The comparison at a glance
| Offer | What is included | Duration | Price "from" | Rating | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte day trip | Two châteaux, transport from Paris | Full day | Check the listing | Check the listing | Seeing two châteaux without a car | See |
| Château de Fontainebleau ticket | Château entry, no transport | At your own pace | Check the listing | Check the listing | Coming by train and staying free | See |
| From Paris: Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Tour | Depends on the offer | Depends on the offer | Depends on the offer | Depends on the offer | Comparing with other destinations | See |
Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte day trip
Our first choice if you only have one day: a single departure from Paris for two very different châteaux, the royal residence of Fontainebleau and the Vaux-le-Vicomte estate, which inspired Versailles. Check the listing for the meeting point, the guide's language and whether entry tickets are included. See the offer.
Ticket only and train
A ticket only suits you if you like to organise your own day. The train leaves Gare de Lyon (mainline) for Fontainebleau-Avon station, then bus line 1 takes you to the château. The château is open 9:30am to 5pm from October to March (until 6pm from April to September) and closed on Tuesdays; the gardens are free. See the ticket.
More day trips from Paris
The day-trips category lists other châteaux and towns. Sort by rating and check the language. From Paris: Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Tour. Our guide to day trips from Paris compares them.
What to check before booking
- Entry. Are the château tickets included in the price?
- Language. Many day trips are in English.
- The day. The château is closed on Tuesdays.
- Time on site. Allow several hours for the State Apartments and the gardens.
- Cancellation. Check the deadline before you pay.
Which offer to choose?
- Two châteaux in one day, no car: the Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte day trip.
- Freedom and a small budget: the train and a ticket only.
- One very famous château: see our comparison Versailles from Paris.
- Vaux-le-Vicomte only: our comparison Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fontainebleau far from Paris? The château is about 61 km south-east of Paris, in Seine-et-Marne.
Can I go without a day trip? Yes, by train from Gare de Lyon and then by bus, or by car on the A6.
Do the gardens cost anything? No, the gardens and park are free all year according to our guide.
