France is hardly short on castles and palaces worth visiting, each more grand than the next. However, when looking for breathtaking gardens, this castle should not be skipped - the gardens here were designed by Andre Le Nôtre, the same man who designed the gardens at Versailles. In fact, the gardens of Versailles were inspired by Vaux-le-Vicomte. Beyond breathtaking gardens, this castle offers an ornately decorated home straight from the 17th century, with a permanent exhibition dedicated to Le Nôtre. There is also a carriage museum to explore, with a large collection of antique carriages to drool over - think Marie Antoinette.

While open daily from 10am-7pm, you can take your visit a step further with one of their special Candlelit Saturdays. Requiring a separate and specific ticket (you can't just go on a Saturday afternoon and stay for the evening spectacle), these Saturday evenings allow you to explore the castle and gardens with thousands of candles lit to offer thematic lighting and a unique experience.

If that is not enough to make your visit special, consider going for the holidays (think Easter egg hunts in the gardens and lavishly decorated Christmas trees), their fountain water shows (every 2nd and last Saturday of the month, from 3pm-6pm, the fountains are turned on for a special show), or the 'Grand Siecle Experience' - one day where the castle turns into a 17th century costumed extravaganza.

Important Information: Open daily from 10am-7pm. General admission is €8 for gardens, and €16.90 for entry to gardens and castle. Admission and hours are subject to change - please check here for the most up to date information.

How to get there: From Paris Gare de l’Est, take the direct train 'Line P' (in the direction of Provins). Get off at the 'Verneuil l’Etang' train station. Direct trains every 60 minutes (travel time approx. 35 minutes).

There is a “Châteaubus” shuttle to pick up visitors up from the Verneuil l’Etang train station, which will bring you to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
***Please note: the shuttle is in front of the train station exit – CASH ONLY!!!

If you do not feel like visiting this château on your own, an organized tour might be a good options as it will take you from Paris to the castle and back to the city. Some tours will offer a combination of Fountainbleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte.

While open daily from 10am-7pm, you can take your visit a step further with one of their offered Candelit Saturdays. Requiring a special ticket (you can't just go on a Saturday afternoon and stay for the evening spectacle), these Saturday evenings allow you to explore the castle and gardens with thousands of candles lit to offer lighting and ambiance.

If that is not enough to make your visit special, consider going for holidays (think Easter egg hunts in the gardens and lavishly decorated Christmas trees), their fountain water shows (every 2nd and last Saturday of the month, from 3pm-6pm, the fountains are turned on for a special show), or the 'Grand Siecle Experience' - one day where the castle turns into a 17th century costumed extravaganza.