Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: A 17th-Century Masterpiece
Discover the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a stunning 17th-century French château and gardens that inspired the Palace of Versailles. A must-see landmark!
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located in Maincy, near Melun, is a stunning Baroque castle that served as the inspiration for Versailles. Built in the 17th century for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV's finance minister, it showcases the work of architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect André Le Nôtre, and painter-decorator Charles Le Brun.
A brief summary to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Maincy, 77950, FR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the official website for opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
- Consider visiting during the candlelit evenings (usually Saturdays from May to October) for a magical experience.
- Allow ample time to explore both the château and the vast gardens.
- Picnics are permitted on the grounds, with a designated lawn area with tables and benches.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Paris, take the RER D or Transilien line R from Gare de Lyon to Melun station (approximately 25 minutes). From Melun station, you can take the Chateaubus shuttle, which operates daily, to the château. The shuttle bus stop is in front of the café de la Gare Avenue Gallieni. Alternatively, taxis and Ubers are available from Melun station to the château (10-15 minutes), costing approximately €18-€25 during the day, with a supplement of €5 during night hours.
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Driving
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is located approximately 55 km southeast of Paris. Take the A4 motorway towards Troyes/Nancy/Melun, then the N104 towards Melun/Montereau-Fault-Yonne, followed by the A5B, and finally exit at VOISENON (exit 14). Free parking is available for visitors, including camping cars. The parking lot is accessible after passing through the ticket office. Be aware that the parking areas are not guarded, so it is recommended not to leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Discover more about Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
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