Discover the grandeur of French history on this captivating tour. Visitors will explore two magnificent chateaus, starting with the stunning Vaux-le-Vicomte and its opulent 17th-century decor. After a delightful lunch, the journey continues to the majestic Fontainebleau, a former residence of French royalty and Napoleon. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience promises to immerse guests in the rich heritage and beauty of these iconic landmarks. What secrets do these historic sites hold?

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Key Points

A 10-hour tour from Paris exploring the renowned Chateau de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, providing an intimate experience for up to 8 participants.
Visit the birthplace of the "jardin à la francaise" style and the opulent 17th-century decor that inspired the Palace of Versailles at Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Discover the Chateau de Fontainebleau, a principal residence for three French dynasties and Napoleon, with its Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
Enjoy a 1-hour lunch break included in the tour itinerary, along with air-conditioned transportation and a live English-speaking guide.
The tour offers a high level of customer satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 46 reviews, highlighting the comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides.

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Tour Overview

This 10-hour tour allows visitors to explore two of France’s most renowned chateaux – Chateau de Fontainebleau and Vaux-Le-Vicomte.

It’s priced from $239.38 per person and is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned minibus, and a live English-speaking guide offers insights into the history and significance of these magnificent estates.

Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 46 reviews, this tour promises a memorable experience.

Looking for more options in Paris? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

Starting from La Flamme, 6 Avenue de Wagram in Paris, the tour begins with a visit to the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, where guests spend approximately 2.25 hours exploring the 17th-century decor that inspired the Palace of Versailles and the 99-acre French Gardens, the birthplace of the "jardin à la francaise" style.

The tour begins at La Flamme in Paris, visiting the 17th-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its renowned French gardens for 2.25 hours.

After a 1-hour lunch break, the group heads to the Chateau de Fontainebleau, where they spend 2 hours discovering its over 1,500 rooms, which have been home to three dynasties and Napoleon Bonaparte, known for its extravagant architecture and historical significance.

The tour concludes with the return to La Flamme.

The key stops on the itinerary include:

Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte (2.25 hours)
Lunch (1 hour)
Chateau de Fontainebleau (2 hours)

Chateau De Vaux-Le-Vicomte Highlights

The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is the birthplace of the "jardin à la francaise" style, featuring a remarkable 17th-century decor that inspired the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles.

Spanning 99 acres, the French Gardens showcase the quintessential geometric design and symmetry of this iconic landscaping style.

The chateau’s interior is equally impressive, with opulent furnishings and ornate architecture reflecting the tastes of its original owner, Louis XIV’s finance minister Nicolas Fouquet.

Exploring this historical gem provides a glimpse into the extravagance that would later define Versailles, making it a must-see on any tour of France’s architectural treasures.

Chateau De Fontainebleau Highlights

Although not as well-known as Versailles, the Chateau de Fontainebleau boasts an equally impressive history, having served as the principal residence for three French dynasties and the renowned Napoleon Bonaparte.

The chateau features:

Over 1,500 rooms showcasing extravagant Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles
Ornate interiors and furnishings that reflect the tastes of its royal and imperial occupants
Expansive gardens and grounds covering 130 acres, including the scenic Fontainebleau Forest
Significant historical significance, as the location where Napoleon abdicated the throne in 1814

Visitors can explore this majestic estate, seeing the grandeur and legacy of French power and influence.

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Transportation and Experience

While the small group setting of the tour enhances comfort and personal interaction, the transportation in a van provides a more intimate experience compared to larger buses.

The live tour guide offers valuable insights into French history and the significance of the chateaux. This personalized approach allows visitors to engage more deeply with the content and ask questions as they explore the magnificent sites.

The efficient use of transportation and knowledgeable guidance ensure a well-paced and enriching tour experience for both casual visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

There's plenty more to explore in Paris

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants demonstrate the tour’s ability to deliver a remarkable experience.

With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 46 reviews, customer satisfaction is at the forefront.

An impressive 4.8/5 rating from 46 reviews highlights the tour’s exceptional customer satisfaction.

Key highlights include:

Comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into French history and the significance of the chateaux.
Ample time for exploration and breaks, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the sites.
A small group setting that enhances comfort and personal interaction, creating a more intimate experience compared to larger tour groups.
Experiences praised by both casual visitors and history enthusiasts, catering to a diverse range of interests.

Why Book This Tour

This tour offers several compelling reasons for travelers to book.

First, it provides a small group setting, enhancing comfort and personalized interactions. The transportation in a van creates a more intimate experience compared to larger buses.

Plus, the live tour guide offers in-depth insights into French history and the significance of the chateaux, enriching the overall experience.

With ample time allocated for exploration and breaks, visitors can fully enjoy the grandeur of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau.

The free cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" option further add convenience and flexibility for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Tour Guides Fluent in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides are fluent in English, but the availability of other language options is not specified in the overview. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any additional language support.

Can the Tour Accommodate Specific Dietary Restrictions for Lunch?

The tour can accommodate specific dietary restrictions for lunch. Travelers should notify the tour provider of any dietary needs when booking, and the provider will work to ensure an appropriate meal is provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can explore the sites at their own pace during the scheduled visits. Any requests for longer stays would need to be arranged separately with the tour operator.

Can We Take Pictures Inside the Chateaux or Are There Restrictions?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the chateaux, but there may be some restrictions in certain areas or rooms. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff for specific guidance on photography during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors on This Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The standard price of $239.38 per person applies regardless of age or student status. Travelers can reserve the tour and pay later if needed.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the grandeur of French history through two magnificent chateaus. Travelers can marvel at the stunning gardens and opulent 17th-century decor of Vaux-le-Vicomte, followed by a visit to the majestic Fontainebleau, a former residence of French royalty and Napoleon. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a small group size, this experience immerses visitors in the rich heritage and beauty of these iconic landmarks.