Festive Paris and the Spectacular Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
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Christmas at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte ©Photo ERWANN MAIGNAN
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Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas France, Paris, Christmas, Chateau de Vaux-le-vicomte, group travel, group tour,
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Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas © Julien Laurent
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Paris at Christmas ©Paris je t’aime
With sparkling lights, Christmas trees full of bright decorations, and even occasional visits from Saint Nicholas – or Père Noël, as Parisian children call him – these festive street markets filled with Swiss-style wooden chalets bring a festive Alsatian and German tradition dating back to the Middle Ages to the French capital each year. More than 125 squares and streets in Paris glisten and glow with a variety of market stalls. The Paris Christmas markets are particularly enchanting at night when they glow in the darkness and warmth radiates from the food stalls. Potter along admiring the interesting gift options and sampling the wonderful foods. Many activities are available from ice skating and shopping to eating gingerbread and drinking mulled wine. Paris is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping! Between the luxury stores on the famous Champs Élysées and the handmade treasures of the markets, there’s something for everyone!
If it is some sightseeing you are after, perhaps visit the iconic Eiffel Tower or the atmospheric Louvre or take a cruise along the River Seine?
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is always spectacular but during Christmas, it is dressed to impress! Throughout the year, it is without doubt a beautiful palace but at Christmas it truly becomes a palace of enchantment. With magnificent trees, lights and traditional decorations covering the opulent rooms, it is the epitome of a grand Christmas. Adorned in a thousand and one colours, here you will really get into the Christmas spirit. Each room is decorated with a different theme but the warm atmosphere and stunning decorations make them all flow into one joyful and festive experience. Regal and tasteful, this festive charm will leave you bubbling with festive cheer.
Dates
Selected dates in November & December 2026
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Paris
Take the short sea crossing from the UK to France and continue to Paris for the next 3 nights. After check-in there may be time to explore your surroundings and perhaps seek out some festive food and begin your exploration of this ‘City of Light’.
Day 2
Paris: Sightseeing and Markets
Explore the sights of Paris and visit some of the markets dotted around the city that could include the Notre Dame Christmas Market featuring handmade artisan products and regional specialities and the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, a large market with various stalls, rides and festive activities. Stroll along the Champs Élysées with its colourful lights and stalls offering beautiful gifts and local produce, see the Montmartre Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur and visit one of the largest in the Paris region at La Défense.
The beautiful displays of arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, fine wines, and other gifts will dazzle you until well into the night.
Important: There are approximately 15 markets dotted around the city. In general they start mid-November through to Christmas Eve but please check the dates and opening times in advance for each specific market.
Day 3
Grand Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying more of the sights of Paris before heading to the spectacular Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
The family-owned 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. It has also been featured on the big screen including the 2006 film ‘Marie Antoinette’ and the 1979 Bond film ‘Moonraker’, amongst others.
Normally closed throughout the winter, this fabulous castle exceptionally opens its doors at Christmastime for the ‘Grand Noël’ event so that young and old alike can wander through a magical and marvellous winter wonderland in the heart of the castle with breath taking decorations and monumental projections lighting up the exterior of the castle. Every detail, from the snow-dusted courtyards to the illuminated fountains, invites guests into a storybook setting where history and enchantment come alive. At nightfall, thousands of lights illuminate the French-style garden designed by Le Nôtre – you’ll be simply overwhelmed! As you enter, all visitors receive a velvet red cape, a small ceremonial touch that adds to the festive, dreamlike atmosphere.
Free on-site coach parking. Limited and restricted access to some areas of the Château for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues (please ask for clarification). Evening dinner in one of the on-site restaurants can be arranged (please ask for details)
Return to the hotel.
Opening dates and times are 15 November 2026 – 04 January 2027. 2027/2028 dates to be confirmed.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Your time in festive Paris has drawn to a close and it’s time to return to the ferry port to take the short sea crossing back to the UK.
Greatdays offer a selection of 3* and 4* hotels in and around Paris.
| Departure date | Price per person | Single Supplement |
| On request November/December 2026 | From £279.00 per person | From £109.00 per person |
