From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte worth booking?
From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte is a 6-hour experience in Paris, France, from €229 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (20)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- €229 per person
Adventure in the French countryside, stay away from the hustle and bustle Visit two of the most important castles in French history Enjoy free time in the French gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, a perfectly maintained 99-acre garden See Napoleon Bonaparte's throne at Fontainebleau
What you get
About this experience
Adventure in the French countryside, stay away from the hustle and bustle Visit two of the most important castles in French history Enjoy free time in the French gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, a perfectly maintained 99-acre garden See Napoleon Bonaparte's throne at Fontainebleau
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Entrance fees for castles
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Chateau de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau castle The only royal castle still inhabited for more than seven centuries, Fontainebleau is one of the most exceptional palaces in the country – rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the building independently via the audio guide as you listen to stories about the French royalty who lived here. The Château de Fontainebleau is also the birthplace of vast gardens and lakes Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte The impressive baroque castle is said to have inspired the Château de Versailles. Discover elaborate interiors and vaulted cellars and learn about the man behind this gigantic house, Nicolas Fouquet, Minister of Finance to King Louis XIV. When you're finished inside, wander outside to explore the castle's 40 hectares, made up of fountains, flower beds and vast lawns.
360 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, pt, ja, en, zh-CN, it, pl, fr, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Anas Karmouta
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day trip from Paris!
My husband and I did the day trip from Paris to Chateau Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicompte. Yasser was a very pleasant driver who picked us up promptly at 9:00 from our hotel lobby. He checked in and communicated the exact time to us the day before. Yasser had done his masters degree in NY, so he spoke really good English and we enjoyed lively conversation with him all throughout the trip. He gave us the history of the places we were going, plus pointed out other points of interest along the way. I knew this going into the tour, but note that Yasser doesn’t guide you through the 2 chateaus. He walks you in and gets your tickets and audio guides for you and he orients you to where you are going. Then you are free to go at your own pace through them and you meet back up with him at a designated time and place. We went to Fontainebleau first and we had 3 hours there. You will need to grab your lunch while there. My husband and I had enough time to walk into town and grab lunch at a cafe there, although there were quicker places at Fontainebleau. Chateau Fontainebleau was just as opulent as Versailles! The next chateau was 30 minutes away and we had 2 hours there. The inside of Vaux-le-Vicomte was not as over the top as Fontainebleau, but it was still nice. They provided an interactive audio set that was really cool. It knew which room you were in and instead of just telling you facts, it was like you were part of the story. Yasser gave us a good tip that you really needed to rent a golf cart to easily see the grounds. The grounds there were the highlight and we took 1 hour in the golf cart exploring them. It cost €25 per hour and you had to put down a €200 deposit that was refunded when you returned the golf cart. We were back at our hotel around 4:30 so it was a full day but wasn’t overwhelmingly tiring. Being picked up and dropped off at our hotel was really nice. I would definitely recommend this tour company and doing this as a day trip. Neither chateau were busy so you really got to see them in a relaxing way. And Yasser was a great driver!
via Viator
Fontainebleau in the Spring
Our driver Yasser was phenomenal. He picked us up at our hotel and messaged me that he was waiting. Very pleasant conversation and actually gave us a lot of history on our way to Fontainebleau as well as on the way back. He also guided us where to go and brought us right to the entrance inside the estate. The estate was beautiful inside and out. Unfortunately it was raining that day and we did not get to see as much of the grounds as we wanted to. After Fontainebleau we went to a smaller, but just as beautiful estate - Vicomte - which was close by. The gardens here were amazing. I highly recommend this tour and also our driver Yasser.
via Tripadvisor
Much much better than just "good"!
You must not dawdle during the audio tours because there is quite a lot to see. An enjoyable inexpensive quick lunch is available at Paul just out the Jardin de Diane gate left and up to the corner before your next stop. But that will be explained for you. Vasser was a convivial informative and great host, escorting us to the tour entry points and providing directions to convenient after tour meeting points. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a great deal. Additionally Saturday was a national free day and he was able to reschedule us for Sunday which was much less crowded and much more enjoyable and with much better weather. He provides a great variety of other tours. Highly recommend for an enjoyable experience! Both Chateaus were historic, beautiful and well worth the visit!
via Viator
Important for driver to pick up as advertised
The tour itself is good. However our driver got us almost an hour and a half later than advised. It appeared he over slept and did not have time to shower. The car had a bug splatted windshield and there was no washer fluid to clean it. The late pick up meant lunch much later than it would have been so we rushed main attraction because we were all hungry. The driver said he was late due to heavy traffic not a good excuse for someone who lives in the city. This was an expensive day so things should have run as advertised. The driver was nice enough and did apologize but that didn’t make up for the stress of waiting for him to show up and we could’ve slept in an extra hour. I have done numerous Viator tours and never have had a late pick up.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about the inconvenience caused during your tour, particularly regarding the late pickup and the overall impact it had on your experience. Please know that we take such matters very seriously, and this situation does not reflect the standards we strive to uphold. We would like to inform you that we no longer collaborate with the driver in question, as his conduct did not meet our expectations in terms of professionalism and service quality. We sincerely regret the stress and disruption this caused on what should have been a smooth and enjoyable day. Your comments have been duly noted and have helped reinforce our commitment to working only with drivers who are punctual, well-prepared, and dedicated to delivering the high level of service our guests deserve. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again under better circumstances and provide you with the quality experience you've come to expect from Viator tours. Warm regards, Yasser from OK TOURS
via Viator
Beautiful, nice driver and on time but very expensive.
Yasser was on time and was nice. His car, a Lexus, was also comfortable and he had water for the both of us but we had taken our own not knowing if it would be provided. Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte are beautiful and definitely worth a visit. We chose to do this private tour because we found it was too much hassle to get from our hotel in Paris to the Lyon train station, then take the train, then a bus, etc. And that would be to Fontainebleau only, we didn’t even know how to get to Vaux-le-Vicomte. We did find it was very expensive (almost 400 euros, or more even with tipping, for 2 persons). We believe it is way more affordable to rent a car and do the excursion by yourself. Also, most on the explanation will be provided by audio guides so Yasser is basically just your driver for the day even though he gave us some basic cultural background information and facts about the region during the driving. As for the excursions, they were wonderful. Less tourists than in Versailles and just as beautiful. Not a lot of shade at the gardens (both), so bring sunscreen, a hat, water and maybe an umbrella or a travel fan.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your valuable comment. I'm glad you have enjoyed this experience
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Anas Karmouta, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.1.
See everything Anas Karmouta runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte cost?
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Prices start at €229 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte?
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Included: Bottled water; On-board WiFi; Entrance fees for castles; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2621 listed pickup locations in and around Paris. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian, Polish, French, Dutch and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about From Paris: Château de Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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