Candlelit Château and Musical Fountain Show

(Friday) – Travel to France

Depart from your local area in the UK and travel towards Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais. Continue on to your hotel in the Paris area.   Evening dinner at leisure.

(Saturday) –  Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte – Dinner and Candlelights

Late morning, drive to the charming riverside town of Melun. Lying on the banks of the Seine, there’s time to explore the quaint town, perhaps taking a Seine cruise or some lunch before heading to the chateau.

The 17th Century baroque Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte, whose richly-decorated rooms have been restored to their former glory, provided the inspiration for Louis XIV to build Versailles, and has been featured on the big screen in the 2006 film ‘Marie Antoinette’ and the 1979 Bond film ‘Moonraker’, amongst others.  The gardens are equally impressive and there will be time to look around both the château and the gardens before dinner.

After a 3-course dinner in the L’Écureuil restaurant, you can enjoy the spectacle of the gardens and château illuminated by more than 2,000 candles as night falls. It’s a unique and truly memorable experience.

Note:  Illumination of the Château occurs after dinner most Saturdays from May to September.  Time dependent on weather and light conditions, but will be late in the evening towards the end of dinner service. Fireworks subject to confirmation and weather conditions

(Sunday) – Versailles and the Musical Fountains Show

Versailles’ Château and gardens are amongst the most illustrious of world heritage sites. Built by the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, the Château contains a magnificent collection of furniture and art.  It was first a hunting lodge, then a seat of power, and finally, from the 19th century onwards, a museum comprised of the Palace, the gardens, the Park, the Trianon estate and several buildings in town. Inside the sumptuous palace, see the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Bedroom among other highlights. Visit the coach gallery and Marie Antoinette’s private estate ‘ Le Petit Trainon’  together with the vast park and gardens which will amaze you with their collection of statues, fountains and lake.

Throughout your visit,  witness the magical Musical Fountains show taking place in the gardens. The famous water features and fountains spout water to the rhythm of the music in dazzling displays.

(Monday) – Depart France

Depart France and travel back to Calais for the short sea crossing crossing to the UK.

Optional extra day/s:

There are a number of other Châteaux in the greater Paris area

• An hour north of Paris you will find the stunning Château de Chantilly. The château sits in  extensive grounds and fabulous gardens. It is also home to the famous Living Horse Museum and lies beside the famous horse racing ground.
• South of Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau, a medieval royal hunting lodge, sits in an impressive forest. The palace houses Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, the Napoleon Museum and a lavish theatre.
• Alternatively, perhaps visit the Château and Gardens at Sceaux, just south of Paris. Designed by Le Nôtre, architect of Versailles, it houses the Museum of the Ile de France, the Parisian region.