Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Fontainebleau, Ilha de França
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The château of the minister Nicolas Fouquet, in Maincy, about 20 km from Fontainebleau. Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre worked on it before Versalhes. It is open from mid‑March to early November and during the Christmas period.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was built between 1656 and 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, superintendent of finances to Luís XIV. Fouquet brought together architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun and landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and the result became a benchmark of the French classical style.
In August 1661 Fouquet hosted a fête for the king at the château. A few weeks later he was arrested, accused of embezzlement, and spent the remainder of his life in prison. Luís XIV took the same team of artists to work on Versalhes, which is why Vaux‑le‑Vicomte is called the model for Versalhes.
The visit goes through the salons with ceilings by Le Brun, the large oval hall under the dome, the apartments and the kitchens. Le Nôtre's gardens extend about 3 km on the main axis, with parterres, reflecting pools and grottos; there is also a carriage museum in the former stables.
The château has been private property of the same family for more than a century. It opens seasonally: in 2026, from mid‑March to early November, and then for the Christmas period, from mid‑November to early January. In winter, outside the Christmas season, it is closed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2½ to 3 hours for the château and gardens.
Best time
From April to October, when the gardens are in full display. On Saturdays from mid‑May to the end of September the château opens only for the Soirées aux Chandelles, evenings with thousands of candles lit. From mid‑November to early January there is the Christmas program. Check dates and opening days before you go.
How to get there
It's in Maincy, near Melun, about 20 km from Fontainebleau. From Paris, trains from Gare de Lyon go to Melun station; from there, only by taxi or by the castle shuttle on the days it operates. By car, from Fontainebleau it's about a 25-minute drive.
Tip
If you go to Fontainebleau by car you can do both castles in the same day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, except on Tuesdays. For the Soirées aux Chandelles, book in advance and confirm return transport, because the night ends late and the castle is far from the station.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Is Vaux-le-Vicomte open year-round?
No. In 2026 the season runs from mid-March to early November, and the château reopens for Christmas from mid-November to early January. Outside those periods it is closed. Check the dates before you go.
What are the Soirées aux Chandelles?
They are nights when the château and gardens are lit by thousands of candles, on Saturdays from mid-May to the end of September. On those Saturdays there is no daytime visit. Reservations are required.
How to get there without a car?
By train to Melun, departing from Gare de Lyon, and from there by taxi or by the castle shuttle on the days it runs. Confirm the shuttle in advance, because it doesn't operate every day.
Why is Vaux-le-Vicomte linked to Versailles?
The same artists, Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre, created Vaux-le-Vicomte for Fouquet. After Fouquet's arrest in 1661, Louis XIV took them to work on Versailles.