A royal day in Fontainebleau and Vaux le Viscount in Van VIP

A Royal Day in Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte in Van VIP is a private tour designed for lovers of history, architecture, and serene landscapes. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this is a smooth, luxurious way to explore two of France’s most treasured castles without the hassle of planning.

What we love about this experience is the privacy and comfort—transportation in a Mercedes VIP van makes for a relaxed journey, and the inclusion of personalized support helps make the day truly tailored to your interests. The free visit of the castles and gardens allows you to savor these sites at your own pace, and the prestigious lunch in Fontainebleau adds a special touch of elegance.

A potential drawback to consider is that admission fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget around €40 per person if you want to go inside the castles. Also, the day is quite full with scheduled visits and transport, so it’s best for travelers who enjoy a well-organized, yet flexible, itinerary.

This tour is ideal for visitors who prefer a stress-free, private experience—perfect for couples, small groups, or families wanting a seamless cultural escape from Paris’s hustle. If you’re after a day of history, architecture, and tranquility with a hint of luxury, this trip could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Transportation: Travel in a comfortable Mercedes VIP van, ensuring a smooth ride and a touch of luxury.
• Flexible, Private Tour: Only your group participates, with personalized support from an English-speaking coordinator.
• Two Iconic Castles: Visit Fontainebleau, a monarchy’s residence for over 800 years, and Vaux le Vicomte, the masterpiece of 17th-century French architecture and gardens.
• Self-Guided Exploration: Enjoy free time at each site, with optional admission tickets payable on-site.
• Delicious Lunch Included: Savor a complimentary meal in a refined setting, allowing you to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
• Time-Efficient: The entire day spans roughly 10 hours, balancing sightseeing with comfort and ease.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: Seamless Pickup and Private Transport

The day begins at 8:00 am, with your private driver waiting at 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées in Paris. We appreciate how the experience is designed to remove the stress of logistics; from the outset, you’re treated to a luxurious, air-conditioned Mercedes van, perfect for relaxing during the approximately two-hour ride to Fontainebleau.
A discreet English-speaking coordinator is at your side, ensuring the day flows smoothly without feeling overly structured. This personalized touch makes all the difference, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or prefer a relaxed pace.

Fontainebleau: A Monarch’s Residence in Detail

Arriving around 10:00 am, you’ll have ample time to explore the Château de Fontainebleau, a residence that was home to French monarchs for more than eight centuries. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of styles, reflecting centuries of evolving tastes and political power.
What makes Fontainebleau special is not just its size but the sense of living history you feel walking through its halls and gardens. The castle features grand halls, ornate rooms, and peaceful courtyards—each echoing stories of kings and emperors, from Louis VII to Napoleon III.
Guests often comment on the beauty of the gardens and the impressive architecture, which captures the imagination of visitors. Since admission isn’t included, you might find it worthwhile to purchase tickets on site if you wish to step inside, with a cost of around €40 per person.

Lunch Break: Elegance and Relaxation

At midday, a free lunch in Fontainebleau allows you to unwind amid beautiful surroundings. The included meal is a perfect opportunity to reflect on morning sights, enjoy local flavors, or simply relax in a prestigious setting.
Some reviewers noted the day’s smooth organization, which lets you focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about logistics or timing.

Vaux le Vicomte: A 17th-century Masterpiece

The afternoon is dedicated to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, often considered a precursor to Versailles with its harmonious architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens. Visiting between 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm, you’ll experience a setting where Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre combined talents to create a controlled natural beauty that’s still breathtaking today.
The castle’s size feels both grand and intimate—an ideal showcase of classical French design. The gardens, with their geometric layout and fountains, evoke a sense of serenity and controlled grandeur.
Again, admission is not included, but tickets are available at approximately €40 per person, offering access to explore this spectacular estate at your own pace.

The Return to Paris: A Relaxed The Sum Up

By 4:30 pm, your driver will take you back to Paris, arriving around 6:00 pm. This relaxed return caps off a day filled with beautiful sights, cultural insights, and comfort. The entire experience is designed to leave you feeling enriched, not exhausted.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Private Mercedes VIP transportation with air conditioning
• Bottled water for the journey
• Pickup from your hotel in Paris, making the start effortless

Not Included

• Entrance tickets to the castles (about €40 per person)
• Lunch, which you can enjoy in Fontainebleau in a prestigious setting

The flexibility of this tour is notable, especially with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This makes it easier to plan for changing travel plans or weather considerations.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a perfect choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, luxurious day out without the stress of logistics or logistics planning. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a small group or partner and want a personalized experience. The private transportation and flexible schedule mean you can set the pace, and the scenic routes and elegant sites make for memorable photos and moments.

If you’re keen on stunning vistas, historic architecture, and a touch of luxury, this tour offers excellent value. It also suits those who prefer a guided experience but still want some freedom to explore. Since the castles are open for self-guided visits, you can choose how deeply to explore each site.

FAQs

Is transportation in a private vehicle?
Yes, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes VIP van, exclusively for your group.

Are the castle entrance fees included?
No, the admission tickets are not included. Expect to pay around €40 per person on site if you want to go inside each castle.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts about 10 hours, from pickup at 8:00 am to return around 6:00 pm, including travel, visits, and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s a good fit for those seeking a relaxed, private day of sightseeing. Check your group’s comfort with walking and outdoor exploration.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start.

What makes this experience stand out?
The combination of private transport, freedom to explore, and the chance to see two iconic castles makes it a special way to experience French heritage in style.

Is lunch included?
No, but a free, elegant lunch is provided in Fontainebleau, giving you a chance to enjoy local cuisine without extra planning.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées in Paris and concludes back at the same meeting point after a full day of exploration.

To sum it up, this tour offers a smooth, luxurious way to discover two of France’s most beautiful castles. It’s best suited for those who value comfort, privacy, and a relaxed pace, with the flexibility to explore at your leisure. If your idea of a perfect day involves stunning views, historic architecture, and zero stress, this experience might just be your ideal escape from Paris’s urban rhythm.