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Programme of special events at Vaux-le-Vicomte

Q: How do I get to the château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris?

By car: via the A5B, exit 14 Voisenon . Free parking in front of the château By bus (shuttle) from Paris, only during the Soirées aux chandelles . Departs from avenue des Terroirs de France in the 12th arrondissement. Departs at 16:30 from Paris, arrives at 18:00 in Vaux-le-Vicomte. Returns at 23:30 from Vaux-le-Vicomte, arrives in Paris at 00:15 By Chateaubus shuttle from Melun (line R from Gare de Lyon). Daily departures By taxi from Melun (line R from Gare de Lyon). Allow 10/15 minutes travel time On an excursion combined with the Château de Fontainebleau By bike: the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and has a car park for bicycles

Q: When does the festival at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte take place?

The season of festivities at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte begins at Easter and runs until September with the end of the Candlelit Evenings and their fireworks display; and resumes - after a short period of closure - for the end of year celebrations. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte closes every year at the end of the Christmas holidays and reopens at the beginning of March.

La Rédaction Paris je t'aime -

All year, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte plunges visitors into the heart of the 17th century.

To discover in this article :

Easter at Vaux-le-Vicomte
Candlelit evenings and nocturnal visits
The Grand Noël
Frequently asked questions

Every year in summer, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which was one of the sources of inspiration for the Palace of Versailles, plunges visitors into the heart of the 17th century to relive, the splendour and pomp of this outstanding stately home, for a few hours. It will reopen its doors for the new season on 14 March 2026.

🎯Easter at Vaux-le-Vicomte

Easter at Vaux-le-Vicomte - Spring 2026

Easter egg hunt at Vaux-le-Vicomte - 4 to 6 April 2026

As every year, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is organising a range of Easter celebrations: a Grand Siècle treasure hunt with a snack for all the children during the Zone C holidays, and the biggest Easter egg hunt in France over the Easter long weekend.

Full price: €19 - Child rate (6 to 17 years): €15.50 - Free for children under 6 - Free parking

🎯The water features

Every Saturday during the Soirées aux Chandelles until sunset, from 16 May to 26 September 2026 - From 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

The first French formal garden designed by the famous André Le Nôtre, the garden of Vaux-le-Vicomte is punctuated by ponds and fountains that come to life on sunny days, for an hour and a half, with magical and refreshing water features.

Château de Vaux le Vicomte - Soirée chandelles — © OTCP - DR

🎯Candlelit evenings and night-time visits

Every Saturday from 16 May to 26 September 2026 - From 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm

As soon as night falls, the château and garden are illuminated by over 2,000 candles. To the sound of classical music, visitors can experience the refined atmosphere of the famous celebration organised by Nicolas Fouquet on 17 August 1661 in honour of King Louis XIV. The evening ends with a firework display at 11pm!

Full price: €22 - Child rate (6 to 17 years): €17.50 - Free for children under 6 - Free parking

🔍 Partying in Paris : the agenda

Paris pulsates day and night to the rhythm of its festive events, offering a dynamic and varied nightlife. From unmissable evenings to vibrant festivals, not to mention unique cultural experiences, the capital never ceases to surprise night owls. To explore the full richness of these exceptional events, dive into our Guide to Parisian nights.

Find a special selection of the best events to experience intensely the nocturnal effervescence of Paris.

Diary for nightbirds in Paris

🎯The Great Costume Day (Grand Siècle Day)

Saturday 23 May 2026

Visitors are invited to enjoy a day of entertainment in the gardens of a 17th-century château. On the programme: picnic and elegance competitions, artistic fencing, musical entertainment, and more.

Full price: €22 - Child rate (6 to 17 years): €17.50 - Free for children under 6 - Free parking

🎯The Castle Dome

For an even more memorable experience, venture to the top of the castle dome, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire estate awaits you. At a height of 25 metres, the panorama stretches out as far as the eye can see, offering a sight that will leave you speechless.

🎯The Grand Noël

From 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027

To celebrate 20 years of enchantment, Vaux-le-Vicomte is adorned with lights and elegance for a magical experience, with sumptuously decorated rooms, immersive projections and illuminated gardens. Young and old alike can enjoy enchanted entertainment, from the crackling of fireplaces to delicacies by the fireside.

Discover the castles of Île-de-France

Set off to discover the most beautiful castles of the Île-de-France and let yourself be charmed by their history, their architecture and their majestic gardens. From Versailles to Fontainebleau, enjoy a royal getaway just a stone's throw from Paris.

Take advantage of an exclusive selection of tickets and offers to visit these heritage gems and book your next getaways with ease.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

❓Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris?

By car: via the A5B, exit 14 Voisenon. Free parking in front of the château
By bus (shuttle) from Paris, only during the Soirées aux chandelles. Departs from avenue des Terroirs de France in the 12th arrondissement. Departs at 16:30 from Paris, arrives at 18:00 in Vaux-le-Vicomte. Returns at 23:30 from Vaux-le-Vicomte, arrives in Paris at 00:15
By Chateaubus shuttle from Melun (line R from Gare de Lyon). Daily departures
By taxi from Melun (line R from Gare de Lyon). Allow 10/15 minutes travel time
On an excursion combined with the Château de Fontainebleau
By bike: the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and has a car park for bicycles

Is there a restaurant at Vaux-le-Vicomte?

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has several dining options:

The Relais de l'Écureuil, a self-service restaurant with no reservations, is located at the entrance to the estate. Open on days when the estate is open, from 12 noon to 5.30 pm.
The Les Charmilles kiosk, a snack bar, is open at weekends and during school holidays from 12 noon to 6 pm. Depending on the weather
Les Charmilles, gourmet restaurant, open only during the Candlelit Evenings and by reservation only
Songe de Vaux, champagne bar, open only during the Candlelit Evenings from 5pm to 10.30pm. Reservation recommended
Picnic hampers available. Reservation required at least 2 days in advance

What is the price of the Candlelit Evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte?

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte offers different prices for the Candlelit Evenings. The full price including the château and the garden is €22. The reduced price of €17.50 is for young people, students and job seekers. If you wish to visit only the gardens, the price is 16€.

When does the festival at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte take place?

The season of festivities at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte begins at Easter and runs until September with the end of the Candlelit Evenings and their fireworks display; and resumes - after a short period of closure - for the end of year celebrations. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte closes every year at the end of the Christmas holidays and reopens at the beginning of March.