Have you heard of the Vaux le Vicomte castle? It’s a stunning manor located about 60 kilometers south of Paris, close to Melun. The two-story building is notable for its large dome and is surrounded by breathtaking gardens. This year marks the 400th anniversary of André Le Nôtre’s birth, the mastermind behind the Garden Art that greatly enhanced France’s noble residences. When touring the grand structure, you can also explore the underground areas and the old kitchen with its vaulted roof.
Vaux le Vicomte opened on August 17, 1661, and it even caught the attention of the Sun King, becoming the blueprint for many other castles in France and Europe. This mansion, full of rich history, is waiting to be discovered. The castle is open daily until November from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Saturday evenings, there are special candlelight tours from 7:00 PM to midnight. Entrance tickets cost 16 Euros per person, or 8 Euros just for the gardens. In 2013, they introduced a new shuttle bus service that goes directly from Paris. It departs from Rue des Pyramides with Cityrama-ParisVision and includes a guided tour of both Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau before returning to Paris.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss the special event on Saturday, September 14th. The castle will host a magical candlelight dinner with over two thousand lights illuminating the gardens. Guests will set up around the pond, bringing their own tablecloths, food, and decorations, all adhering to the evening’s white and green color theme. The event’s highlights will be the magnificent fountains and fireworks display.