Candlelit Château and Musical Fountain Show
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Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte France - Outside candles © Erwann Maignan.jpg
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Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France - Candles and fireworks © Christophe Blanc
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Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France - Fireworks
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Chateaux Vaux le Vicomte ©Photo A.Chicurel et L. Lourdel
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Explore the Magnificent Château de Versailles
When we think of France, Paris is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, when you venture a little further afield from the stunning capital, you will discover a host of fantastic experiences and grand châteaux. Just a few miles outside of Paris, the Château de Versailles offers magnificent architectural splendour. During this tour we enjoy a full day at this spectacular palace and see the Musical Fountains show, which wows visitors every summer. Additionally, a visit to Versailles is a must if you wish to experience a truly mesmerising site with some of the most magnificent artworks from 18th century France. One of the most popular visitor attractions in the world, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte – Beautifully Illuminated
The romantic Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte is a privately owned 17th century masterpiece and the basis for the design for Versailles. All the richly furnished and decorated rooms have been restored to their former glory, offering a truly mesmerising visit. You will also get the unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner in the grounds of the château. After dinner, as the evening draws in, go for a stroll around the gardens to take in the spectacular sight of over 2,000 candles lighting up the château. What’s more, a spectacular firework show illuminates the sky above to round off a truly unique evening. You will also have the chance to visit the charming town of Melun on the banks of the River Seine. You will have time to take in its beautiful sights as the pedestrian-only centre makes for a perfect place to relax and explore.
Dates
May - September 2023
Suggested Itinerary by Coach
Day 1
Travel to Paris
Depart from your local area in the UK and travel towards Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais. Continue on to your hotel in Paris. If time permits, begin exploring.
Day 2
Melun and the candlelit Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte
Late morning, why not 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.
In the afternoon, we travel the short distance to the 17th Century baroque Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte, whose richly-decorated rooms have been restored to their former glory. The gardens are equally impressive. The Château 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’.
After a 3-course dinner in the L’Écureuil restaurant, we 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.
*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 for 2020.
Day 3
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, while the vast park and gardens amaze with their collection of statues, fountains and lake.
Entrance to the Château, park and gardens, Trianon Palace, Marie Antoinette’s estate and the coach gallery is included within the ticket. Inside the sumptuous palace, see the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Bedroom among other spectacles. Throughout the day, 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.
Day 4
Depart France
Depart France and travel back to Calais for your return crossing back to the UK, then on to your local area.
Additional ideas
There are a number of alternative Châteaux in the greater Paris area that could be combined into a Châteaux tour
- 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.
Suggested hotels
Best Western Plus Paris Velizy ****
Inspected by Greatdays in February 2020
Located in Velizy-Villacoublay in Paris suburbs. This hotel is approximately a 10 min drive from Palace of Versailles. The Hotel has a large lobby with a bar area. There is also a lift to all floors and fitness suite. Hotel can offer porterage for a small fee. There are 161 rooms all can be double or twin with 4 adapted rooms for guests with disabilities. All come with tea/coffee making facilities and all have walk in showers, air-conditioning, TV, safes, mini-bars and hairdryers. The hotel has a large restaurant offering hot and cold buffet breakfast and they can offer buffet or set menu for dinner. The Hotel offers free onsite coach parking and can offer a welcome drink upon arrival if requested.
Mercure Paris Porte de Versailles Expo****
An 11-minute walk from Porte de Versailles metro station, this modern hotel near the Paris business district is 1 km from the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center and 5 km from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Contemporary rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and work desks. On road coach parking is free close to the hotel, alternative paying parking is available at the Expo centre (local charge).
Novotel Paris Orly Rungis ****
Novotel Paris Orly Rungis is located a 15-minute drive from Paris. It offers a fitness room, an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi access. The guest rooms are modern, spacious and have a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Guests can enjoy a meal in the restaurant or snacks and cocktails at the bar. Coach parking available (local charge).
Other hotels are avaiable in the southern Paris suburbs, as well as in Paris – please contact us for further details.
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| 4 days | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2023 | From £255.00 per person | From £105.00 per person |
Prices by air or by train are available on request.
