaux le Vicomte Palace by car

The best route to Vaux le Vicomte Palace is via the A5 or A6 motorways towards Troyes. You get off on exit 15 towards Saint Germain Laxis and the follow the signs to the palace. The journey should take just under an hour.

From Paris to Vaux le Vicomte Palace by public transport

From the Gare de Lyon station in Paris, you can take the RER R train to Melun, which departs every hour. From there, you can either continue with a taxi or the Châteaubus shuttle to the Palace. The total journey lasts about an hour.

Guided tour to Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris

If you would like to avoid public transportation or driving out to Vaux le Vicomte Palace, you can opt for a guided tour. Typically, these tours will include pickup from your accommodation in Paris, making the journey more relaxed and comfortable.

What are the current ticket prices for Vaux le Vicomte Palace?

Adult tickets (garden and palace access): €22
Reduced rate: €17.50
Children (6 to 17) tickets: €17.50
Children under 6: Free
Access only to gardens: €16

The reduced rate for tickets is available to people with disabilities, students and jobseekers.

What are the usual stops on a Vaux le Vicomte Palace day trip?

Your day trip Vaux le Vicomte Palace begins from your accommodation or prearranged meeting point in Paris, where you will be picked up. The journey to Vaux le Vicomte should take about an hour.

Once you arrive there, you will be guided in the palace and its grounds. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through the French-style garden and even have a picnic.

Depending on the trip you book, at around midday you may continue on to the Fontainebleau Palace, a short drive from Vaux le Vicomte. There you can explore the palace and its impressive art collection, before returning to Paris in the late afternoon.

What tour options are there for visiting Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris?

Guided tours to Vaux le Vicomte Palace plus Fontainebleau Palace from Paris

The most affordable way to visit the Vaux le Vicomte Palace is with a guided tour. Most of the available guided tours also include a visit to the palace in Fontainebleau and last about 5 to 10 hours in total, depending on the itinerary.

Hotel pickup and entrance fees are usually included in the price.

Private tour to Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris

Should you wish to focus your day trip on Vaux le Vicomte Palace, you can book a private tour from Paris. Private tours tend to be for smaller groups and allow greater flexibility in departure times and whether you wish to visit other places.

Hotel pickup and admission fees are included, while tours can last 4.5 to 9 hours.

Private day trip to Vaux le Vicomte Palace plus Fontainebleau Palace from Paris

For a more comprehensive and personalized day trip, there are options for private visits to the Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau palaces. These day trips include a personal guide, hotel pickup, flexible scheduling and all relevant entrance fees.

A private day trip to both palaces can last between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the itinerary.

Private helicopter tour to Vaux le Vicomte from Paris

For a more spectacular visit and bird's-eye view of Vaux le Vicomte Palace, there are luxurious helicopter tours. These tours begin in Paris and include a private helicopter flight, a gourmet meal and return to your hotel in Paris with a limousine.

A private helicopter tour usually lasts about 7 hours.

How much do day trips to Vaux le Vicomte Palace from Paris cost?

A guided tour of the Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau palaces costs between €100 and €170 per person, depending on the trip duration.

For a private tour of Vaux le Vicomte, expect to pay between €200 and €400 per person, depending on the group size and overall duration.

A private day trip to the Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau palaces costs between €200 and €500 per person, depending on the duration, additional stops and group size.

A private helicopter tour can cost about €2,000 per person and includes luxury transportation and a gourmet meal.

What will you see and do at Vaux le Vicomte Palace?

The Vaux le Vicomte Palace has a rich history and is rather expansive, with many things to see and do there that can fill an entire day.

The Vaux le Vicomte Palace

The Vaux le Vicomte Palace interior has been preserved in its original state, with all the stately furnishings and decorations that are typical of the late 17th century.

With the help of a guide, you will learn about French history and the impact of the former palace occupants.

Among the highlights of the palace is the museum dedicated to the carriages and the central dome which gives a panoramic view of the gardens. Also look out for special seasonal events, such as the candlelit evenings and Christmas celebrations.

The Vaux le Vicomte Gardens

The French-style gardens occupy an area of 100 acres around the palace and are said to have inspired the majestic gardens at the Palace of Versailles.

In the gardens, you will find many fountains and even art installations, making them ideal for a stroll or even a picnic during the day.

Fontainebleau Palace

The Fontainebleau Palace is about 20 kilometers away from Vaux le Vicomte and is a perfect addition to round out a day trip in the area.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former home of French monarchs and no expense was spared in its design and construction.

The palace at Fontainebleau features impeccable gardens, museums and a gallery with rare works of art and furniture.

When is the best time to tour Vaux le Vicomte Palace?

The best time to tour Vaux le Vicomte Palace is during the warm summer months and around Christmas, when it is festively decorated.

The palace is busiest during the day, so prefer visits in morning the or the candlelit evenings for a more relaxed experience.

Travel tips

Tickets need to be bought and printed before visiting the palace, no purchase can be made on site.
The palace regularly holds a number of seasonally themed events, during which it is open in the evenings.
The gardens are rather expansive, so pack a pair of comfortable shoes.

What other day trips can you enjoy from Paris?

Day trips to Giverny from Paris
Day trips to Normandy from Paris
Day trips to Mont Saint Michel from Paris

Vaux le Vicomte Palace: Day Trips and Tours from Paris