As the door opened everyone gasped in unison. A bright blue life-size hot air balloon filled the adjacent room, rising out of a glistening snow-covered forest. A big brown bear in the basket waved down at us. The enchanting festive displays at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte made me feel like a six-year-old again. Or rather, I wished that I was six, making memories that would be fixed in my mind for a lifetime — magical memories to treasure. I could even dress up as a princess or a musketeer if I were six years old again. A family visit to Château Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas is the one thing everyone should do before they grow up, whatever their actual age! While it’s possible to visit for the day from London, as we did, a visit to Château Vaux-le-Vicomte makes a perfect day trip from Paris.

Christmas at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

I was at the press preview of Christmas at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, just south of Paris. In front of me was a room full of teddy bears, some climbing up the Christmas tree, others sitting on a pile of books or climbing ladders. One big brown bear was snoozing on packages wrapped in brightly coloured glossy paper, his round tummy gently rising and falling, no doubt full after a Christmas feast.

In another room everything was white. White swans, owls and squirrels sat amongst white fir trees covered in snow. And another had a music theme with an animatronic hippo, giraffe and walrus entertaining the passing crowds. In the kitchen, giant gingerbread men greeted us, as ballet-dancing mice looked on. I would love to have been here when children explored these magnificent rooms, to see their faces light up with wonder as they caught sight of each new display.

Out in the expansive gardens we wandered through the woods, where more characters waited to greet us. The chateau and its grounds must be wonderful to visit at any time of year, but now in the lead up to Christmas, it’s so full of magic that I urge anyone with children to bring them here.

A great day trip from Paris or London

We had come just for the day on Eurostar from London to Paris and then driven the rest of the way which takes about an hour. It was a very long day, and we had to leave before it got dark. I would love to photograph the chateau as the sky turns a deep, dark blue with the Christmas lights flickering in the darkness.

Alternatively, the chateau would make a perfect day trip from Paris. You can catch a train to Maincy and then hop on the shuttle bus that the chateau lays on. A short break staying overnight, either locally or in central Paris, would be a perfect Christmas treat for anyone at any age, young or not so young. You just need to be young at heart.

The history of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

The chateau is the largest in France and the inspiration behind the Palace of Versailles. Built by Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances for the King of France, it’s unique in that the building, grounds and interiors all come from the same period. He brought together for the first time three masters of their art; gardener André Le Nôtre, architect Louis Le Vau, and painter and decorator Charles Le Brun. Together they created a masterpiece where each element blends perfectly to create the whole, inspiring countless grand designs across Europe throughout the next century and beyond.

Sadly, in 1661, when Fouquet held a lavish party to celebrate the completion of the chateau, the King stormed out in a jealous rage. Fouquet’s enemies wrongly accused him of embezzling millions to finance the chateau. Just a few weeks later, Fouquet was arrested by d’Artagnan, captain of the Musketeers. Though innocent, Fouquet was sentenced to life. He died in prison in 1680.

Now owned by the Vogüé family, Vaux-le-Vicomte is the biggest privately-owned property in France to be classified as a historical monument. And it is thanks to this family that Fouquet’s legacy lives on and can be enjoyed by so many today. They first opened their home to the public 50 years ago and soon became well known for their magnificent events. Their Christmas celebration is an unmissable festive experience to be enjoyed by children and all who still see the wonder in the world. May I never grow up!

 

Vaux-le-Vicomte Celebrates Christmas

For more information and to book visit
Vaux-le-Vicomte.com

Children are encouraged to bring a toy or other present to leave at the entrance to the Le Musée des équipages. These will be given to underprivileged children and their families, who are invited to the estate by the Croix Rouge (Red Cross) to enjoy a special moment of magic!

How to get to Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy

Eurostar St Pancras, London to Gare de l’Est, Paris (2 hours 15 minutes)
Gare de l’Est to Maincy (50 minutes)
A shuttle bus runs from Maincy railway station to the chateau.

Where to stay

Check availability and prices
London
Paris
Maincy

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