The Vaux le Vicomte is an enormous castle at the end of formal gardens made up of ponds, fountains and floral displays. Dating back to the 17th century, the mansion is today as lively as ever, with costume rental, games and an array of fun family activities. Embark on a tour of the château’s four stories to view the period furniture and décor.
Amble along the paths dividing the grounds in front of the chateau. These are said to have been the inspiration for the trend of French formal gardens that spread across Europe in the 1600s.
Climb up to the lantern at the center of the house and enjoy the 360-degree views stretching across the formal gardens and surrounding villages. In the castle’s basement is a permanent exhibit dedicated to landscape gardener André le Nôtre. Study the exhibits to understand how he designed the chateau’s formal gardens.
Head to the stable block for the Carriage Museum. Here, you’ll find antique coaches and carriages as well as models of people in period costume. Dine at one of the elegant restaurants or bring snacks to enjoy in the picnic areas.
Check the castle’s schedule to arrive in time for its seasonal events. The egg hunt in Easter is especially fun for families with young kids. Everyone can enjoy the light shows at Christmas and the elaborate water displays every other Saturday. Bring your partner for a romantic evening amid the candles set up on Saturday nights in summer.
The castle is open to visitors from mid March until early November, before opening again briefly for the Christmas season. It usually runs daily from morning until late afternoon, with varied prices for adults and kids.
The Vaux le Vicomte is in the eastern part of Melun in the Île-de-France region. Drive northeast from the town center for 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) to arrive at the castle in less than 10 minutes. See nearby sights including the Mairie de Moisenay, the Blandy-les-Tours Castle and the Forêt de Fontainebleau.
