One-day trips from Paris

There are many options to do one-day trips from Paris. This time we chose a day trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte chateaus.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by public transport. But, it will take a couple of hours with subway, train, and a local bus. Alternatively, you drive by car.

Map to two chateaus. Our one day trip’s itinerary is from Paris to Chateau de Veux le Vicomte and Fountenableau, back to Paris. We took a bus from Paris City Vision.

Departure is from Paris’ center, highly recommend this trip, just book it in advance:)

In the middle of sketch is our couple, my husband and I, who loves traveling, art and architecture.

The first castle was Vaux le Vicomte château

A view to stunning Vaux le Vicomte château that later inspired the famous Versailles. I imagined that beautiful ladies with little colored umbrellas from 17th century are walking at the park.

The legend says that Nicolas Fouquet invited King Louis XIV. He also invited the whole court to the inauguration of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The owners organized a grand and luxurious party and a dinner. Gold-plated gondolas glided through the channels. Gold salad bowls decorated its tables.

The monarch was blinded by the brilliance of the stolen gold. He refused to stay away for the night. Instead, he went to Fontainebleau. The unlucky aristocrat dared to challenge the Sun King. The musketeers arrested him on charges of fraud of the state treasury. Sentenced to life imprisonment and deprived of connection with the outside world.

Ladies who guard the family and peace. What is the most fascinating in the history of the chateau are their legendary ladies of Vaux les Vicomte chateaux. Just some of amazing legends.

The first, Marie-Madeleinede Castille, the spouse of Vaux les Vicomte, continued supporting her husband. He received what was initially supposed to be three months of detention. It was later changed to a life sentence.

Mme Fouquet fought for her husband for many years, and recovered their family property 10 years later. Guyonne de Durfort was another intelligent lady. During the revolution, she didn’t let the castle be plundered. She kept the whole situation in her hands. She gave the castle to the “disposal” of the revolutionary committee and … voila … the whole furniture is still in place.

One more heroic lady Permisine Cas de Dorier set up a military hospital in the chateau during World War.

The history says that the castle was built by three masters. Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Superintendent, assembled a team. He brought together an architect, Louis Le Vau. Charles Le Brun, a painter, was included as well. Lastly, André Le Notre, a landscape gardener, joined to execute the entire project. The result of this fraternal union was a work of supreme gorgeousness.

By the way, a cafe in the chateau will appeal to any lover of French cuisine

Crews and fun were present at only during the first ball. You feel ghosts everywhere…

Why do not buy a magnet and little spoons with little squirrels on top. Yes, squirrel is emblem of the family and chateau.

On summer evenings, costume candles are held here by candlelight, we will definitely return…

Next castle was Fontainebleau chateau, Stendhal called it the “architectural encyclopedia” and Napoleon called the “House of Ages”.

UNESCO World Heritage

Four French monarchs were born in the Fontainebleau palace, and for many rulers it was the main residence. At present, the palace is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Its chambers, galleries, parks, and gardens are simply amazing.

BBC series “The Impressionists”

I’ve learned about the Fontainebleau garden from BBC “The Impressionists” where young Monet, Renoir and Bazille were painting Fontainebleau forest.

In the middle of the magnificent French-style formal gardens, there is a statue. This statue is the Egyptian Sphinx of Chateau de Fontainebleau, Paris, France. Why did it here, in the majestic royal and imperial château in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau.

Chambers of Napoleon

The chateau was the first to be conceived as a residential complex and not a bastion. Kings were born here; Napoleon signed the abdication in this room, on this chair the great commander was sitting. According to the legend Napoleon said to his subordinates “Did you want to relax? You will get your rest”.

In the chambers of Napoleon, you can immerse yourself in the time of the great emperor.

He was famous for his wish to go down in history.

Gallery of Diana

The Fontainebleau library bathed in the sun, thanks to Italian masters, the French Renaissance was born. In the middle of the library there is a vast globe. The library holds the originals of books dating back to the 13th century.

Well next time we visit another chateau, maybe Versailles?:)

Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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Tools used for my painting include Charvin and Van Gogh watercolours. I also used Pastel GrayPas Expressionist. Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens were also utilized. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)

PARISCityVISION agency. address: 2 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris. 
Trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte

Chateau de Vaux-Le-Vicomte. address 77950 Maincy, France

Chateau de Fontainebleau. address Pl. du General-de-Gaulle, 77300, Fontainebleau, France.